Moving to the Riviera Maya with Pets
How to bring your dog or cat, which buildings accept pets and what to ask before you buy.
Many of our buyers move with a dog or a cat. Here are the entry rules, the questions to ask the building and pet friendly homes for sale on our site.
Entry
Dogs and cats from the US and Canada are inspected on arrival by SENASICA.
Building rules
Each condo sets its own limits on size, number of pets and common areas.
Daily life
Vets, groomers and pet stores in Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancún.
Bringing your dog or cat into Mexico
Dogs and cats that travel with their owners are checked by SENASICA, Mexico’s agricultural health authority, at the airport or border. Arriving from the United States or Canada, a health certificate is not required; pets from other countries need a veterinary certificate issued no more than 15 days before travel, with rabies vaccine and internal and external deworming in the last six months. Use a clean carrier and leave bedding and treats at home.
Sources: Consulate of Mexico in Montreal, traveling with pets and SENASICA, checked October 2026. Rules change: confirm with SENASICA and your airline before you fly.
Before you buy: pet rules in condos
Every condominium in Mexico has an internal regulation (reglamento interno). Some limit dogs by weight or number, some ask for a leash in common areas and some do not allow pets in vacation rentals. Ask for the reglamento before you sign and check it with the administrator. Houses in gated communities such as Playacar or Puerto Aventuras usually have fewer limits, with their own rules on noise and walking areas.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a health certificate to bring my dog or cat to Mexico?
For dogs and cats traveling with their owners from the United States or Canada, SENASICA does not require one: an officer inspects the animal on arrival. Some Mexican consulates still list a veterinary certificate issued within 15 days, so carrying one is a simple way to avoid delays.
What happens at the airport?
A SENASICA officer checks the animal and the carrier and issues the import certificate. The carrier must be clean, without bedding, toys or treats made with ruminant products. If the officer finds ticks, the pet may stay under custody until it is treated, at the owner’s cost.
Are condos in the Riviera Maya pet friendly?
Many are, but each building has its own internal rules on size, number of pets and use of common areas. The listings on this page mention pets in their description; we confirm the rules with the administrator before you make an offer.
Can I bring my dog back to the United States?
Yes, but the US has its own rules for dogs arriving from Mexico (the CDC dog import rules, in force since August 2024, ask for a microchip, a minimum age and an online form). Check them before you fly back.
Keep Exploring
Looking for a home that accepts pets?
Tell us about your dog or cat and we will check the building rules before you visit.
Plan for closing costs of 7 to 10% of the purchase price. See the Closing Guide
Hola!Living in the Riviera Maya since 2001, founder of Playa Realtors in 2008. Our team helps buyers and sellers from Cancún to Tulum, with a deeper service for buyers who want independent representation.
