If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and can’t imagine leaving your dog or cat behind, you’re not alone. Many visitors bring their pets along to enjoy the beaches, rainforests, and national parks. But Costa Rica has clear rules to keep animals healthy and prevent disease spread.
Based on guidelines from the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), here’s what you need to know to make the process smooth. This guide covers entry and exit steps, airline rules, and practical advice for a hassle-free experience.
Preparing Your Pet for Entry into Costa Rica
Start early—ideally two to three months before your flight—to gather documents and meet health standards. Costa Rica’s rules apply to dogs and cats coming from most countries, including the US and Europe. The goal is to confirm your pet is healthy and vaccinated, especially against rabies.
First, schedule a vet visit in your home country. The vet must be licensed and check your pet within 14 days of arrival in Costa Rica. This exam looks for any signs of sickness or parasites. If all looks good, the vet issues a health certificate. This document lists your pet’s details, like breed, age, and color, plus proof of shots.
Required Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats
Vaccinations form the core of the entry rules. All pets over three months old need a rabies shot given at least 21 days before travel, but no more than one year old. Some sources say 30 days, so check the exact timing with your vet to match SENASA’s expectations.
Dogs also need protection against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. For cats, the list includes feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. The health certificate must show the vaccine brand, lot number, and expiration date.
Here’s a quick breakdown in a table for clarity:
| Pet Type | Required Vaccinations | Timing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis | Rabies: 21-365 days before travel |
| Cats | Rabies, Feline Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia | Rabies: 21-365 days before travel |
Keep records handy, as inspectors will review them.
Microchip and Parasite Treatments
Identification is non-negotiable. Your pet needs a microchip implanted under the skin with a unique number that matches the health certificate. This helps if your pet gets lost and ensures traceability. Most vets can do this if it’s not already in place.
Next, treat for parasites. Within 15 days of arrival, handle internal and external ones like worms, fleas, and ticks. Use products approved by your vet, and note the details—product name, dose, and date—on the certificate. Skipping this can lead to delays or quarantine.
Do You Need an Import Permit?
It depends on how your pet travels. If flying in the cabin as carry-on, no permit is required—just the health certificate and other docs. But for checked baggage or cargo, or if the pet travels alone, get an import permit from SENASA. Apply through their website or a customs agent. It involves submitting the health certificate and paying a small fee, around $20-30 based on current rates.
For up to five pets traveling with you, the process is straightforward. More than that might count as commercial and need extra steps.
Airline Policies for Flying with Pets to Costa Rica
Airlines have their own rules on top of SENASA’s. Check with your carrier early, as spots for pets are limited.
For example, United and American Airlines allow small dogs and cats in the cabin if they fit in a carrier under the seat. Weight limits are usually 20 pounds including the carrier. In cargo, larger pets can go, but expect fees from $100 to $300 each way.
Delta restricts checked pets to Liberia airport during May to September due to heat. Volaris permits one pet per passenger in the cabin, but no pregnant or sick animals. Air Canada allows one small dog or cat in the cabin, with arrival a bit earlier for paperwork.
KLM lets one pet in the cabin for Economy flights. Always confirm breed restrictions—some airlines ban short-nosed dogs like pugs in cargo due to breathing issues.
Book pet spots when you reserve your ticket, as many flights cap at two pets in cargo. Carriers must meet IATA standards: sturdy, ventilated, and big enough for your pet to stand and turn.
What Happens at the Airport or Border
When you land, usually at Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José or Daniel Oduber Quirós in Liberia, head to the SENASA inspection area. Present the health certificate, vaccination proof, microchip details, and parasite treatment info. Inspectors might scan the microchip and look over your pet.
If documents check out, you’re good to go—no quarantine needed. But if something’s missing, like an outdated shot, your pet could face a hold. In rare cases, they send pets back or quarantine them at your expense. Borders by land or sea follow similar checks.
Leaving Costa Rica with Your Pet
Heading home or to another country? The process mirrors entry but focuses on the destination’s rules. Research those first— the US, for instance, requires a rabies certificate and sometimes a titer test for antibody levels.
In Costa Rica, visit an authorized private vet for a clinical exam. They issue an export health certificate confirming health and current vaccinations. Take this to a SENASA office for approval. Pay a fee, often $15-25, and get the official stamp.
For some places like the EU, add an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Plan a few days for this to avoid last-minute stress. Airlines won’t board your pet without the export certificate.
Common Mistakes and Practical Tips
Many trips go fine, but errors happen. Outdated vaccinations or missing parasite details top the list. Always double-check dates and carry originals.
Other advice: Protect against local risks like heartworm or ticks—talk to your vet about preventives. Costa Rica’s heat and humidity can tire pets, so acclimate them slowly. Use leashes in public; stray dogs are common, and some areas have traffic hazards.
For beaches or trails, consider paw protection if surfaces get hot. Pet-friendly hotels and rentals exist, but confirm policies. Transport within Costa Rica? Buses rarely allow pets, so opt for private shuttles or rentals.
Costs add up. Vet visits and certificates: $100-200. Airline fees: $100-300 round-trip. Permits and SENASA fees: $20-50. Budget for extras like carriers ($50-150) or meds.
Here’s a sample cost table for a dog from the US:
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Vet Exam & Certificate | 100-150 |
| Vaccinations (if needed) | 50-100 |
| Microchip | 50 |
| Parasite Treatment | 30-50 |
| Airline Fee (Cabin) | 125 |
| SENASA Permit (if Cargo) | 20-30 |
| Total | 375-505 |
Adjust based on your situation.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Costa Rica with your pet requires solid prep work, from vaccinations and microchips to airline bookings and SENASA approvals, but it pays off when you share those beach walks or jungle hikes together. Stick to the guidelines, double-check your documents, and consult official sources for any last-minute changes—rules can shift with health alerts. With the right steps, you and your furry companion can make lasting memories in this tropical spot without any holdups at the border.