Costa Rica – Importing a Pet

Does Costa Rica allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Domestic dogs and cats, including recognised service and assistance animals, may be brought into Costa Rica. SENASA, which operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, has established a thorough framework of sanitary conditions for importing these animals, reflecting the country’s commitment to preventing the arrival of zoonotic diseases. Adherence to these regulations is mandatory, not optional — this is an administrative process with defined steps that must each be completed correctly.

Wolf hybrids are excluded from standard pet import procedures, as are Savannah and Bengal cats unless they are at least fifth-generation removed from their wild ancestors. These restrictions stem from the fact that such animals retain characteristics typical of wild species and therefore fall outside the health protocols designed for conventional domestic pets.

Costa Rica itself imposes no nationwide breed bans and no restrictions based on a pet’s country of origin. That said, individual airlines operating routes to Costa Rica may have their own policies regarding specific breeds — particularly large dogs or those with brachycephalic features. Always contact your carrier directly before booking to confirm whether your pet’s breed is accepted.

The importation of pet birds is not permitted in Costa Rica. Reptiles, rabbits, and other exotic animals are subject to case-by-case assessment and will require supplementary permits. For any animal covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), additional permit applications are mandatory. Consult the CITES database at cites.org to determine whether your pet falls under this framework.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering Costa Rica?

All pets over three months of age must carry proof of a rabies vaccination given no less than one month before the date of travel, with the dose valid for up to one year. A rabies antibody titer test cannot be substituted for actual vaccination. This distinguishes Costa Rica from countries like New Zealand or Japan — which maintain rabies-free status and impose highly restrictive import protocols accordingly — as Costa Rica accepts straightforwardly vaccinated pets once the required paperwork is in order.

Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. Cats must be vaccinated against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. These correspond broadly to the core vaccination schedules recommended by most international veterinary bodies, meaning that pets whose vaccinations are already up to date will likely have many of these covered.

An exemption from the leptospirosis vaccine may be available if a government agency from the country of origin can provide written confirmation that the disease is not present there. If you believe this applies to your situation, seek formal written documentation from your national veterinary authority and have it included with or attached to your health certificate.

Thorough record-keeping is central to SENASA’s requirements. The official health certificate must function as a complete summary of the animal’s preventative care history, specifying the date of each vaccination, the commercial name of the vaccine, its lot number, and its expiry date. Every vaccination must be current and valid on the date the pet enters Costa Rica.

Beyond vaccinations, a documented parasite control programme is obligatory. Dogs and cats alike must receive treatment for both internal and external parasites within the 15 days immediately before arrival. The accompanying documentation must identify the brand name of each product used, its lot number, and the exact date of application. As of 2025, this 15-day window is strictly observed — always confirm current requirements with SENASA before making travel arrangements.

What is the application process for importing a pet into Costa Rica, and what paperwork is required?

The entire preparation process must be carried out in your country of origin, in the correct sequence. Attempting steps out of order — or rushing through them — is among the most frequent reasons pets are held up or refused entry. The steps below must be followed in the order presented:

