In 2020, I bought a Chihuahua in Mexico City (CDMX), much to the great despair of my husband. Since then, our globetrotting companion, Capri, has traveled with us across Canada, the USA, Colombia, and Mexico. In this post, I’ll focus on pet-friendly travel in Mexico and what it’s like to explore the country with a dog.
Some might assume that stray dogs are a widespread issue in Latin America, and while it’s true that stray populations exist, the situation is steadily improving. Many Mexicans are actively involved in helping stray dogs and advocating for animal welfare. Dogs and pets, in general, are deeply loved in Mexican culture, a tradition rooted in history, with ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans revering breeds such as the Xoloitzcuintli and the Chihuahua.
Pet-Friendly Destinations in Mexico
Beaches
Mexico is home to numerous dog-friendly beaches. Here are some highlights:
- Playa Paraíso (Tulum)
- Sayulita Beach (Sayulita)
- Pescadero Beach (Baja California Sur)
- Coral Beach (Cancún)
When visiting these beaches, it’s essential to follow local rules and respect the environment to help preserve these beautiful destinations for future generations.
Urban Areas
Major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Mérida, and Monterrey are generally pet-friendly. You’ll find malls, restaurants, and parks that welcome dogs. Even in places that don’t allow pets, it’s common to see water bowls and hooks to secure your dog outside while you shop.
Here’s a list of pet-friendly malls by city:
Mexico City:
- Antara
- Miyana
- Palacio de Hierro
- Mitikah
- Reforma 222
- Patio Santa Fe
Mérida:
- Harbor
- La Isla
- Galerías Mérida
- Plaza Altabrisa Mérida
- Gran Plaza Mérida
- City Center Mérida
- Paseo 60
Guadalajara:
- Galería Santa Anita
- Punto Sur Lifestyle Boulevard
- Andares
- La Perla
- Galerías Guadalajara
Monterrey:
- Plaza Nuevo Sur
- Punto Valle
- Galerías Monterrey
- Plaza Fiesta San Agustín
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Most hotels have weight restrictions for pets and charge extra fees. For larger dogs, Airbnbs or specialized accommodations are often better options.
Here’s a selection of pet-friendly hotels by region:
Riviera Maya
- Atelier playa Mujeres – All Inclusive allows 1 dog up to 10 kg in designated rooms for an additional fee
- Xcaret – Additional fee
- Kanan Tulum – 1 dog up to 25 kg for an additional fee
- various Hiltons Additional fee
- Gran Hyatt Playa del Carmen – A maximum of two pets per room are allowed and their total weight combined cannot exceed 36 kilograms
Mexico City
- Fiesta Inn Centro Histórico – Emotional support dog only
- Umbral by Hilton
- Hyatt House Santa Fe -Maximum of two dogs per room are permitted. Only dogs weighing 23 kg. and under are permitted
- Sheraton Mexico City – All pets welcomed
- InterContinental Presidente – Maximum 2 pets of 5 kg
Monterrey
- Fiesta Americana Monterrey – Emotional support dog only
- Krystal Monterrey
- Westin Monterrey
- Hampton Inn Monterrey – Service dogs
- Nh collection San pedro – 2 dogs up to 25 kg
Merida
- Fiesta Americana – Emotional support dog only
- Courtyard Mérida Downtown – dogs and cats are allowed up to 20 kg
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Hyatt Regency Mérida – A maximum of two pets per room is allowed with a maximum weight of 22.7 kilograms
- Hampton Inn Mérida
Guadalajara
- InterContinental Presidente Guadalajara – Dogs and cats up to 9 kg
- Hilton Guadalajara Midtown
- Hyatt Regency Andares – One pet weighing up to 22 kilograms or two pets weighing a total of no more than 32 kilograms
- AC Hotel Guadalajara – Dogs up to 20 kg
- Staybridge Suites – up to 2 pets weighing a total of no more than 36 kilograms total
Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés
In most cities, dogs are welcome on outdoor terraces, and smaller breeds are especially well-accepted. There are too many dog-friendly restaurants to list, but it’s generally more common for dogs to be allowed than not.
Dog Parks
Mexico has many parks that welcome dogs. Here are a few notable ones:
Mexico City
- Parque México
- Parque España (great for Sunday adoption events and donation drives)
- Parque La Mexicana (Santa Fe)
- Parque Lincoln
- Parque Las Américas
Merida
- Parque La Plancha
- Vía Cholul
- Parque Tabentha
- Peek Park
- Parque Alemán
Guadalajara
- Canino Circunvalación
- Altamira Park
- Italia Park
- MetroCan in Parque Metropolitano
Monterrey
- Parque Rufino Tamayo
- Parque Tecnológico
- Parque Canino San Jemo
- Parque Río La Silla
Transportation with Pets
In my experience, traveling with Capri in Mexico is generally easy.
- Taxis and Rideshares: Pets in carriers are usually accepted.
- Public Transport: In Mexico City, pets can travel on the subway if they are in carriers. Service dogs are an exception to this rule.
- Buses: ADO buses allow pets, but they must travel in rigid carriers under the bus and must be sedated, regardless of weight.
- Planes: Airlines like Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus allow pets in-cabin for animals under 12 kg. You’ll need a veterinary certificate issued 5–7 days before travel, confirming your pet’s vaccinations and health.
Pet Services: Veterinary Care and Grooming
Most Petco locations in Mexico offer veterinary and grooming services. Capri gets his veterinary documents there, and consultations typically cost 300–600 pesos. Some locations accept walk-ins, but policies vary.
Entry Requirements for Pets
For travelers from the US or Canada, entry requirements are simple. You’ll need:
- Your pet’s vaccination record (with proof of rabies vaccination).
At customs, you’ll go through a SENASICA checkpoint for inspection. Travelers from other countries may need a health certificate from a vet. Refer to official government guidelines for the latest details.
If you travel frequently to Mexico (more than three times a year), you could even register your pet in the Frequent Traveler Pet Program (PMVF) to speed up the process.
Personal Experience
Traveling with Capri over the world and in Mexico has always been a positive experience. For small dogs, the country is exceptionally accommodating. If you have a larger dog, it’s worth taking extra time to research accommodations and transportation options.
Enjoy exploring Mexico with your furry best friend!
