Pet Microchip

Costa Rica does not require that your pet be identified with a pet microchip, but it is recommended that you microchip your pet and register your contact information prior to traveling as a means of identification should your pet be lost or separated from you.

If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pets are wearing tags that identify them and have contact information for the owner.

Vaccinations

All dogs and cats over 3 months of age entering Costa Rica must have a current rabies vaccination.

Dogs must also be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus.

Cats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia and feline leukemia.

Rabies Titer Test

A blood titer test is not required to enter Costa Rica from any country.

Pet Health Certificate

Within 14 days of entry, a licensed veterinarian must complete  the pet health certificate for Costa Rica. Either a bi-lingual certificate (Spanish being one of the languages) or an alternate copy translated into Spanish is also required. The certificate must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals.

Please note that all requirements must be met or your pet will be returned to the original destination or euthanised.

Import Permit

Up to five personal pets can be imported to Costa Rica without an import permit.

An Import Permit is required if your pet is entering Costa Rica unaccompanied or for commercial reasons (breeding, competition or resale). A permit will also be required if you are not entering Costa Rica on the same flight as your pet. Your pet may be held for 24 hours for additional inspection and paperwork.

A customs broker in Costa Rica must obtain an Import Permit if your pet is entering Costa Rica as manifest (air) cargo or other classes of service where an airway bill is involved regardless of whether you are traveling with your pet.

Ticks and Tapeworm Treatment

Before your dog or cat can enter Costa Rica, it must be treated against internal and external parasites within 15 days of entering the country.

Entering the Costa Rica by Air

Pets should enter the Costa Rica via Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela, located within the Central Valley region north of San Jose or Daniel Oduber Airport (LIR) in Liberia.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

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.

Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens under 3 months old may enter Costa Rica with a health certificate endorsed by the governmental authority responsible for the import and export of animals.

Banned Breeds

Costa Rica does not publish a list of banned breeds.

Exporting Pets from Costa Rica

Dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica whose health and rabies certificates used to enter Costa Rica are still valid to return do not need additional documentation. They must have required documentation to return to their destination country. As an example, the United States will accept health certificates dated within 30 days of entering the country, so export health certificates are not required in this case.

Dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica whose health or rabies certificates have expired will need to see a veterinarian for an export authorization issued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture. The authorization will be good for 30 days and there is a fee involved. It will take several working days to process it.

Dogs and cats will also need an internal and external parasite treatment within 10 days of export.

Dogs will need a vaccination against DHLP and cats will need to be vaccinated against FVRCP within the past 12 months prior to export.

Other Animals

The import of pets other than dogs and cats will be considered on a case by case basis. An import permit will be required.

CITES

If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations.

Need More Assistance?

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 your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.

Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com. We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM EST.

 

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