If you are considering a vacation with your fur baby, Los Cabos has one of the largest selections of pet-friendly hotels in Mexico. Find here some guidelines and resources about traveling with your dog to Mexico and in Los Cabos.
How To Bring Your Dog to Mexico
A majority of the airlines that arrive at SJD International Airport allow the transportation of dogs. When considering traveling with your pet, the first thing you’ll want to do is check individual airline policies for: weight and size limits for dogs traveling in cabin or as cargo, approved crate and kennel types, cost for pet and/or applicable excess baggage fees, any breed restrictions or considerations, and required paperwork and health certifications.
General guidelines are that any dog that cannot fit comfortably in a carry-on-sized carrier and stowed at your feet needs to be checked as airplane cargo in the belly of the plane. A health certificate from your licensed vet is also necessary, stating that your pup is current with all vaccines and in good general health. As this certified letter is required by both the airline to board the plane and by customs to enter Mexico, it is suggested that the form be translated in both Spanish and English. These forms must be no older than 15 days before any flight taken.
Each airline has their own rules and guidelines, so be sure to check their website or call to confirm the latest details and policies. For official requirements regarding paperwork necessary to enter Mexico, check here with Mexico’s Secretary of Exterior Relations (SAGARPA/SENSAICA).
Tips for Flying
In the weeks leading up to travel, make sure your pet is accustomed and comfortable with their carrier or crate. Train them with consistent, positive reinforcement so they become fully familiar with being in the small, confined space. Whether traveling aboard with you or below as cargo, make sure you properly label your pet’s carrier as detailed as possible. Not only is it important to mark it with your personal details (name, address, phone), but it is also vital to display full flight information for easy recognition. Larger, hard crates should always indicate which way is up, have “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers on the outside, and be zip-tied shut. Reconfirm your pet’s reservation with the airline 48 hours before travel and plan to arrive to the airport early for check-in. An important tip is to try to exercise your dog before checking them in or boarding the plane… a good walk will hopefully tire them out for the flight and put them at ease, and many airports now have pet designated areas so they may relieve themselves without worry.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Los Cabos
The following hotels are pet-friendly:
- BAHIA HOTEL & BEACH CLUB – Pets up to 60lbs allowed on property; $35 USD fee per night.
- BREATHLESS CABO SAN LUCAS RESORT AND SPA – Pets under 22lbs allowed on property; details here.
- CABO VILLAS BEACH RESORT & SPA – Small or medium dogs allowed for no additional fee.
- CASA DORADA LOS CABOS RESORT & SPA – Pets up to 40lbs allowed on property for $100 USD per stay; details here.
- CHILENO BAY RESORT AND RESIDENCES – Pets up to 40lbs allowed on property for $125 USD per stay.
- DREAMS LOS CABOS – Pets under 22lbs allowed on property; details here.
- ESPERANZA AN AUBERGE RESORT – Pets up to 40lbs allowed on property for $125 USD per stay.
- HILTON LOS CABOS BEACH & GOLF RESORT – Small dogs under 25lbs allowed on property; $50 USD per stay.
- HOTEL EL GANZO – Pets up to 40lbs allowed on property for $100 USD per stay.
- HYATT PLACE LOS CABOS – Pets up to 75lbs allowed on property for a fee; details here.
- LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO – Pets up to 40lbs allowed on property for $60 USD per stay; details here
- ME CABO BY MELIA – Pets under 20lbs allowed on property for $150 per stay.
- NOBU LOS CABOS – Pets are allowed for a fee of $150 USD per stay; details here.
- ONE&ONLY PALMILLA – Pets up to 50lbs allowed on property for $50 USD per stay; details here.
- SECRETS PUERTO LOS CABOS – Pets under 22lbs allowed on property; details here.
- SHERATON HACIENDA DEL MAR GOLF & SPA RESORT – Small or medium dogs allowed for $50 USD per stay.
- SOLAZ, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT – Pets are allowed for a fee of $25 USD per night plus a $100 USD cleaning fee.
- THE CAPE A THOMPSON HOTEL – Pets up to 50lbs are allowed for a fee of $90 USD per stay.
- WALDORF ASTORIA, PEDREGAL – Pets up to 40lbs are allowed in the room only; $150 USD fee per stay.
What To Expect
Each hotel from the list above has different policies and rules on what areas your dog is permitted to be in. Some hotels restrict pets to being only in the room, while others fully welcome them on the property, at restaurants, and on the beach. At check-in, be sure to ask which areas you are allowed to have your dog. It is likely you will be asked to sign rules and behavior agreement regarding your pups stay. Dogs must always be on leash and barking kept at a minimum as to not disturb other guests.
Most hotels offer pet amenities for the comfort of their stay which include the basics like food and water bowls and a bed. You should plan to pack their food, but it is not uncommon to find special menus specifically designed for your dog for a special treat. Luxury resorts, such as One&Only Palmilla and Rosewood Las Ventanas al Paraiso, take the word “pet-friendly” seriously and offer your pooch everything from a private butler and custom-made linens to mini beach cabanas and massage treatments! Call your hotel in advance prior to arrival to ensure you and your pup are all planned and packed for an unforgettable vacation in Los Cabos.
For more information, visit www.visitloscabos.travel, including their blog post “Pet-Friendly Resorts in Los Cabos“
Photos by Benito el Corgi. See disclaimer here.
