Taking Humanitarian Goods to Mexico

We always think of dogs needing escorts to come to Toronto, but we also need travelers going to Mexico, to return crates and deliver donations to rescues in need.
We do ask vacationers to take items south with you!

How it works with DIBS:

  • Each airline has a different process:
    • Air Canada – waivers can be ordered online via DIBS (Air Canada is awesome!!!)
    • Air Transat – has put their program on hold during COVID. We hope for a return to normal soon (in the meantime, over $200 per stack)
    • AeroMexico – fee of $235 per stack
    • WestJet – no longer offers any support for non-profits.  Fees are $250 per stack.
    • Any airline not listed, does not allow donations on their flights.
  • Always a lot needs to go, but we try to limit 2 stacks of crates and 2 duffels per traveler. (2 travelers could take 4+4).  Each stack of crates is generally 50lbs/21inches tall, and 2 stacks can fit on a Pearson Airport cart.
  • Arrival time:  A bit of coordination is needed, and we suggest adding 30 minutes to your check-in time
  • On travel day, DIBS will meet flight parents curb-side (we are not allowed inside the terminal during COVID)
    • Terminal 1 (AC only) is around pole 9
    • Terminal 3 (all other airlines) is around pole 43

Toronto Check-In:

  • Once approved for waivers, your reservation should have a note on it that explains the waivers, but not all agents seem to be able to locate this detail (a manager can typically help)
  • At check-in, your bags personal bags and donation bags will be tagged and sent. (You can not do self-check-in and must work with an agent to get items tagged as baggage)
  • You then need to take the crates to “oversize” and have them scanned through a larger machine (hence the 21inch height).  On occasion, agents may ask you to un-tape the crates, let them know that they will fit (there is no need to do this, but some agents insist!).  This is similar to the process you see for vacationers with their golf clubs or strollers (all go to oversize area, vs standard baggage drop off)

In Cancun:

  • You arrive in Terminal 3
  • All luggage – yours, donations, duffels – all come off the same luggage carousel area
  • Customs may ask you to stop so they can review your items.
    • Crates belong to the organizations and are being returned to the front line shelter.  There is no import value
    • Other items normally sent:
      • Donations of dog bowls, used linens, dollar store collars / leashes / toys. Generally don’t send treats as beef can’t be imported
      • Items returned to pet stores (otherwise to be thrown out – have no value)
  • You will need to head to ground transportation, if we have arranged for CARM to pick up the crates, for delivery to the shelter.
    • After you exit, walk straight ahead 100 meters (approx 300 feet) and cross the crosswalk. Look up and you will see blue number #26. Look for the CARM greeter holding a sign with the CARM logo and your name on it (your transfer is private, however multiple names may appear on the sign). Once you make contact with your greeter, he will call your van into the loading area. Average wait time is 5-7 minutes.

Thank you!!! 💚

Can you help? Please provide flight info here:

Flight Parent Submission Form

Please complete form with as many details as you have. We try to make the "booking" part as easy as possible, whenever possible. Getting this info helps us take care of the rest!

"*" indicates required fields

We will need this if we are able to utilize your offer to be a flight parent. (It is included on the authorization letter)
We only have rescue partners around Mexico City and Cancun airports.
We need this to add either paid or waived spots to your flight reservation (don't worry, you don't pay!)
DD dash MM dash YYYY
This is your flight that lands in Mexico. We need this to add either paid or waived spots to your flight reservation (don't worry, you don't pay!)
DD dash MM dash YYYY
This is your flight that lands in Toronto. We need this to add either paid or waived spots to your flight reservation (don't worry, you don't pay!)
(aka "how many helping hands to you have"?)
Airlines are likely to approve a few more waivers, if they know you have a buddy with you to help out!
We ask this as some airports separate exits with commercial vehicles (taxis, hotel vans) vs family and friends. So, if you have your hotel picking you up, we will arrange for commercial pickup of donations/crates you are taking. If you have a friend picking you up, we will arrange for a volunteer to pick up donations (different exits....so we just want to streamline as much as possible)
Please include your name on Facebook, or your Whatsapp #. We are there to support you through the entire process!
Max. file size: 100 MB.
This helps in case there are any typos/missing info in the fields above (reservation code can be tricky and it's where we get the most typos).