Bringing a dog or cat to Costa Rica: pet relocation

Bringing a dog or cat to Costa Rica from the US is manageable if the paperwork is done in the right order and inside the time limits. The harder parts are usually the airline’s rules and the flight itself.

Dogs and cats

Costa Rica’s animal health service (SENASA) sets the entry rules. In outline:

• Health certificate. Issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and then endorsed by the USDA’s animal health service (APHIS). It has to be issued shortly before travel, generally within about two weeks, and the endorsement takes time, so book both ahead.
• Rabies vaccination, current and given far enough ahead of travel, for animals old enough to be vaccinated.
• Other vaccinations. Dogs are expected to be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. Cats have their own list.
• Parasite treatment, internal and external, shortly before travel.

The USDA publishes the current Costa Rica requirements and the correct certificate. Use that, not a list from a forum, and check it again a month before you fly.

How the animal travels

• In the cabin, for small animals in a carrier that fits under the seat.
• As checked baggage, where the airline still offers it.
• As cargo, for large dogs and on airlines that don’t accept pets as baggage. Cargo shipments usually need an import permit and a customs broker to clear the animal on arrival, and cost considerably more.

Airlines set their own rules on carrier sizes, breeds and temperatures, and those are often stricter than Costa Rica’s. Snub-nosed breeds are restricted on many airlines, and heat embargoes can block travel in summer from some US airports.

Coming back to the US

If you may bring a dog back to the US later, even for a visit, check the current US re-entry rules before you leave. Keep rabies vaccinations current while you live in Costa Rica.

Other animals

Birds, reptiles and other species need permits, and some can’t be brought in at all. Costa Rica is strict about wildlife. Start months ahead and take advice.

Living with pets in Costa Rica

• Vets are widely available and cost much less than in the US.
• Ticks, fleas and heartworm are present year-round, so keep up preventive treatment.
• On the coasts, heat and humidity are hard on heavy-coated and snub-nosed breeds.
• Many rentals accept pets, but ask before you sign.

When a relocation service is worth it

• Large dogs that must fly as cargo.
• Snub-nosed breeds.
• Several animals, or species other than dogs and cats.
• Tight timing between the vet visit, the USDA endorsement and the flight.

What to ask before hiring

• Which airlines and routes do you use for Costa Rica, and why?
• What exactly is included: crate, vet paperwork, USDA endorsement, import permit, customs clearance, delivery?
• Who is with my animal at each stage, and how do I get updates?
• What happens if a flight is cancelled or it is too hot to fly?

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Costa Rica from the US?

Yes. Dogs and cats need a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, endorsed by the USDA, and current vaccinations including rabies. Check the current requirements shortly before you travel, since the forms and timing rules change.

Do pets have to be quarantined in Costa Rica?

No. Healthy dogs and cats arriving with the correct paperwork are not quarantined.

Do I need an import permit to bring a pet to Costa Rica?

Generally not when the animal travels with you in the cabin or as checked baggage. Animals shipped as cargo usually need an import permit and a customs broker in Costa Rica. Confirm with the airline and Costa Rica's animal health service.