Now that the U.S. and Mexico are on the same page and the export/import policies for dogs are officially mirrored, it’s time to stop the nonsense I keep seeing shared in Facebook groups. Every day, people comment things like: “I had all my paperwork and documents in order when I crossed the border, but no one asked for them! What a waste of money.”
Regardless of which country you are importing from, turning in any required documentation and submitting your pet (this includes cats) for inspection is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
After getting this close call and a clear taste of what life without dog imports/exports could be like, and in light of this very serious potential health crisis, can we please start taking this importation mandate seriously?
I am tired of constantly challenging and correcting the mistaken belief that “someone official”- especially at land border crossings – is expecting you to cross with your pets, waiting for you, or personally guiding you through Mexico’s pet importation process. Folks, this is no different than crossing into Mexico and being responsible for securing your own FMM or TIP! No one is looking for you!
Unless you’re some special VIP invited guest, there is no red carpet, no mariachi band, no signature welcome drink, and no Mexican border agent acting as your personal concierge, on standby to walk you through pet importation, immigration, or car import permits.
I absolutely hate the overuse and misuse of the word “entitled,” normally meant to do little more than hurl insults, but in this case it is fitting. The idea that someone is waiting at the border just for you to ask for your paperwork is a form of absurd entitlement.
In Mexico, our culture emphasizes self-responsibility over policing. It is up to you to get this done. On your own.
If we don’t want to see more halts and bans on our pets, or disastrous impacts on the livestock and cattle industries, each of us has to do our part and follow the rules. When importing a dog or cat into Mexico, you must locate the designated OISA/SENASICA office at your port of entry and present your pet for inspection in order to receive import approval.
It would be neither surprising nor unjustified if Mexico enhances import requirements to include a screwworm-free certificate. These are normally issued by USDA-certified veterinarians and can be quite costly to obtain in the U.S. Until such time, every traveler should do their duty – not only as a visitor, tourist, or resident of Mexico – but as a steward of the continent, ensuring the safety of animals, humans, and the food supply alike. Take this MANDATED REQUIREMENT FOR INSPECTION as seriously as any other Mexican law, regulation, or policy.
With this new screwworm outbreak, these inspections are more important now than ever. Let’s keep our country safe.
And please stop using this group to spread misinformation about “no one asked for my documents.” There is no red carpet waiting for you here.
*Disclaimer: This image is satire and meant in good humor. Hopefully it adds a little levity to the subject and your day.
Source: mexicodailypost
