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Decades of first hand Mexico tourism information from me, "Mexico" Mike Nelson.

Pet Friendly Mexico: Hotels and RV Parks

Bad Dog Mexico

Looking for Pet-Friendly in Mexico? Mexican hotels are becoming more pet-friendly in 2022 than only a few years ago, but they are still scarcer than in the USA. To appreciate this, there are cultural differences you need to be aware of in order to have a stress-free trip with you and your dog or cat. Fortunately, I’ve been around this block several times and can help you enjoy the ride. For one thing, Mexicans are amazed that gringos sleep with their dogs. For another, they don’t understand why we spay and neuter them or keep them on leashes. And for God’s sake don’t let your black cat or dog out of your sight. Many Mexican people still believe they are familiars and use them in Day of Dead and witches ceremonies. So with all that, going on, just live and let live but be cautious with your pets. RV parks almost all accept pets in the park, but not necessarily in any hotel or cabins on the property. Ask, then plead.

This is off-the-wall, but some Mexican police are fining people for not having their dogs in crates or wearing a seatbelt in the front seat. I swear I am not making this up! Crate your dogs.

Mexican Spanish for pets is mascotas. Don’t say animales, because in some places that can mean bugs (bichos or chinches are the correct words). Hoteliers get peeved when you ask if his hotel accepts bugs or you tell him you have two well-behaved bugs.

Pet Friendly in Mexico on the Rise

In the old days, when I traveled with my god, I mean dog Fluffy; we had to sneak into most rooms. Today more Mexican hoteliers accept dogs and cats. It’s no longer “don’t ask, don’t tell.” Pet owners can come in out of the shadows.  When I make a trip plan for someone with pets, I note what hotels I know that takes guests with pets. Sometimes, even with the reservation company gateway from my site, desk clerks “forget.” Or a new manager came in yesterday, and she hates dogs and cats and anyone with them It is imperative, for the security of your pet and the hotel staff that you have a good crate or pet carrier for your dogs and cats. If you’re going to leave your friend in the room when you are out jumping waterfalls or whatever, please leave him/her in a carrier. Maids will come in even if you leave instructions not to. You could lose your pet through the open door or have a traumatized maid or dog. Plus, your pet will be happier with his own “territory.” As luck would have it, I have an affiliate link with Amazon for crates, carriers and whatever else you need. Buying here helps keep me going. Thanks.

You will probably have to pay a deposit for your pet. This can range from about USD$5 to USD$20 per pet. Don’t worry. Very seldom have I heard of anyone stiffing a customer on a deposit. Allow at least half an hour or more for someone to check the room when you check out.

Pet Friendly in Mexico – be a Good Tourist Pet Owner

When you walk your dog in the parking lot, keep him on a leash and pick up after him. I can’t tell you how many gringos don’t.

Many hotels and RV parks have a resident dog or two. They are not always friendly. keep your dog leashed and under control. Buy a big stick, like a hiking stick, to protect the two of you. Don’t be aggressive, just defensive.

I’ve had bad incidents at gas stations with local dogs. Always be prepared.

Mexicans in general are not as welcoming to pets as Americans. While a hotel may advertise on Booking as “pet-friendly” a particular manager may decline to honor the listing. So here are some suggestions for this and for hotels that are not PF. Offer a large deposit. Say that you will call Booking and report the hotel. If they are a chain, report them. Do all this with a calm demeanor. If you get nowhere, look for a better hotel. Sometimes the managers just won’t budge. If there are no hotels in town that are pet-friendly, choose one with a parking lot that fronts the rooms and sneak your pet in. If all else fails, try a Motel led Paso. Their standards are low. Read Rebekah’s story about bringing her Pet to Mexico here.

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