Pet Import Laws in New Mexico: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know Before Moving
June 4, 2026
Moving to New Mexico with a pet involves more than packing a carrier and hitting the road. The state has specific entry requirements for dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals — and showing up without the right paperwork can mean delays, quarantine, or even denial of entry for your animal.
Whether you are relocating from a neighboring state or making the move from across the country, knowing exactly what documents you need, which veterinarians can issue them, and which state agencies to contact puts you in control of the process before you arrive.
What Documents Do You Need to Bring a Pet Into New Mexico
Before you load up the car, understanding the core paperwork requirements for entering New Mexico with a pet will save you a significant amount of stress at the border or upon arrival. The state applies these requirements to most companion animals entering from other U.S. states.
Official Health Certificate (OHC)
New Mexico requires a current Official Health Certificate (OHC) issued within 30 days of import. The OHC must show a rabies vaccination administered within 12 months of entry for animals 3 months of age or older.
A certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate, is an official document issued by a Federal, State, Tribal, or accredited veterinarian certifying that the animals identified on the document have been inspected and were found to satisfy the regulations pertaining to their intended movement — within the same state, between states, or internationally.
Here is a quick reference for the core documents most pet owners will need when entering New Mexico:
| Document | Who Issues It | Timing Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Official Health Certificate (OHC) | Licensed, accredited veterinarian | Within 30 days of import |
| Rabies Vaccination Certificate | Licensed veterinarian | Within 12 months of entry (animals 3+ months old) |
| Exotic/Wildlife Import Permit | NM Dept. of Game and Fish | Obtained before travel |
Pro Tip: Schedule your vet appointment no earlier than 30 days before your move date so the health certificate remains valid upon arrival in New Mexico. Certificates issued too early will expire before you cross the state line.
Many states require an up-to-date CVI from a licensed, accredited veterinarian when traveling. Your pet must be examined by a veterinarian in order for a health certificate to be issued.
If you are also planning a move to a neighboring state, check out the pet import laws in Colorado and pet import laws in Texas, both of which share borders with New Mexico and have their own distinct requirements.
Dog Import Requirements in New Mexico
Dogs face the most detailed set of entry requirements when entering New Mexico, largely due to rabies control laws that have been in place for decades. Whether your dog is a puppy or a senior rescue, the rules apply as soon as you cross the state line.
Rabies Vaccination
Any dog or cat brought into the state shall be securely confined by the owner or keeper until vaccinated against rabies, which vaccination shall be administered within one week after entry into the state, unless the owner or keeper has a certificate of vaccination issued by a veterinarian in another state or foreign country and such vaccination conforms to the requirements of this state.
In practical terms, this means you should arrive with a valid, current rabies certificate already in hand. If you do not, your dog must remain confined until it receives the vaccine within seven days of entering New Mexico.
Health Certificate
Beyond the rabies requirement, New Mexico requires a current Official Health Certificate (OHC) issued within 30 days of import, and the OHC must show rabies vaccination within 12 months of entry for animals 3 months of age or older.
- The health certificate must be issued by a licensed, accredited veterinarian
- The certificate must be dated within 30 days of your arrival date in New Mexico
- Puppies under 3 months of age are not subject to the rabies vaccination requirement, but a health certificate is still strongly recommended
- The certificate should confirm the dog is free from signs of infectious or communicable disease
Important Note: New Mexico statutes give municipalities the power to regulate dogs locally, so check with the city or county where you plan to live for any additional licensing or vaccination requirements beyond the state minimums.
For a comparison of how these rules stack up against other states, see the pet import laws in Georgia and pet import laws in North Carolina. You may also want to review leash laws in New Mexico before your dog’s first walk in the state.
Cat Import Requirements in New Mexico
Cats entering New Mexico face the same core documentation requirements as dogs. The state does not distinguish between the two species when it comes to the primary health certificate and rabies vaccination rules.
What the Law Requires
Any dog or cat brought into the state shall be securely confined by the owner or keeper until vaccinated against rabies, which vaccination shall be administered within one week after entry into the state, unless the owner or keeper has a certificate of vaccination issued by a veterinarian in another state or foreign country and such vaccination conforms to the requirements of this state.
The same 30-day OHC window applies to cats as it does to dogs. New Mexico requires a current Official Health Certificate issued within 30 days of import, and the OHC must show rabies vaccination within 12 months of entry for animals 3 months of age or older.
