To enter Costa Rica, pets need a completed, approved health certificate. These certificates are obtained from the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud), and completed by your veterinarian at home. To get the authorization, forms should be presented in person, but may be faxed if necessary. At Customs, you must present the authorization (valid for 30 days) and your pet will be released into your care. Be aware that in order to return you will need an additional form that is completed by a Costa Rican vet and authorized again - this may take a few days so don't leave it until the last minute.