Low Cost Vet Care in Mexico

Every year millions of Americans flock to Mexico to take advantage of low cost medical, dental and pharmaceutical services. But unknown to most, these same services also extend to our four legged friends. Veterinarian costs in Mexico are one fraction of those in America. 

I am an American living in Tijuana, Mexico for almost seven years. I reside here with my pit bull terrier Nanny. Back in 2004, Nanny was diagnosed with a tumor growth on her upper molar. My vet in California informed me an operation was needed to remove the tumor and the cost would be $2000. Of course, that was a lot of money for me. This diagnosis was made about a month prior to my relocation to Tijuana. Fortunately, I was able to locate a reputable vet in my area and so I brought Nanny in for an exam and consultation. The vet confirmed the California vet’s diagnoses and informed me that the cost for the same operation would be $200. Wow! I thought. That was a tenth of the cost quoted to me by my California vet. Through a translator, a date was arranged for the operation and the tumor was successfully removed with no complications. Nanny had the operation on a Friday and was released the following Sunday. Prior to Nanny’s discharge, the vet gave me antibiotics and instructions for administering them. There was no added cost for the antibiotics or the post operation boarding which I would have incurred in the States. Approximately one week after the operation I took Nanny in for a follow up exam and to have her vaccinations updated. Her shots included rabies, bordatella, and distemper which cost me a total of $30. In America, I paid approximately $40 per vaccination - another huge savings. The vet also informed me that because tumors can be cancerous, there was the possibility of it returning. The tumor did return seven years later and I plan to take Nanny to the same vet for a second operation. I was very satisfied with the courteousness and professionalism of the vet and his staff as well as the compassionate care of my dog during her stay. I am confident that Nanny would be in good hands this second time around. The cost of the operation will be $100 more but still a lot less than what I would pay in America.

Medical is not the only bargain you get for your pets here in Mexico. There are products such as; handmade leather collars, leashes, carriers, clothing, dog houses, cat condos and flea medications available at very low costs compared to America. I was able to purchase a four tube pack of the Advantage brand flea medication for $45 in Mexico which retails for approximately $60 in America.

If you are considering a vet in Mexico, I suggest references from pet owners who presently take advantage of these services. They can be your best source for a reputable animal doctor.  Another option is to visit the website of Vet Playas -- a veterinarian hospital located about six miles from the San Ysidro border. This family run facility specializes in a variety of medical and non medical pet services and the staff is bilingual.  They also provide contact information in Mexico and California.

Finally, when transporting your pet to and from Mexico, make sure you have their current vaccination paper work and they are on a leash or in a carrier. Mexican officials usually don’t detain you with your pet but American border officials will require paper work for all animals entering the states regardless of their place of origin. This regulation is to help prevent the spread of disease and vermin that can be harmful to humans and other animals. So just be prepared and always keep your animals safe.