Moving to Costa Rica with your pet

Can you bring your pet to Costa Rica?

The short answer is yes. Costa Rica welcomes domestic dogs and cats without a banned breed list, meaning breeds commonly restricted in other countries, such as Pitbulls and Rottweilers, can enter freely alongside any other dog. Service animals follow the exact same health entry requirements as standard pets, with no additional exemptions or extra paperwork.

You can bring up to five personal pets into Costa Rica without needing a commercial import permit. If you plan to bring more than five animals, you will need a special authorisation from SENASA before travel. Pets must be at least eight weeks old to travel, though the mandatory rabies vaccination cannot be given until 12 weeks of age. Puppies under three months are exempt from the rabies requirement but must still have all other core vaccines up to date.

If you are bringing birds, reptiles, rabbits, or exotic pets, expect a case-by-case evaluation and the likely need for CITES permits. Wolf hybrids and Savannah or Bengal cats face specific restrictions as well. Unless you can provide pedigree documentation proving the animal is at least five generations removed from its wild ancestors, these animals cannot be imported under standard pet regulations.

Pet import requirements for Costa Rica

Every dog and cat entering Costa Rica must meet a clear set of health requirements administered by SENASA. Getting these right before you travel is critical, as incomplete or incorrect documentation at the airport can result in your pet being held for treatment at your expense, or refused entry entirely. Requirements can change, so always verify the latest rules directly with SENASA or your country's embassy before you travel.

The core requirements are as follows:

• Microchip: Your pet must carry an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip. The microchip number must appear explicitly on the health certificate and will be scanned by SENASA officials on arrival.
• Rabies vaccination: All pets over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel. Costa Rica only accepts the 1-year rabies vaccine. Three-year rabies vaccines, which are standard in the United States and Canada, are not accepted for validity periods beyond one year. This is one of the most common mistakes expats make, so confirm the vaccine type with your vet before booking.
• Additional dog vaccines: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Coronavirus must all be documented, including brand name, lot number, and expiration date.
• Additional cat vaccines: Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia (FVRCP) are required.
• Parasite treatments: Both internal (tapeworm and nematode) and external (tick and flea) parasite treatments must be administered by a licensed veterinarian within 15 days of arrival in Costa Rica. The exact date and product name must be recorded on the health certificate. Skipping or incorrectly documenting this step will result in your pet being held and treated at your cost.
• Rabies titer test: Costa Rica does not require a rabies antibody titer test (RNATT or FAVN) for entry. However, if you plan to return to a country with strict rabies import rules after your stay, such as the United States, it is strongly advisable to arrange a titer test before leaving home.
• Import permit: Only required if your pet travels as manifest air cargo, arrives unaccompanied, or if you are importing more than five pets.

Required documents for pet import to Costa Rica

Documentation is where many pet relocations run into trouble, and the margins for error are tight. Every document must be accurate, current, and properly authorised before you board your flight.

• Veterinary health certificate: Issued by an officially accredited private veterinarian in your country of origin within 14 days of your arrival in Costa Rica. In the United States, this is USDA Form 7001. Do not schedule this appointment too early, or the certificate will have expired before you land.
• Government endorsement: The health certificate must be stamped and signed by the official government veterinary authority of your exporting country. In the United States, that is USDA APHIS. In Canada, it is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). In the United Kingdom, it is APHA.
• Vaccination records: Original vaccination cards showing dates, vaccine brands, lot numbers, and expiration dates for every required vaccine.
• Parasite treatment proof: The application date and the specific product used for both internal and external treatments must be documented directly on the health certificate.
• Spanish documentation: The health certificate must either be written in Spanish or accompanied by a certified Spanish translation.
• Customs and import permit form (cargo only): If your pet is flying as manifest cargo, a customs broker must secure a SENASA import permit four to five days in advance using the airway bill number.
• Re-entry documents for US travellers: Dogs returning to the United States need a CDC Dog Import Form and a "Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination Form" endorsed by the USDA before leaving the United States. Arrange this before your departure, not on your return.

