Last updated August 20, 2026 · Independent guide — not affiliated with USDA or SENASICA
Dogs got the headlines, but the August 3, 2026 rule also covers pet birds. Birds entering Mexico from the US need an NWS Inspection Addendum for Pet Birds — issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 5 days of arrival — attached to their standard export health certificate.
How birds differ from dogs
| Dogs | Pet birds | |
|---|---|---|
| NWS document | NWS Inspection Certificate | NWS Inspection Addendum |
| Issued by | USDA-accredited vet | USDA-accredited vet |
| Window | Within 5 days of arrival | Within 5 days of arrival |
| APHIS endorsement | Not required | Required for the health certificate (digital signature accepted) |
Bird paperwork is stricter on formatting: certificates must be typewritten, single-sided, with dates, states and ages spelled out — no abbreviations, corrections or erasures. Build in extra days for the APHIS endorsement step.