If you’re planning on moving to Costa Rica and you want to bring your pets along it is important that you have all the correct paperwork in order. The following is the basics on what you need to do to bring your pets to Costa Rica. Before you come, however, it is best to check with the Association of Residents of Costa Rica to make sure that the rules haven’t change. (Get in touch with them no later than 3 weeks before you are set to arrive!)

Cats and dogs coming into Costa Rica do not need to be quarantined upon arrival. You do, however, need to make sure that you get a certificate from your vet that complies with the US Department of Agriculture. (Most vets should know what form you need.) You also need to have current shots (within the last 30 days, not a day over) and a rabies shot that is at least 30 days, but less than one year, old. A number of immunizations are necessary for shipping pets internationally, and your vet should be able to tell you exactly what is needed. If not, they will be able to direct you to a vet who can tell you what you need.

Starting in January of 2008 Costa Rica started allowing pet birds to enter the country. The catch is that once the birds are here, they can never leave. So, if you are not positive that you are going to be in Costa Rica it is wise to leave your pet bird at home until you figure out if you are going to be here permanently, or if you are going to be willing to say Bye Bye Birdie when you leave!

Make sure you check with the airline before purchasing your tickets that animals are allowed to board during that time of year. There are certain “blackout” periods for animals and there are no exceptions to the rule. Keep digging at the airline until you can get someone to verify that the dates you wish to travel are acceptable for bringing in pets.

Some airlines allow only one animal per full fare paying passenger. Make sure and check up on the airlines policy for shipping animals.

At the moment it is not necessary for you to have your animal’s paperwork validated by the Costa Rica embassy in the US… but that could change. Check with the ARCR for the most current rules on importing animals to Costa Rica.

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