Screwworm Certificate in San Diego, CA — USDA-Accredited Vets for Mexico Travel

Last updated August 20, 2026 · Independent guide — not affiliated with USDA or SENASICA

San Diego is the busiest gateway for dog owners driving into Baja California — the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa crossings into Tijuana are minutes from downtown, and Cross Border Xpress (CBX) connects directly to Tijuana International Airport. Remember: the certificate must be issued within 5 days of the day you actually enter Mexico, so time your vet appointment against your crossing date, not your packing schedule.

The requirement: since August 3, 2026, dogs entering Mexico from the US must carry an NWS Inspection Certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 5 days of arrival in Mexico. No APHIS endorsement is needed — the signed form is presented at the Mexican border or airport. Full guide here.

Vets offering screwworm certificates in San Diego

We're verifying San Diego clinics now.

This requirement is weeks old and clinic participation is changing daily. Used a San Diego vet for your NWS certificate? Tell us and we'll list them for the next traveler.

Can't find an accredited vet in San Diego?

Call clinics that advertise international health certificates — they're the most likely to have a USDA-accredited vet on staff.
Ask the exact question: “Can a USDA-accredited veterinarian at your clinic complete the NWS Inspection Certificate for Pet Dogs going to Mexico?”
Contact the California USDA APHIS Veterinary Services office for a referral, per the official APHIS guidance.
Download the form ahead of your appointment from the APHIS Mexico pet travel page — many clinics haven't seen it yet.

How to find a USDA-accredited vet →

Are you a San Diego veterinarian issuing NWS certificates? Get listed — free while the directory grows.