Travel to Costa Rica with a Dog: Bringing a Pet to Costa Rica?

Here are reviews and details to help you see if Costa Rica is dog friendly and cat friendly

Official Costa Rica government document on importing pets

Official government website on pets coming from the US to Costa Rica

Costa Rica Pets Allowed: Entry Requirements from Non-high Rabies Country 

Medical Requirements:

• Rabies vaccine (unless puppy under 3 months)
• internally and externally dewormed within 15 days
• Treatment within 15 days of ectoparasites (e.g. ticks) and wounds
• Health clearance from a vet within 14 days of travel
• Dogs were vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis
• Cats were vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia

Documentation Required and How to Get it:

A vet from the country of departure will create a Bilingual Spanish International health certificate. The certificate must be obtained within 14 days of your pet’s arrival. For pets coming from the US, that certificate has to be endorsed by a USDA Endorsement Office. For pets coming from another country, the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals should endorse the health certificate.

Entry Requirements for Pets into Costa Rica from High Rabies Country

Medical Requirements: 

• Rabies vaccine (unless puppy under 3 months)
• internally and externally dewormed within 15 days
• Treatment within 15 days of ectoparasites (e.g. ticks) and wounds
• Health clearance from a vet within 14 days of travel
• Dogs were vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis
• Cats were vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia

Rabies titer tests are NOT required.

 Documentation Required and how to get it:

A vet from the country of departure will create a Bilingual Spanish International health certificate. The certificate must be obtained within 14 days of your pet’s arrival. For pets coming from the US, that certificate has to be endorsed by a USDA Endorsement Office. For pets coming from another country, the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals should endorse the health certificate.

Additional Considerations

Microchip Requirements:

NA

Quarantine Requirements (if any):

Pets may be returned to the country they came from if they don’t meet the health requirements (at the owners’ expense).

Breed Restrictions:

NA

Number of pet restrictions:

None listed

Other:

An import permit issued by Costa Rica is required for pets arriving without their owner on the same flight or in cargo.

Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?

No

Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?

No

Are you flying to Costa Rica?

Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide

Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety

This information was last updated January 2023. 
If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.