Practical Checklist for Cat Owners
- Schedule a vet exam within 30 days of your planned move date
- Confirm your cat’s rabies vaccination is current and will not expire during or immediately after the move
- Obtain a signed OHC from your veterinarian at the exam appointment
- Keep the original certificate with you during travel — not packed in checked luggage or a moving truck
- If your cat is under 3 months old, the rabies requirement does not apply, but obtain a health certificate anyway
Key Insight: Unlike some states that exempt cats from health certificate requirements entirely, New Mexico applies the same documentation standards to both dogs and cats. Do not assume a cat gets a pass — get the paperwork done before you leave.
New Mexico also has specific rules about cats in residential areas. Before you settle in, review the neighbor’s cat in my yard laws in New Mexico to understand what rights and responsibilities apply once your cat is a resident of the state.
Bird and Exotic Pet Import Requirements in New Mexico
Bringing a bird, reptile, or other non-domestic animal into New Mexico involves an entirely different regulatory framework than dogs and cats. The state takes a strict approach to protecting its native wildlife from invasive species and contagious diseases.
Non-Domesticated Animals and the Permit System
It shall be unlawful to import any live non-domesticated animal into New Mexico without first obtaining appropriate permit(s) issued by the director, except those animals identified within the species importation list group I.
Species importation list group I are designated semi-domesticated animals and do not require an importation permit. Species importation list group II may be for live non-domesticated animals that are not known to be either invasive or dangerous and do not present a known risk to the health, safety or well-being of the public, domestic livestock, or to native wildlife and their habitats.
What You Need to Apply for an Import Permit
Any applicant requesting an importation permit for non-domesticated animals must submit the following information with the application: a containment or confinement plan indicating where and how the species will be maintained; a current and valid certificate from an accredited veterinarian certifying that each animal or rearing facility of origin has been inspected and is in good general health, disease free, or that each animal or rearing facility of origin tests disease free for any specific disease(s) following the testing requirements and procedures as identified by the department during the application process.
Additional requirements for the permit application include:
- Proof from the county and city into which the animal will be imported and held that possession of the animal is allowed
- Proof that all necessary federal permits have been obtained
- Proof that the requested species does not possess or have the immediate potential to carry infectious or contagious diseases
- Confirmation by the applicant agreeing to any conditions and provisions listed on the respective permit
- Any importing person or entity must notify the department of game and fish within 24 hours of any disease indications or symptoms that manifest themselves among the imported animals
Pet Birds Specifically
The USDA defines pet birds as those that are imported for personal pleasure of their individual owners and that are not intended for resale. If your pet bird is a dove, pigeon, duck, goose, chicken, turkey, or other type of production bird that falls into the poultry group, it is likely regulated as livestock. If your bird is a falcon, owl, shore bird, or other wild bird species, it may be regulated as captive wildlife.
Common Mistake: Many exotic pet owners assume that because they purchased their animal legally in another state, no permit is needed to bring it into New Mexico. That is not the case. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish issues permits based on the species, not where the animal was purchased.
The stated objective of New Mexico’s importation regulation is to provide consistent criteria for the importation of live non-domesticated animals into New Mexico and to protect native wildlife against the introduction of contagious or infectious diseases, undesirable species, and address human health and safety issues.
If you are interested in keeping backyard chickens or other birds in New Mexico after your move, review the backyard chicken laws in New Mexico and the beekeeping laws in New Mexico for related regulations that may apply to your property.
Requirements for Pets Coming From Outside the United States
If you are relocating to New Mexico from another country, your pet must clear both federal U.S. entry requirements and New Mexico’s state-level rules. Federal requirements apply first, at the port of entry, and state requirements apply once you arrive in New Mexico.
Dogs Entering From Outside the U.S.
All dogs entering or returning to the U.S. must be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Dogs coming from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries do not require any other documents, but must still meet other requirements such as appearing healthy, having a microchip, and being at least 6 months of age. Dogs coming from high-risk countries will need additional documents.
CDC requires all U.S.-vaccinated dogs that have traveled to a high-risk country for rabies within the past 6 months to have a “Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination” form. This form must be submitted by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before the dog leaves the United States.
Special Considerations for Dogs Coming From Mexico
New Mexico shares a long border with Mexico, making this a common scenario for pet owners. As of November 22, 2024, Mexico is considered to be affected with screwworm. All dogs, including U.S. origin dogs returning to the U.S. after traveling to Mexico, must meet APHIS requirements for screwworm freedom certification upon entry.
For dogs traveling to the United States from Mexico, the required screwworm freedom certification may be issued by a clinical veterinarian trained and authorized to sign on behalf of the official government veterinarian.
Cats Entering From Outside the U.S.
Cats face a simpler federal process than dogs. For cats, there is no CDC import form, no microchip requirement, and no screwworm certificate required. However, cats must appear healthy upon arrival. That is the main CDC requirement for cats. If your cat shows signs of illness at the border — coughing, sneezing, acting tired — officials may require a vet exam or quarantine.