1. Microchip your pet. SENASA requires all imported dogs and cats to be permanently identified via microchip. This unique identification number must appear explicitly on every piece of official documentation, including the international veterinary certificate. An ISO-compliant chip readable by standard universal scanners is strongly advisable to ensure compatibility with equipment used at Costa Rican ports of entry.
2. Ensure all vaccinations are current. Confirm that the rabies vaccination was administered at least 21–30 days before the planned travel date, and verify that all other required vaccines — distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis for dogs; rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia for cats — are valid and will remain so on the date of arrival. Costa Rica accepts three-year rabies vaccinations.
3. Complete parasite treatment. A licensed veterinarian must administer treatment for both internal and external parasites within the 15 days preceding entry into Costa Rica. The product name, lot number, and date of treatment must all be formally recorded.
4. Obtain an official health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. A licensed veterinarian in the country of departure must conduct a physical examination of the pet within two weeks of the travel date. This examination confirms that the animal shows no signs of illness or parasitic infestation. The vet then issues a health certificate documenting the pet’s condition alongside verified proof of all required vaccinations. As of 2025, an international health certificate is mandatory for all pets entering Costa Rica, and it must be endorsed by the national animal health authority and issued no more than 14 days before travel.
5. Have the health certificate endorsed by the relevant national authority. The certificate requires official endorsement — typically from a government veterinary body — before SENASA will accept it on arrival. Your veterinarian should be able to identify the correct endorsing authority in your country. Carry at least three copies of the endorsed certificate.
6. Obtain an import permit for cargo shipments. If your pet is entering Costa Rica as manifest air cargo or under any service arrangement involving an airway bill — whether or not you yourself are travelling on the same flight — a Costa Rican customs broker must secure an import permit on your behalf. This permit must be obtained at least four days before the animal arrives.
7. Arrange Spanish translations of all documents. All original documentation must be accompanied by Spanish translations for inspection by SENASA officials at the point of entry.
8. Present documents upon arrival. SENASA inspectors stationed at the airport or border crossing will examine your paperwork for completeness and may conduct a physical inspection of the animal. If all documentation is in order, the pet is released without any quarantine period.

Does Costa Rica require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

There is no quarantine requirement in Costa Rica. Animals that are healthy and arrive with the full set of correctly prepared documents are handed over to their owners immediately. This makes entry considerably more straightforward than destinations such as Australia or New Zealand, where even fully compliant pets must undergo mandatory quarantine stays of up to ten days.

The absence of quarantine should not, however, be read as leniency. Pets that do not meet import requirements will be refused entry and returned to their point of origin — or, in cases where return is not possible, euthanised. All costs associated with the disposition of a non-compliant animal are borne by the importer. The system rewards thorough preparation and penalises oversight harshly.

Among the most frequently cited errors, according to SENASA, are vaccinations that have lapsed or microchip details missing from documentation, both of which can trigger a hold while the issue is investigated. Reports of travellers who neglected the parasite treatment requirement — leading to extended delays for their animals — serve as a clear warning. Treat every documentation requirement as fixed and non-negotiable: a single administrative gap can result in your pet being detained or denied entry outright.

Even when entry is ultimately approved, pets may be held for up to 24 hours for supplementary inspection or paperwork review if questions arise about the documentation. Building a time buffer into your travel schedule is a sensible precaution.

Is Costa Rica part of any international pet travel scheme?

The phrase “pet passport” occasionally appears in discussions about bringing animals to Costa Rica, but this refers loosely to the bundle of documents required — not to any formal scheme. Costa Rica is not a participant in the EU Pet Travel Scheme or any comparable regional arrangement.

This means that no matter where your journey begins, an EU Pet Passport or equivalent scheme-issued document will not satisfy Costa Rican entry requirements on its own. However, the flip side of not belonging to a tiered scheme is that Costa Rica does not differentiate between countries of origin — the same requirements apply to all arriving pets, regardless of where they come from. There is no preferential treatment for pets from particular nations, and the process is uniform across the board.

In practical terms, every owner must compile the same documentation package: microchip records, a complete vaccination history, parasite treatment records, and a nationally endorsed international health certificate — each element prepared within the timeframes specified by SENASA. No scheme booklet or regional shortcut exists. Costa Rica’s requirements function as a self-contained system, comparable in spirit to what many countries ask of arrivals from nations without bilateral agreements — consistent and transparent, but demanding individual preparation.

If you are travelling from an EU member state and your pet already has an EU Pet Passport, that document can serve as a convenient summary of your pet’s microchip number and vaccination history. Nonetheless, it does not replace the endorsed international health certificate that Costa Rica mandates.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in Costa Rica?

No single national pet licensing system currently requires compliance from all pet owners following arrival in Costa Rica. However, ongoing obligations do exist at both national and local levels, and understanding them before settling in is worthwhile.

Legislation known as the “Municipal Service for the Attention of Companion Animals” was passed by the Legislative Assembly and signed into law. Once operative, this law obliges every municipality across Costa Rica to establish programmes covering responsible pet ownership, humane population management, zoonosis prevention, and animal welfare within their canton. In practice, this means that local obligations — such as registration requirements, identification mandates, or animal welfare standards — may differ depending on where you live. It is advisable to contact your local municipal office (municipalidad) upon arrival to establish what applies in your canton.

