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Bringing a Dog or Cat to Costa Rica
Dogs and cats entering Costa Rica need a health certificate based on a vet exam within 2 weeks of departure and endorsed by the official vet service of the departure country (USDA APHIS in the US), a rabies vaccine valid on the day of entry for pets over 3 months, core vaccines, and an internal and external parasite treatment within 15 days before export. Pets travelling with their owner need no import permit.
Requirements at a glance
| Microchip | SENASA's sheet says 'if the pet has one'; a December 2025 ministry notice says it is required. Microchip your pet |
|---|---|
| Rabies vaccine | Pets over 3 months; must be valid on the day of entry. No waiting period stated |
| Other vaccines | Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis. Cats: rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia |
| Parasites | Internal and external treatment within 15 days before export, listed on the certificate |
| Health certificate | Vet exam within 2 weeks of departure; issued or endorsed by the official vet service (USDA APHIS in the US); in Spanish or English |
| Import permit | None for pets travelling with the owner; cargo or unaccompanied pets need one, requested by a customs broker |
| Quarantine | None listed; pets with ticks, tumours or fresh wounds are refused |
| Plan ahead | At least 2 weeks |
Step-by-step timeline
- 2+ weeks beforeCheck that the rabies and core vaccines are current. Puppies and kittens under 3 months are not vaccinated against rabies, but their vaccination plan must be certified.
- Within 2 weeks of departureVet exam and health certificate. In the US, USDA APHIS then endorses it; the printed endorsed certificate travels with the pet.
- Within 15 days of departureInternal and external parasite treatment, with date, product, lot and active ingredient on the certificate. It can be done at the same visit.
- Cargo onlyIf your pet flies as manifest cargo or without you, a customs broker in Costa Rica requests the import permit before arrival. SENASA answers within 24 working hours.
- ArrivalShow the original certificate and a copy at the border inspection post. No notary or consular stamp is needed.
Dogs vs cats
Dogs and cats need different core vaccines, listed above. Pets coming from the EU, the UK or EFTA countries that will return home must bring a valid rabies antibody test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Common mistakes
- Arriving with ticks, fresh wounds or tumours. The pet is refused entry and sent back.
- Shipping your pet as cargo without a customs broker. The import permit must be requested before the pet lands.
- Giving the parasite treatment too early. It must fall within the 15 days before export.
- Letting the rabies vaccine expire before the day of entry.
Official source: SENASA: requirements for importing dogs and cats (Spanish)
Other destinations
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog to Costa Rica?
Not if your dog travels with you in the cabin or as checked baggage. Pets flying as manifest cargo or unaccompanied need a permit, requested by a customs broker before arrival.
Is there quarantine for pets in Costa Rica?
SENASA does not list one. Pets are inspected at the border, and those with ticks or other parasites, tumours or fresh wounds are refused.
Does my pet need a rabies titer test for Costa Rica?
Not to enter. Pets from the EU, the UK and EFTA countries that will go home again must carry a valid antibody test result of 0.5 IU/ml or more.
Does my pet need a microchip for Costa Rica?
SENASA's requirement sheet lists the microchip only if the pet has one, but a December 2025 notice from the Ministry of Agriculture says it is required. Microchip your pet and put the number on the certificate.
Sources
- SENASA: requirements for importing dogs and cats (Spanish)
- USDA APHIS: pet travel from the US to Costa Rica
Rules change. Always confirm with the official source above and your vet before you travel or change a vaccine plan.