Anyone wishing to take a cat or dog from Mexico into the United States will find it an easy task.

1. If traveling on a commercial airline a call must be made to your carrier in order to make sure that there is no weather-related embargo. Animals traveling in the cargo department will not be boarded during excessive heat or cold in either Mexico or the connecting city or final destination. Some airlines require a letter from the vet if the temperatures in the connecting or arrival city are expected to be below the 40 degree range. The vet needs to assure the airline that the pet is in good enough health to tolerate the cold weather upon arrival. If the airline agrees to transport the pet you will need to make a reservation. The fare for animals traveling in cargo or in the cabin ranges from $35 USD to $78 USD. This fee can be paid at the ticket counter at the time of departure.

2. A proper carrier must be purchased to transport the pet. Pets traveling in the cabin must have a carrier that does not crowd them and can fit under a passenger seat. The most popular carrier for traveling in the cabin is soft luggage such as a Sherpa brand carrier. The HSCSL has a small number of these carriers to lend with the agreement that they will be returned in a timely fashion. Larger carriers for transporting larger pets in the cargo department can be purchased in town. CostCo, Pro-San and other locations in Cabo often have carriers. The HSCSL cannot lend large carriers. We do not have enough to let them leave the shelter. Carriers are expensive to buy in Mexico. Most taxi drivers in Mexico do not object to transporting pets in their vehicles. If you encounter one that does, move on to another taxi. Animals cannot cross the border without an escort. A person must accompany the animal on the same plane.

3. A health certificate and a record of the pet's up-to-date vaccinations must be presented to the airline upon checking in. Health certificates are only valid for five days. Any veterinarian in Los Cabos can provide a health certificate after an examination that finds the pet to be in good health.

4. Customs in your port of entry is not a problem. You will need to have a collar and a leash for dogs in case they ask you to remove the pet from the carrier. Usually just a look at your paperwork is all that is required.

That is all that is required to take your new friend home with you. HSCSL volunteers are happy to assist you in making these arrangements.

Maggie flew up with 9 dogs.... here is her story

We all convened at Cabo airport where wonderful supporters for our shelter and members of Esperanza, Nancy, Becky, Lyn and Merrilee, were waiting for us. They were immediately put to work, holding leashes, walking dogs, and sometimes picking up you know what!!

Dogs loaded no problema. Macito tucked under the seat - not a peep!

San Francisco - the 'team' set to work to find porters who arrived with 2 big Home Depot like flat bed trolleys, loaded up to pass thru customs. Said a goodbye to the great team from Esperanza, and onwards.
Customs - 'do you have any dog food' ' no ' okay pass!!! No papers checked!

Thru to check in for next flight - still with my porters and 6 crates. Back to go thru security. Out comes each dog, all 9 of them - one at a time. The guy was young and welcomed some carefully planned feminine charm!! Well whatever I have left! Dogs back in - no poop or pees at all - all perfect.

Off to Portland. Faith my best buddy was right there - out comes Macito from in the carrier - everyone falls in love with him. Out comes the crates - all 6 of them - another porter with big trolley and wide eyes. And here comes Catherine!! And friend.
Well 'we have 6 crates and 9 dogs' 'What!!!????" No problem - outside - dogs out - enlist the help of 2 young ladies sitting at the seat who fell in love with Ricky - BIG dog. and with the puppies. Each dog excited to be out.

I look at the car and the space and think we are in trouble - 6 crates in there!!
But we did it - all 6 crates. By the time the dogs were put back in the crates most had fallen asleep. Still no pees or poops or puke in the crates!!

Catherine heads off to the local hotel - to take them all out again!
She was/is wonderful. Fully prepared with towels, water bowls food, leashes and lots of love.
Faith and I wave goodbye and head off for a glass of wine - well actually a cup of tea! - and chat till far too late in the night!!

So many many thanks to: Aida and Mirella for putting this all together.
Judith and Aida for the airport ride. Big thanks to the Esperanza team - hope you are feeling better Nancy - please keep in touc. Faith for putting me up at her house and helping with the load. Catherine and her friend Cindy for being brave enough to do the trip and help us so much. Ok the rest of the story coming up.....