Medical care in the US is not cheap. That’s why so many people flock to places like Turkey and Mexico, where treatments ranging from hair plugs to tooth extractions can be significantly cheaper.
Unfortunately for pet owners, the same is true of vet care, which is why medical tourism isn’t just for people anymore but also their furry friends.
With vet costs climbing faster than inflation, up 60%+ since 2014, many Americans are sending their pets south of the border for more affordable MRIs and surgeries, with the help of a growing crop of businesses to chauffeur them there and back.
A paw-tential lifeline
San Diego-based MexiVet Express was founded in 2018 by Anna Ginsky, inspired by her own experience shuttling her dog across the border for cheaper vet visits, per The Cut.
- Its employees, who act as translators between Mexican vets and American owners, make multiple trips to and from Tijuana each day, with up to five pets (dogs or cats) at a time and rates starting at $125.
- The company says it’s possible your dog may even come back with a little español under their belt (er, collar). ¿Cómo se dice “cute”?
PetMex International — founded by two former MexiVet employees, given the high demand — offers a more personalized experience, taking just one pet down south at a time and providing a write-up of vet recommendations.
The cost savings can be huge
One LA-based dog owner, who was quoted $8k for diagnostic testing and an appointment with a specialist, paid just $180 for all that and more at a Tijuana vet.
The US veterinary community isn’t keen on the trend, given the difference between Mexican and American vet schools’ accreditation standards. But for pet parents who can’t afford treatment in America, it’s better than nothing.
A 2025 survey by Gallup and PetSmart Charities found over 50% of pet owners had forgone necessary vet care, often due to high costs.
A twofer with your floofer
For now, these US-Mexico vet liaisons only offer local transfers, but for those who don’t live near the border — and maybe want to get some work done themselves — there’s always Turkey, where you can go under the knife at the same time as your pet.
Pet Clinic Turkey will plan your trip, book your hotel, and shuttle you to its clinic, where you can get a discount nose job while your cat gets surgery.
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