SENASA has entered into agreements with a number of municipalities to deliver training, guidance on population control, and animal welfare programme support, and to designate those municipalities as authorised partners for delivering SENASA-related services. In certain areas, this means local municipal offices can directly facilitate SENASA-related registration or welfare processes.

While a compulsory universal pet licensing scheme has been discussed in the Costa Rican legislature over a number of years, no such system was in force as of early 2026. For the most current information, consult the SENASA website at senasa.go.cr and your local municipalidad, as requirements and fees vary between cantons and are subject to revision.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to Costa Rica?

Airline restrictions and cabin versus cargo travel: While Costa Rica imposes no quarantine and its import process is more straightforward than many destinations, your pet’s size, breed, and health status will shape the flight options available to you. Small animals travelling in an approved carrier that fits under the seat ahead may qualify for cabin transport, whereas larger animals must be checked in as baggage or sent as cargo. Carriers typically require IATA-compliant crates or carriers across both options.

Breed restrictions imposed by airlines: Although Costa Rica has no nationwide breed bans, individual airlines serving routes to the country may restrict certain breeds. Volaris, which operates popular services into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, places restrictions on breeds regarded as dangerous or aggressive and requires owners of brachycephalic or snub-nosed pets to sign a liability waiver at check-in. Declare your pet’s breed at the time of booking to avoid complications on the day of travel.

Number of pets permitted per person: Costa Rican regulations allow up to five personal pets to be imported per person. Airline policy, however, frequently imposes tighter limits on the number of animals allowed per passenger or per flight, so book early and notify the carrier at the time of reservation.

Approved entry points: The principal international airports are Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. On landing, your pet will need to be assessed by SENASA veterinary staff at the airport, or alternatively cleared by a licensed Costa Rican vet within 14 days of arrival. SENASA maintains a presence at both airports.

Costs and fees: SENASA charges fees according to its official tariff schedule as part of the export and import certification process. Because these figures are updated periodically, it is preferable to consult the current schedule directly at senasa.go.cr or to contact SENASA for precise figures rather than relying on third-party sources. If a customs broker is engaged for a cargo shipment, their fees will be additional to any government charges.

Holy Week (Semana Santa): SENASA operates with reduced staffing during Holy Week. If travel during this period is unavoidable, have your veterinarian telephone SENASA’s office at Juan Santamaría airport in advance on 2442-6059 to confirm what services will be available. Wherever possible, scheduling your pet’s arrival outside this window is advisable to reduce the risk of delays.

Planning for future travel with your pet: Some countries classify Costa Rica as a higher-risk country for rabies, meaning a rabies titer test may be required before your pet can re-enter certain destinations. As this test must be conducted at an accredited laboratory and results may take several weeks, plan ahead well before any return or onward journey.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into Costa Rica?

SENASA — Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (National Animal Health Service): SENASA, operating within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, is the principal authority for all sanitary requirements governing the import of dogs and cats into Costa Rica. Its website at senasa.go.cr publishes official forms, current tariff schedules, and regulatory updates. Enquiries can also be directed to 2587-1600 or to [email protected]. This is the single most authoritative source to consult before making any travel arrangements involving your pet.

SENASA — Dirección de Cuarentena Animal (Animal Quarantine Directorate): The Dirección de Cuarentena Animal within SENASA can be reached on 2587-1710 or 2587-1714. The Ministry (SENASA-Cuarentena Animal) is located in Barreal de Heredia, Jardines del Recuerdo, 2 km West, 400 metres South, Heredia. This department handles import permits, certificate endorsements, and quarantine-related matters directly.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG — Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería): SENASA sits within MAG. The Ministry’s broader regulatory remit covers national biosecurity and animal welfare policy. Visit mag.go.cr for policy-level information and updates on relevant legislation.