Pet Birds Entering From Outside the U.S.
All pet birds entering the U.S. from Mexico are required to have a health certificate issued within 30 days of travel by a veterinarian in Mexico. All pet birds arriving from Mexico must undergo a pre-export isolation for at least 21 days prior to travel.
Depending on your destination state, your pet may need to meet state entry requirements in addition to federal entry requirements. Pet owners are responsible for meeting all federal and state requirements.
For reference on how neighboring states handle international pet moves, see the pet import laws in Texas, which also borders Mexico and has its own APHIS-related requirements for returning pets.
How to Find a Federally Accredited Vet Before You Move
One of the most common obstacles pet owners face when preparing to move is finding a veterinarian who is authorized to issue an Official Health Certificate. Not every licensed vet qualifies — you specifically need a USDA-accredited veterinarian, also known as a federally accredited vet.
What Makes a Vet “Federally Accredited”
An accredited veterinarian is one that has completed training through the USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program. It is state-based and allows these veterinarians to complete, sign, and date health certificates for international travel. The same accreditation is required for interstate health certificates in many states, including New Mexico.
How to Find One
- Use the USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Permitting Assistant to locate accredited vets in your area
- Call your current veterinary clinic and ask directly whether any of their vets hold USDA accreditation
- Your veterinarian (or another veterinarian at the clinic) can choose to become USDA-accredited if they are not already — this can be worth mentioning to your regular vet if you have a long-standing relationship
- Contact the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for guidance on finding credentialed veterinarians for travel documentation
Pro Tip: Book your appointment as soon as your move date is confirmed. Federally accredited vets can have limited availability, especially during peak moving seasons in spring and summer. Waiting until the last week before your move puts you at risk of missing the 30-day certificate window.
What the Vet Appointment Should Cover
When you visit the accredited vet, make sure the appointment includes:
- A full physical examination of your pet
- Verification or administration of a current rabies vaccination
- Issuance of the Official Health Certificate with the correct dates, pet description, and your destination state (New Mexico)
- Any species-specific documentation required for exotic animals or birds
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination’s entry requirements for animals, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments, and for issuance of health certificates.
Who to Contact in New Mexico Before You Arrive With a Pet
Reaching out to the right agencies before your move — rather than after a problem arises — is the most effective way to ensure a smooth arrival. New Mexico has several agencies with jurisdiction over different types of animals, and knowing who handles what saves you time.
New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)
The NMDA oversees companion animal health and works in coordination with the state veterinarian’s office. For questions about health certificate requirements for dogs and cats entering from another state, this is your first point of contact.
- Website: New Mexico Department of Agriculture
- Ask specifically about: OHC requirements, rabies vaccination standards, and any current disease alerts affecting incoming pets
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF)
The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish administers regulations covering persons who desire to bring wildlife species into the state of New Mexico. This includes exotic pets, birds, reptiles, and any non-domesticated animal species.
- Website: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
- Ask specifically about: Species importation lists, permit applications, and whether your specific exotic pet requires a permit
- Questions about importation of other pet species should be directed to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB)
If you are moving with animals that fall under livestock classifications — including certain birds and farm animals — the New Mexico Livestock Board handles import inspections and requirements for those species.
USDA APHIS (Federal)
For questions or clarification on any of the requirements, contact the State or Territorial veterinarian’s office. For federal-level questions — especially for pets arriving from outside the U.S. — USDA APHIS Veterinary Services is the authoritative federal resource.
Key Insight: When you contact any of these agencies, have your pet’s species, breed, age, origin state or country, and intended arrival date ready. This information helps staff give you accurate, situation-specific guidance rather than general answers.
Quick Contact Reference
| Agency | Animals Covered | When to Contact |
|---|---|---|
| NM Department of Agriculture | Dogs, cats | Before moving from another U.S. state |
| NM Dept. of Game and Fish | Exotic pets, birds, wildlife | Before importing any non-domestic species |
| NM Livestock Board | Livestock, poultry | Before moving farm animals or production birds |
| USDA APHIS | All species (federal level) | Before moving from outside the U.S. |
| CDC | Dogs entering from abroad | Before any international dog import |
If you are moving with unusual animals or have questions about specific New Mexico animal regulations, these additional resources may also be helpful: hedgehog ownership laws in New Mexico, goat ownership laws in New Mexico, and roadkill laws in New Mexico.
Moving to New Mexico with a pet is absolutely manageable when you start the process early. Get your health certificate within 30 days of your move, confirm your rabies vaccination is current, identify the right agency for your specific animal type, and reach out before you arrive. Taking those steps in order means your pet enters the Land of Enchantment without a hitch.