Preparing your pet for the move to Costa Rica

The preparation timeline matters as much as the paperwork itself. Your vet preparations should start at least 30 days before travel to allow time for the 1-year rabies vaccine to meet Costa Rica's minimum pre-travel window, and the final health check must take place strictly within 14 days of your arrival date. Book that appointment carefully, as there is very little flexibility in the valid window.

Make sure your veterinarian is officially accredited by your national authority to issue international health documents. In the United States, this means working with a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Your vet does not just need to know your pet's health history; they also need to understand the specific documentation format and language requirements for Costa Rica.

For pets flying in the hold or as cargo, crate training well in advance of the journey is one of the most practical things you can do. Introducing your pet to an IATA-approved hard-sided travel crate months before travel helps reduce anxiety on the day. A familiar smell inside the crate, such as a piece of your clothing, can also help calm your pet during the flight.

Costa Rica is a tropical country with high humidity and heat, particularly in the lowland and coastal regions. Begin gradually acclimatising your pet to warmer conditions before the move if possible, and plan to walk dogs only in the early morning or late evening once you arrive to avoid paw pad burns on hot pavement. Constant access to fresh water will be essential, especially in the first weeks. Regarding sedation, most airlines explicitly ban sedatives for pets travelling in cargo, as sedation can impair an animal's ability to regulate body temperature and maintain balance during turbulence. Follow your vet's guidance on this point and do not self-medicate your pet before travel.

Travel options for pets going to Costa Rica

How your pet travels depends almost entirely on its size and weight. Small dogs and cats, typically under 7 to 9 kilograms depending on the carrier, can travel in-cabin in an airline-approved soft carrier stowed under the seat in front of you. Airlines that serve Costa Rica, including American, United, and Delta, all allow a limited number of in-cabin pets per flight, so book this option as early as possible once your flight is confirmed.

In recent years, most major US airlines have stopped accepting pets as checked baggage for civilian travellers on international routes. Medium and large dogs that cannot fit in an in-cabin carrier must therefore travel as manifest air cargo, which is handled through a separate facility from the passenger terminal and requires a licensed customs broker in Costa Rica to clear your pet on arrival. This significantly increases both cost and logistical complexity.

One important seasonal factor is the airline temperature embargo. Most carriers enforce heat embargoes roughly from mid-May through mid-September, banning pets from travelling in the cargo hold to tropical destinations due to dangerous ambient temperatures. Delta Airlines, for example, applies such restrictions during the summer months. If your move falls within this window and your dog is too large for the cabin, you may need to consider alternatives such as shared charter flights or specialist pet transport services, which have grown in availability as a premium option for large-breed owners.

Both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia have dedicated SENASA offices to inspect arriving pets, so your choice of entry point does not restrict your options.

Pet transport companies for Costa Rica moves

If your pet is travelling as manifest cargo, using a professional pet transport company or a licensed local customs broker is not optional. Without one, you cannot secure the SENASA import permit that cargo arrivals require. Beyond that legal necessity, transport specialists add real value: they assist with complex government endorsement paperwork, verify that crates meet IATA specifications, handle airline cargo bookings, arrange ground transport, and manage customs clearance at the Costa Rican end.

For owners of large breeds who face commercial cargo bans or seasonal heat embargoes, specialised pet air charter services have emerged as a growing alternative. These options fly pets directly into SJO or LIR on dedicated flights and bypass many of the restrictions that apply to commercial carriers. They come at a premium, but for some families, they are the only viable route.

When evaluating any transport company, be cautious of services that claim they can bypass SENASA requirements or that are vague about the 15-day parasite treatment rule. These shortcuts do not exist, and a company that implies otherwise puts your pet at risk of being detained at the border. Ask any prospective provider to explain the full documentation process in detail before committing.

Costs of relocating your pet to Costa Rica

Pet relocation costs vary considerably depending on your pet's size, your country of origin, and the travel method required. It is worth budgeting conservatively and accounting for costs that are easy to overlook.