Your national veterinary authority: Before departing, contact the official veterinary or agriculture authority in your home country to confirm which health certificate format Costa Rica will accept from your country of origin and what endorsements are required. The precise endorsement process can vary slightly by country, so verifying directly with your national authority is essential.

Your local municipality (municipalidad): For post-arrival obligations — including local registration, pet welfare programme participation, or compliance with municipal by-laws — contact your canton’s municipal office. Requirements vary between municipalities, and local authorities are playing an increasingly active role in animal welfare matters under Costa Rica’s companion animal legislation.

Regulations governing pet imports can change at relatively short notice, particularly in response to disease outbreaks or international health alerts. Always verify current requirements directly with SENASA before travelling, and treat third-party guides and online forums — however recently updated — as background reading rather than definitive guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my pet arrives in Costa Rica without the correct paperwork?

SENASA has made clear that animals arriving without full compliance with mandatory health requirements will be refused entry and returned to their country of origin. Where return is not feasible, euthanasia may be the outcome. All expenses associated with the resolution of a non-compliant case fall to the importer. There is no on-the-spot remedy or grace period — meticulous preparation before travel is the only safeguard.

How long does the full pet import process take from start to finish?

The duration depends primarily on where your pet’s vaccination record currently stands. A first-time rabies vaccination requires a minimum waiting period of 21–30 days before travel can take place. The health certificate must be issued no more than 14 days before arrival, and parasite treatment must be administered within the 15-day window preceding entry. Once all vaccinations are confirmed as current, allow at least four to six weeks to complete every step, obtain the necessary endorsements, and organise logistics — longer still if a cargo import permit is required.

Are the rules different for cats versus dogs?

The core process is identical for both species: rabies vaccination, microchip identification, an endorsed health certificate, and parasite treatment within 15 days of arrival are required for dogs and cats alike. The species-specific difference lies in the additional vaccines required — distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis for dogs; rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia for cats. Always confirm the current species-specific vaccine list with SENASA or your veterinarian before travel.

Can I import a rescue or shelter animal into Costa Rica?

No prohibition exists on importing rescue animals, but the same documentation requirements apply regardless of how the pet was obtained. The most common difficulty with rescue animals is incomplete or unavailable medical histories. All necessary vaccines must be administered and recorded prior to travel, and a microchip must be fitted. If the animal’s age is uncertain, a veterinarian can estimate it to confirm whether the over-three-months rabies vaccination requirement is met. Allow additional preparation time when working with rescue animals.

Do I need a customs broker to bring my pet to Costa Rica?

A customs broker based in Costa Rica is required to obtain an import permit whenever a pet enters the country as manifest air cargo or under any arrangement involving an airway bill — regardless of whether the owner is travelling on the same flight. For pets travelling in-cabin with their owner, a broker is generally not necessary. For cargo shipments, engaging a broker or specialist pet relocation service is strongly advisable to ensure the permit process is handled correctly.

Can I bring more than one pet into Costa Rica at the same time?

Costa Rican regulations permit the importation of up to five personal pets per person. However, individual airlines impose their own limits on how many animals may travel per passenger or per flight, and some carriers restrict bookings to one or two pets. Each animal must have its own complete documentation package, health certificate, and — where applicable — import permit.

Does Costa Rica require a rabies titer test before my pet can enter?

Costa Rica does not require a rabies titer test for entry. What is required is proof of a valid rabies vaccination and documented parasite treatment within 15 days of travel. Titer test results or veterinary exemption letters cannot substitute for actual vaccination. Bear in mind, however, that if you intend to travel on from Costa Rica — or return to your home country — the destination may require a titer test. Arrange this well in advance, as the testing and results process can take several weeks.

What should I do if I am travelling to Costa Rica during Semana Santa (Holy Week)?

SENASA operates with a reduced workforce during Holy Week. If travel during this period is unavoidable, your veterinarian should contact SENASA’s office at Juan Santamaría airport in advance by calling 2442-6059 to establish what services will be accessible. Scheduling your pet’s arrival before or after Holy Week is preferable wherever possible. Should travel during this period be unavoidable, contacting SENASA early ensures you are aware of any additional steps required.