Moving with Pets to Costa Rica: How & What’s Required

If you’re planning to move to Costa Rica with your pets, you likely have many questions, especially if your pet is over 15 pounds and doesn’t qualify as an airline carry-on. The good news is that importing pets to Costa Rica is relatively straightforward, with no quarantine requirements and vaccination requirements that are similar to those in your home country. The paperwork will mostly be handled by your home country vet. However, there are still requirements that you need to be aware of. This post will provide you with the information you need and direct you to where you can verify everything before your move. Keep in mind that this information is accurate as of October 2022, but regulations may change. It is highly recommended to speak with a relocation professional, your country’s embassy in Costa Rica, or a pet shipper or broker for the most current requirements and regulations for the exact month and day your pet will arrive in Costa Rica.

Move with Pets to Costa Rica: The Basics

Before diving into the specifics of moving to Costa Rica with pets, it’s important to understand some basic information. For example, can your pet travel on the airplane with you? Can you bring your bird, ferret or cat? These are important considerations when planning a move with your furry (or feathered) friends. In this post, we will provide information on these and other relevant details, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make a smooth transition for you and your pets.

Airline Carry-On/Checked or Pet Broker?

When moving to Costa Rica with pets, there are three main options to consider:

Airline Carry-On: Some airlines allow small pets (typically under 15 lbs.) to travel as carry-on luggage in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

Airline Check-In: Some airlines allow larger pets, restricted by size and/or breed, to travel as checked baggage.

Pet Shipper + Broker: For many pet owners, the best option is to use a pet shipper and broker to transport their pets to Costa Rica.

It’s important to note that if your pet is traveling as cargo, you may also need proof of pet customs duty payment (if applicable) and a pet quarantine permit issued by MAG, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Always verify additional requirements prior to arrival.

What Pets Can Be Imported to Costa Rica?

When importing pets to Costa Rica, cats and dogs are the most common due to their popularity and the country’s strict laws on what animals can be kept as pets. Some pets, such as sugar gliders and ferrets, are not allowed to be sold or kept as pets in Costa Rica and therefore cannot be imported. Additionally, it is usually impossible to import animals that are native to Costa Rica, as it is illegal to own wild animals native to the country. Costa Rican laws regarding importing birds are subject to change, for example, it was legal then illegal and now in 2022 it is illegal again, so it is important to check with a pet broker for the most up-to-date information. Even when birds were allowed, it was a one-way trip, they could never be exported once imported. Large animal imports, such as horses, may be legal but can present major logistical challenges. It is recommended to consult a professional pet broker who can advise you on current laws, regulations, quarantine rules and other related information.

Requirements for Pet Entry to Costa Rica

When moving to Costa Rica with pets, there are certain requirements that must be met.

Requirement: Pet Vaccinations

Costa Rica requires full vaccinations for cats and dogs according to its animal vaccination schedules. This includes:

Required Vaccinations for Dogs:

Rabies – given 31 to 364 days before travel to Costa Rica (over one month and less than one year)
Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza (DHLPP) – given within 30 days of travel to Costa Rica

Required Vaccinations for Cats:

Rabies – given 31 to 364 days before travel to Costa Rica (over one month and less than one year)
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) – given within 30 days of travel to Costa Rica
It is important to note that it is always recommended to check with a pet broker or a veterinarian for the most up-to-date information and verification.

Requirement: Pet Health Certificate

When moving to Costa Rica with pets, a pet health certificate is required and must be issued within 14 days of travel to Costa Rica. It is important to note that not all veterinarians in your home country will be equipped to issue this certificate, so it is important to find a veterinarian who is USDA-certified.

When scheduling an appointment with a USDA-certified veterinarian, be sure to mention that the visit is for the purpose of obtaining a health certificate for Costa Rica. There is additional paperwork involved in this type of visit, so it is important to make sure the veterinarian has everything on hand for your arrival.

Timing is crucial, as the certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel and must also go through a process at the USDA. It is recommended to schedule the vet appointment at the 13-day mark to ensure that there is enough time for the paperwork to be processed.

Please note that timing can be strict, as the certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel, and in some cases, it can come down to the hour. It is best to err on the side of caution and not risk it with your beloved pet.