• In-cabin airline fees: Typically between USD 125 and USD 200 per flight segment, depending on the carrier.
• Checked baggage fees (where still permitted): Range from USD 200 to USD 500.
• Manifest cargo and professional transport: Shipping a medium or large dog via a professional pet transport company generally costs between USD 2,000 and over USD 5,000 round trip, depending on the route, size of the animal, and services included.
• Government endorsement fees: In the United States, USDA endorsement fees typically range from USD 38 to USD 106, with additional processing fees charged by some vets. In Canada, the CFIA charges approximately CAD 22 (about USD 16) per form, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
• Exporting from Costa Rica: If you leave Costa Rica later with your pet, the local health certificate costs between USD 100 and USD 200. SENASA charges a processing fee of CRC 4,992 (about USD 9.50) plus small fiscal stamp fees, as listed by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.
• Local vet costs in Costa Rica: Annual rabies boosters are highly affordable once you arrive, typically costing between USD 10 and USD 25.

Travel day and the journey to Costa Rica

On the day of travel, keep all original documents in your carry-on bag. This includes the health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, parasite treatment records, and the import permit if applicable. Never pack these in checked luggage, as you will need them accessible throughout the journey and immediately on arrival.

When you land at SJO or LIR, proceed through immigration, collect your baggage, and then present yourself to the SENASA inspection area. An official will review your original paperwork and scan your pet's microchip. For pets arriving in-cabin or as checked baggage, this process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, provided your documents are in order.

Pets arriving as manifest cargo are processed at a separate facility and may be held for up to 24 hours for customs clearance, depending on the time of arrival and how quickly your local customs broker can act. This is another reason to use an experienced broker who knows the process well.

If possible, time your arrival for a weekday. Airport SENASA inspectors are available daily, but if any paperwork issue needs to be resolved at the main SENASA offices, those are only open Monday to Friday until 3:00 PM. Arriving on a Friday evening with an unresolved documentation problem could mean a longer wait for your pet.

Quarantine requirements in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not impose a quarantine period on dogs or cats that arrive with compliant documentation. If your paperwork is complete and correct, your pet clears customs and goes home with you the same day. This is one of the aspects of Costa Rica's import process that makes it relatively straightforward compared to many other countries.

That said, if your pet arrives with missing or invalid documents, SENASA can hold the animal while treatment or additional verification takes place, at your expense. Avoiding quarantine entirely comes down to preparation, not luck.

Settling your pet in Costa Rica

One of the first things to do after arriving is to establish local veterinary care. Costa Rica's tropical environment means that heartworm, fleas, and ticks are year-round concerns, not seasonal ones. A local vet will help you set up a prevention regimen appropriate for the region you are living in, whether that is a coastal area, the Central Valley, or the highlands.

If your stay is under 30 days, your original home-country health certificate remains valid for the return journey. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need a new Costa Rican health certificate issued by a local authorised veterinarian and validated by SENASA before you can export your pet. Plan this process with at least a few days of buffer before your departure date.

Be aware of local wildlife. Costa Rica's biodiversity is extraordinary, but it also means your pet may encounter snakes, coatis, monkeys, or stray dogs, particularly near jungle areas or on rural beaches. Keep dogs on a leash in unfamiliar environments and avoid allowing them to roam freely off-lead in areas where wildlife encounters are likely.

Pet services and supplies in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a well-developed veterinary sector, and finding a qualified vet is straightforward in most expat areas. Many vets in the San José metropolitan area, as well as in popular coastal communities, speak English. Emergency veterinary clinics are available 24 hours a day in the capital and in several major coastal hubs, which provides real peace of mind for new arrivals.

Most premium international pet food brands are stocked in local pet shops and supermarkets. If your pet requires a prescription diet, be aware that importing specific speciality foods can be expensive due to import taxes. Transitioning gradually to a high-quality, locally available brand may be a practical and cost-effective choice once you settle in.

