Free Trade’s Four-Legged Fans: Why L.A. Pets Are Choosing Tijuana Vets
By Constance Sommer
Facing $5,000 scans and $1,600 dental cleanings at home, Southern Californians are driving their dogs and cats across the border—or paying shuttles to do it for them.
Tijuana’s veterinarians charge a lot less than their Southern California counterparts. Sebastian Fanucci knew that, but he also figured, you get what you pay for.
“I’m like, it’s probably not as good,” the Malibu resident said. “I thought, ‘It’s cheaper for a reason.’ ”
But when a local vet recommended a $5000 CAT scan for his golden retriever, Benita, Fanucci put his skepticism aside and began to seriously explore visiting a veterinarian 180 miles to the south.
He is hardly alone. Reddit boards are filled with pet owners attesting to the professional care their pets received in Tijuana practices. Veterinarians just south of the border report business is booming. Multiple transport services have sprung up to ferry pets back and forth for owners who can’t or don’t care to make the trip themselves.
