Bringing Your Pets To Costa Rica

So you are picking up and moving to Costa Rica and you are wondering “what about my fur family?”. Good news! We have you covered. Let’s review the process. 

There are two ways your pets can travel with you: via air with you in a carrier inside the cabin (please check with your airline as things have changed recently especially regarding Emotional Support Animals), or in cargo.

You also need to consider size, age, and breed. Some airlines will not bring animals in cargo during the hotter months and there may be certain breeds that are not allowed.

Consider how your pet will handle the travel process. It is possible to obtain medication from your veterinarian to assist with anxiety or stress. There are also CBD treats for animals that can help with these issues as well. If they have never experienced being in a carrier or kennel, now is the best time to start training them. It will greatly reduce their anxiety if they are accustomed to their travel crate.

Costa Rica does not require a pet quarantine period, unlike some other countries, so you will not need to be separated from your animals once you arrive in your new country!

It is important to mind the timelines required for documents. You will need to check with your airline regarding their specific requirements.

The process

In order to bring your dogs or cats to Costa Rica, you will need an appointment with your veterinarian to complete the Costa Rica Health Certificate within two weeks of your departure. They will need to confirm your animal is in good health in order to travel.

The requirements for dogs to enter Costa Rica are:

• Rabies vaccination
• Distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis vaccination
• Internal and External parasite treatment within 15 days

The requirements for cats are:

• Rabies vaccination
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia

You can find more detailed information regarding the requirements here. 

Costa Rica requires an international health certificate signed by a veterinarian and then endorsed by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). If your regular vet is USDA accredited you will not need to undergo this step — they can provide that service. If not, you will need to make an appointment around one month in advance as their spots fill up quickly.

It’s important to look up where they are located since they are not always available in every city or town which means, in turn, that you may need to travel. You can search for one in your area here. It is also possible to send the documents for certification by APHIS via mail. If you are coming from Canada you can find the link to the required form here.

When you arrive at the airport ready for departure make sure you have all your forms ready to present to the TSA and/or ticket agents. It is advised to have an extra set or two of the completed forms.

Once you land in Costa Rica you will need to find the SENASA Customs Official to clear your paperwork. They are readily available and will review your paperwork. If all is in order, they will stamp out your paperwork and hand it back to you. Once you are done going through Customs you are good to go!   

Pet’s adaptation

Once in Costa Rica, your animals might need some time to adjust to the new climate and all the excitement of the trip. There are a few serious things to watch out for here regarding your pets.

The cane toads or “sapos” are highly venomous and curious dogs fall victim to them every year. It is important to speak to your local vet once you are settled, find out the best treatment, and have emergency numbers at hand. 

There are also scorpions and other critters that your animals might enjoy playing with.  Having antihistamine at the ready is very useful.

Tick fever or Ehrlichia is very common here in Costa Rica. It can be potentially hazardous if not treated immediately. It is possible for your animals to acquire it even if they are taking preventative flea and tick medication so routine body checks are essential.     

Climate may also be a concern depending on your animal breed. It can get stifling hot in the summer months and without air conditioning, large breeds or those with thick coats can definitely suffer. It is also essential to be mindful of asphalt and sand temperatures when walking with your furry friends. 

There is a large population of stray dogs and cats in Costa Rica and neglected or abandoned animals are a real issue. Having your pet up to date with all their vaccines and having them spayed or neutered will help your animal remain happy and healthy all while not contributing to the worsening stray problem. There are also many great animal rescues providing a very needed service, in case you were looking to add to your menagerie.

Aside from the concerns listed above, your pets will be grateful you made the decision to bring them along on your adventure. Puuuurrrra Vida!