Costa Rica also has an active NGO community working on animal welfare, and low-cost or free spay and neuter clinics are regularly organised in communities around the country, reflecting the country's growing commitment to responsible pet ownership. SENASA has also recently required breeders to formally register with the agency as part of efforts to crack down on unregulated breeding practices.

Pet-friendly living in Costa Rica

Finding pet-friendly accommodation in Costa Rica is generally easier than in many other expat destinations. Expat-heavy areas such as Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Jacó, and Escazú have a good supply of rentals that accept pets. Most vacation rentals charge a pet cleaning fee, but large refundable pet deposits are not common practice. As commonly reported by expats in Costa Rica, landlords in these communities tend to be pragmatic about pets, particularly dogs. A three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre, a typical choice for families with pets who need space, averages around USD 1,010 per month, according to Numbeo's Costa Rica cost of living data.

Dogs are widely accepted on many of Costa Rica's beaches, and outdoor cafes and traditional "sodas" regularly accommodate pets in their shaded seating areas. The social culture around pets is relaxed and inclusive, and you are unlikely to feel out of place bringing your dog to most casual outdoor settings. It is still good practice to keep dogs leashed near wildlife areas or on busy beaches, both for the safety of your pet and to respect the local environment.

Frequently asked questions about moving with pets to Costa Rica

Does Costa Rica require quarantine for dogs and cats?

No. Costa Rica does not require quarantine for dogs or cats. As long as you meet all vaccination, microchip, and parasite treatment requirements before travel, your pet clears customs and goes home with you the same day. Incomplete paperwork is the main reason animals are held on arrival, so preparation is everything.

Can I bring a Pitbull or Rottweiler to Costa Rica?

Yes. Costa Rica has no banned breed list for domestic dogs. Breeds commonly restricted in other countries, including Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and other large guard breeds, are welcome without any special restrictions or additional permits beyond the standard health requirements that apply to all dogs.

Does Costa Rica accept 3-year rabies vaccines?

No. SENASA requires a 1-year rabies vaccine specifically. Even if the vaccine vial is labelled as a 3-year product in your home country, Costa Rica will only recognise it as valid for one year from the date of administration. The vaccine must also have been given at least 30 days before your pet's arrival. Confirm the vaccine type with your vet well in advance of travel.

When must the parasite treatment be administered?

Both internal (tapeworm and nematode) and external (tick and flea) parasite treatments must be administered by a licensed veterinarian within 15 days of your pet's arrival in Costa Rica. The exact application date and the specific product used must be documented on the health certificate. This is a hard requirement, not a recommendation, and missing it will result in your pet being held for treatment.

How long is the veterinary health certificate valid?

The veterinary health certificate must be issued within 14 days of your arrival date in Costa Rica. It must then be endorsed by your national government veterinary authority, such as USDA APHIS in the United States or the CFIA in Canada, before you fly. Do not schedule the vet appointment too early, or the certificate will expire before you land.

Do I need an import permit for my pet?

A SENASA import permit is only required if your pet travels as manifest cargo, arrives unaccompanied, or if you are importing more than five personal pets. Pets flying in-cabin or, where still permitted, as checked baggage do not require an import permit. For cargo arrivals, the permit must be secured by a customs broker four to five days before the flight using the airway bill number.

Can my large dog travel as checked baggage from the United States?

In practice, most major US airlines no longer accept pets as checked baggage on international routes. Medium and large dogs must therefore fly as manifest cargo, which increases costs significantly and requires a licensed customs broker in Costa Rica to manage clearance on arrival. If your move falls during the summer heat embargo period, you may also need to consider a charter or specialist pet transport service.

How do I leave Costa Rica with my pet?

To export your pet from Costa Rica, a locally authorised veterinarian must conduct a clinical exam, verify your pet's vaccinations, and issue an export health certificate. You then take that certificate to a SENASA office to have it validated, which requires a processing fee of CRC 4,992 (about USD 9.50) plus small fiscal stamp costs, as listed by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica. Allow several days to complete this process before your departure date.