Requirement: USDA APHIS Endorsement

After obtaining the pet health certificate from a USDA-certified veterinarian, the next step is to acquire an endorsement from the USDA. This step should be handled by the veterinarian, but it’s important to be aware of the requirement. The timing for this step can be tight, so it’s best to identify your nearest USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Endorsement Office and call in advance to ask about current turnaround times. You can acquire the endorsement either by mail or in person. If the timing is tight, consider making an appointment to acquire the endorsement in person, otherwise, mail-in endorsement with the fastest shipping possible can also be sufficient.

It is important to note that pets arriving as manifest cargo must have an import permit which can only be obtained through a pet broker or similar professional. The import permit application must be made to Senasa (Costa Rica’s National Animal Welfare Service) 4 days prior to arrival and must include the full vaccination record. Additionally, all pets over three months of age must have a current rabies vaccine that is no more than one year old, regardless of the type of rabies vaccine used. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Once you have your dated, signed, and USDA-endorsed health certificate, you are technically ready to move with your pets to Costa Rica.

Considerations Before & After the Move

When moving with pets to Costa Rica, many aspects of pet ownership will remain the same. Your pet will still be your beloved companion and you will continue to have snuggles, walks and all the other standard bonding activities. However, there are a few things that will change, such as weather, preventive treatments, culture and leash walking. It’s important to keep these factors in mind before arriving in Costa Rica to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your pet.

Costa Rican Pet Culture

When moving to Costa Rica with pets, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a different country with a unique culture. This may result in culture shock for some, especially when it comes to pet ownership. One aspect that may be different is the presence of street dogs, which are often not neutered or spayed and can run free at all hours of the day. This can pose a challenge when walking a leashed dog, especially if the dog is not accustomed to being around unleashed dogs. Additionally, Costa Rican pet culture is evolving, so it is not uncommon to see dogs chained up in yards, or outside in the rain, or in other conditions that may not meet your expectations. However, there are several government departments and ministries working to improve animal welfare in the country.

Consider the Climate

When moving to Costa Rica with pets, it’s important to keep in mind the country’s warm climate, particularly along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Dogs and cats from cool-weather climates, as well as snub-nosed dog breeds, long-haired cats, snow dog breeds, and heavy-coated dogs, may require extra considerations to adapt to the change in temperature and humidity. It is recommended to rent or purchase a home with central air-conditioning to allow your pet time, which could be a few months, to gradually adjust to the change. To help pets adapt, you may also consider having long-haired pets groomed for the hot weather. Additionally, always ensure that they have access to fresh drinking water and shade when outdoors.

Pet Medications

When moving to Costa Rica with pets, it’s important to consider any specific medication needs for your pet, particularly for chronic health issues. It is recommended to verify medication availability with a local veterinarian or a relocation professional. If your pet’s medications are not available locally, you have a few options.

Bring several months’ worth of supplies in your luggage and replenish it periodically.
Speak to your home country vet about switching to a medication that will be available locally, bearing in mind that your home country vet may not be familiar with the medications available in Costa Rica.
Discuss comparable medications with a local Costa Rican vet.
It’s important to have a plan in place to ensure that your pet’s medication needs are met while living in Costa Rica.

Fleas, Ticks, Deworming & Other Preventive Medications

Bring several months’ worth of supplies in your luggage and replenish it periodically.

Speak to your home country vet about switching to a medication that will be available locally, bearing in mind that your home country vet may not be familiar with the medications available in Costa Rica.

Discuss comparable medications with a local Costa Rican vet.

It’s important to have a plan in place to ensure that your pet’s medication needs are met while living in Costa Rica.

Want to Talk About Moving to Costa Rica?

Relocating to Costa Rica can be a dream come true, but it can also be overwhelming. That’s why investing in relocation services can be a wise decision. I am here to help you navigate the process and make your transition to life in Costa Rica as smooth and successful as possible. With years of experience and expertise, I offer honest advice and a comprehensive understanding of the real Costa Rica, not just the postcard-perfect image. I can help you find the best places to stay, whether it’s top hotels on the beach, best hotels in Guanacaste or Tamarindo homes for sale. I can also assist you with lifestyle decisions that will best suit your needs and priorities.

I understand that moving to a new country can be daunting, but I am here to guide you every step of the way. Feel free to download my free eBook, reach out on social media, sign up for updates, and explore our Costa Rica relocation services. I am looking forward to hearing from you and helping you make your dream of living in Costa Rica a reality.