Your first visit to Tijuana
A practical checklist for U.S. pet owners crossing the border for care at a participating clinic — documents, what to expect at check-in, and how to get help before you sign up.
Before you go
Complete these steps at home so your first cross-border vet visit goes smoothly.
Activate membership before you travel
Sign up, add your pet, and choose a plan. Your member dashboard shows your QR code, waiting periods, and annual cap — clinic staff use these at check-in.
Pick a participating clinic
Contact us before your first visit — we'll confirm participating clinic options, hours, and arrival notes in our Tijuana network.
Bring your pet's records
Vaccination history, medication list, and recent lab results help the clinic team. You can upload documents to your dashboard before or after the visit.
Confirm border requirements
You are responsible for meeting current U.S. and Mexico entry rules for your pet (vaccinations, health certificates, etc.). Requirements change — verify with official sources before you travel. We do not provide legal or customs advice.
Plan your trip
Many members drive or use transportation partners for a cross-border trip. Allow extra time for border crossing — peak hours vary. SENTRI/Global Entry may speed your personal entry; pet documentation rules still apply.
At the clinic
What to expect when you arrive at a participating location in Tijuana.
Check in with your membership QR
Open your member dashboard and show your subscription QR at the front desk. Staff verify your pet and membership, then record the visit in our clinic portal.
Coverage applies at checkout (most clinics)
At most participating clinics, your plan coverage is applied when you pay — you owe the discounted balance on the spot. Waiting periods and your remaining annual cap apply at visit time.
English at the clinic
Many network clinics serve U.S. clients regularly. Ask about English-capable staff when you book or arrive. Our contact team can help you choose a clinic before your first visit.
Follow-up and prescriptions
Discuss follow-up timing and any prescriptions with your veterinarian at the visit. Filling prescriptions in the U.S. is between you and your pharmacy — we do not guarantee U.S. fill availability.
Common first-visit questions
Border crossing, parking, language, emergencies, and more.
What documents does my pet need to cross the U.S.–Mexico border?
You are responsible for meeting current U.S. and Mexico entry requirements for your pet — typically proof of rabies vaccination and, depending on timing and direction of travel, a health certificate or CDC rules for dogs entering the U.S. Requirements change. Confirm with official sources (CDC, USDA APHIS, and Mexican customs) before you travel. We do not provide legal or customs advice. See our first-visit guide for a pre-trip checklist.
How long should I allow for the border crossing?
Wait times vary by day, hour, and port of entry. Many San Diego–area members allow 30–90+ minutes each way during peak periods. Crossing early on weekdays is often faster. SENTRI or Global Entry may speed your personal entry; pet documentation requirements still apply. Plan extra time for your first trip.
Where do I park and how do I find the clinic?
Parking and arrival instructions depend on the clinic. Check the clinic directory for address and contact info before you go. Some locations have dedicated parking or nearby paid lots; others are easiest to reach on foot from a drop-off point. When in doubt, contact the clinic or message us before your visit.
Can I use SENTRI or Global Entry with my pet?
SENTRI and Global Entry expedite processing for enrolled travelers at participating lanes. Your pet still must meet standard import/export rules and may need to be presented to agriculture or customs officers separately from any trusted-traveler lane rules. Check current CBP guidance for traveling with pets.
Will anyone speak English at the clinic?
Many clinics in our Tijuana launch network regularly serve U.S. clients. English-capable staff vary by location and day — ask when you schedule or arrive. Contact us if you have questions about clinic fit before you join.
What about follow-up care after I return to the U.S.?
Discuss follow-up timing, rechecks, and records with your veterinarian at the visit. You can upload visit documents to your member dashboard. For urgent (non-life-threatening) needs in the Tijuana area, you may return to a participating clinic per your plan terms. We do not operate a U.S. veterinary network.
Can I fill prescriptions from a Tijuana clinic in the U.S.?
Prescription fill rules depend on the medication, the dispensing clinic, and your U.S. pharmacy. Discuss options with your veterinarian at the visit. Paws Beyond Borders does not guarantee that any prescription can be filled in the United States.
What if my pet needs emergency care on the way or during the trip?
Life-threatening emergencies require the nearest appropriate emergency veterinarian — in the U.S. or Mexico. Our membership is not emergency insurance and not a 24/7 crisis hotline. If emergency care happens at a participating Tijuana clinic, eligible emergency coverage may apply per plan terms after clinic verification.
Can I cancel if I change my mind before my first visit?
Yes. Each plan has a minimum commitment period (typically three months). After that date, cancel anytime from the Stripe billing portal on your member dashboard. If you cancel before visiting, you will not receive clinic savings — contact us if you have billing questions.
What happens at check-in on my first visit?
Show your membership QR code from your member dashboard. Clinic staff verify your subscription and pet, confirm waiting periods and coverage, then record the visit. At most clinics you pay your discounted portion at checkout. See our first-visit guide for the full checklist.
Ready for your first visit?
Create your account, add your pet, and choose a plan — then visit a participating clinic when you are ready.
