The entry of pets into Costa Rica requires meeting certain health requirements and presenting official documents issued in the country of origin.

Necessary documents:

• International Veterinary Certificate: It must include all the required vaccinations and deworming treatments and be signed by an official veterinary authority of the country of origin.
• Mandatory vaccinations:
  • Multiple (for diseases such as distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis).
  • Rabies.
• Internal and external deworming: It must have been performed within the 15 days prior to entering the country.
• Microchip: (Depending on the country of origin and the airline, it may be a mandatory requirement).

It is essential to ensure that all documents are correct and properly signed to avoid problems at customs.

There are two main ways to transport your pet to Costa Rica:

• As accompanied baggage: If you travel on the same flight as your pet, it can go with you in the cabin (if it meets the airline’s size and weight restrictions) or in the airplane’s cargo hold.
• As cargo: If your pet is traveling alone, it is transported as cargo on a freight or commercial airline. This process is usually more expensive and requires additional customs procedures.

Although Costa Rica does not impose restrictions on dog or cat breeds, many airlines have limitations on transporting certain breeds considered “dangerous” or brachycephalic (such as bulldogs, boxers, Persians, and Himalayans), due to respiratory problems and heat adaptation issues.

Regarding exotic pets, Costa Rica prohibits the importation of wild animals protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). However, it is possible to import certain species such as ornamental fish and ferrets with the proper permits.

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, if the pet is traveling as cargo, it will be taken to a bonded warehouse until the customs clearance process is completed with the Ministry of Finance and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA).

If the pet is traveling as accompanied baggage with its owner, the process is much quicker and does not require storage in customs. In both cases, Costa Rica does not require quarantine for pets that meet all health requirements.

To minimize the stress of relocation, Cesar Seco recommends:

• Getting the pet accustomed to the travel crate at least one month before the trip.
• Consulting a veterinarian if the pet is prone to anxiety or has special medical conditions.
• Planning the trip in advance, as some destinations require preparations of up to four months.
• Ensuring to work with a reliable company to avoid issues with the paperwork.

Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so most pets adapt quickly. However, it is important to ensure they have access to clean water, shade, and protection against parasites such as fleas and ticks.