Yes, You Can Bring Your Dog to Cabo
One of the most common questions from American buyers considering a move or extended stay in Los Cabos is whether they can bring their pets. The answer is a definitive yes — and Cabo turns out to be a remarkably dog-friendly destination with excellent veterinary care, welcoming outdoor spaces, and a growing pet-owner community.
Import Requirements for Dogs
Bringing your dog from the U.S. to Mexico is straightforward but requires proper documentation:
Required Documents
- Health Certificate: Issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Must state the dog is free of infectious diseases and external parasites.
- Rabies Vaccination: Current rabies vaccination certificate. The vaccine must have been administered at least 15 days before travel and not more than 12 months prior.
- USDA Endorsement: As of 2024, Mexico requires the health certificate to be endorsed by USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). This can be done at your local APHIS Veterinary Services office. Cost: approximately $38 per certificate.
At the Airport
- Mexican customs at SJD has a SENASICA (agriculture/animal health) inspection point
- Process typically takes 15-30 minutes
- Inspection fee: approximately $15-$25 USD paid in pesos
- Dogs travel in the cabin (under 8 kg in carrier) or cargo hold on most airlines serving SJD
Veterinary Care in Los Cabos
Veterinary services in Los Cabos are excellent and significantly more affordable than in the U.S.:
- Routine vet visit: $25-$50 USD (vs. $75-$150 in the U.S.)
- Spay/neuter: $80-$150 USD
- Dental cleaning: $100-$250 USD
- Emergency care: Available 24/7 at several clinics in both San José and Cabo San Lucas
Recommended Veterinary Clinics
- Hospital Veterinario de Especialidades Los Cabos — Full-service hospital with surgery, imaging, and lab. Bilingual staff.
- Animal Care Cabo — Popular with expats, English-speaking vets, modern facility
- Cabo Pet Clinic — Convenient location near the marina, walk-in appointments available
Dog-Friendly Beaches and Parks
Los Cabos has a more relaxed attitude toward dogs on beaches than most U.S. coastal towns:
- Playa Costa Azul: De facto dog beach, especially popular in early morning and late afternoon. Surfers and dog owners share the space.
- Playa Palmilla (public access area): Dogs welcome, less crowded than Costa Azul
- San José del Cabo Estero: The estuary trail is a favorite for dog walkers. Birds, iguanas, and shade trees.
- Playa Acapulquito: Small, calm beach between Costa Azul and Palmilla. Good for dogs who prefer calmer water.
Important: While enforcement is minimal, technically dogs should be leashed on public beaches. Always bring bags and clean up — the expat community is very conscious about maintaining good relations with locals on this topic.
Pet-Friendly Housing Considerations
Not all developments in Los Cabos are equally welcoming to pets:
- Standalone villas and houses: Generally no restrictions on pets. Private yards are a major plus for dog owners.
- Gated communities: Most allow dogs but may have breed or size restrictions. Check HOA rules before purchasing.
- Condominiums: Policies vary widely. Some buildings limit pets to one dog under 20 kg. Others are completely pet-free. Always verify before buying.
Pet Services and Supplies
- Premium dog food: Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, and Blue Buffalo are all available at pet stores and some supermarkets. Prices are comparable to U.S. retail.
- Grooming: Mobile and brick-and-mortar groomers available. Full grooming: $25-$60 depending on breed.
- Dog walking/pet sitting: Growing industry in Cabo. Daily walking services: $10-$20/walk. Overnight pet sitting: $30-$60/night.
- Dog training: Several bilingual trainers available for obedience and behavior work. $40-$80/session.
Returning to the U.S. with Your Dog
As of 2024, the CDC updated requirements for dogs entering the U.S.:
- Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination (administered in the U.S. or verified documentation)
- CDC Dog Import Form must be submitted online before travel
- Dogs arriving from Mexico must appear healthy and free of screwworm
- The process is straightforward for dogs originally from the U.S. returning from Mexico
The Cabo Pet Community
The expat pet community in Los Cabos is active and supportive. Facebook groups like "Cabo Pet Owners" and "Dogs of Los Cabos" provide resources, vet recommendations, and pet-sitting connections. Several rescue organizations operate in the area, and many expats adopt local dogs through groups like Cabo Animal Welfare Society and Humane Society of Cabo San Lucas.