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DISCLAIMER:
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put the pet into quarantine, return the pet to the country of origin, or destroy the pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.

Pet Immigration Rules Costa Rica

REGULATIONS FOR TAKING A PET DOG OR CAT TO COSTA RICA
Costa Rica does not quarantine healthy pets who meet the following requirements:

Your pet will need a Costa Rica Veterinary Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA or CFIA depending on the country of origin (United States or Canada). If you are traveling from another country, the Governmental Authority of your country should endorse the forms. A copy of the Rabies Certificate should also be included.

You will need to carry a personal letter stating your pet's market value or a document that proves it such as an invoice. Or, you may provide this information on the Veterinary Certificate.

An Import Permit obtained in advance of arrival is required if the pet is not accompanied by its owners. Additionally, pets traveling un-accompanied will be held for 24 hours or long to allow for processing of the documents. This does not apply to pets who are traveling with their owners.

If you are planning to stay in Costa Rica for an extended period, you will need to obtain a pet's home quarantine permit issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Control ("Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia" (MAG)) in Costa Rica. To expedite your Customs procedures, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Control of Costa Rica ("Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería") suggests that examination be conducted within two weeks before your departure. You can also obtain this permit from the nearest Costa Rica Consulate.

Click Here for Pet Passport Forms for Costa Rica

Failure to comply with these regulations will mean that your pet may be refused entry and the relevant authority in consultation with an authorized veterinarian can decide to return the pet home, or place the pet in quarantine at the expense of the owner or natural person responsible for pet, or as a last resort, without financial compensation, put the pet down where the return trip home or quarantine cannot be arranged.

All other pets (birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits) are not subject to the regulations in respect of the anti-rabies vaccination but may have to meet other requirements as to a limit on the number of animals and a certificate to accompany them in respect of other diseases. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

VETERINARY CERTIFICATE
All countries have a unique veterinary certificates. This form differs from the International Veterinary Certificate issued by veterinarians in the United States. (APHIS 7001)

Find Veterinary Certificates for countries worldwide.

Although Costa Rica does not require an ISO pet microchip, we strongly suggest microchipping your pet prior to traveling.

Everything essential for traveling with a pet can be found at PetTravelStore.com.