Daily life in Mexico is undergoing simultaneous shifts in both technology and civil regulation. On one hand, internet access in Mexican homes rose from 71.7% in 2023 to 75.3% in 2025, according to data from INEGI's National Survey on Household ICT Use (ENUTIH).
This technological surge has driven the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which increased from 20% to nearly 30% in households over the same period. Today, building a smart home ecosystem is possible with an investment of just 1,000 pesos using voice assistants.
Meanwhile, pet management in the country is facing new regulatory measures. The municipal government of Tecate, Baja California, announced through the Tecate Municipal Institute of Animal Welfare (IMBAT) the implementation of its own Unified Registry of Companion Animals.
Fees for high-risk breeds
While the general registry will be free and voluntary, local authorities will introduce a special license for dogs deemed “potentially dangerous.” The fee for this permit will be 117.31 pesos, equivalent to one Unit of Measure and Update (UMA).
The municipal government maintains that the measure aims to promote safety and social coexistence, as well as to identify animals that pose a greater risk. However, the lack of clear criteria for classifying breeds has sparked backlash. Political analyst Juan Ortiz noted on the social media platform X that “a fee is a fee,” regardless of what it is called.
IMBAT Director Gabriela Vázquez defended the measure, noting that the registry will allow for the tracking of vaccination and sterilization processes, as well as the location of lost pets. She added that it will also help generate better public policies regarding animal welfare and the prevention of abuse.
This move in Tecate follows the consolidation of the Unified Registry of Companion Animals (RUAC) in 2024. In Mexico City, the program already has 339,695 registered animals, according to a report by La Jornada, with the goal of providing legal certainty to owners.