Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Costa Rica Expat Forum

Bringing pets into Costa Rica

New Topic Newest First
BrookeB
  1/7/2016 12:15 EST

Does anyone have any expierience bringin pets into Costa Rica that they can share? I've read that my 6 would be too much. Are there any special vaccinations or is it much like most countries, rabies shot and a good bill of health? And how realistic is it to find a rental with pets?

celferis
  1/7/2016 12:20 EST

What kind of pets are you bringing in? Depends if it's dogs/cats or something else, like birds.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

Kohl
  1/7/2016 13:39 EST

It depends on what pets you are intending to import, how large they are and where you are presently residing.

I've 'heard' that some new regulations are in place for 2016 but I don't what they are.

Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and rabies and cats are required be vaccinated against rabies.
Canada has an additional requirement.

Proof of official rabies vaccination certificate must accompany the health documents and is valid for the period of the vaccine (1 or 3 years).

http://costarica.usembassy.gov/catsdogs.html

For most pets, only 1 pet permitted, per cabin, per traveler and the rest either as excess baggage or cargo, which is expensive and usually requires a broker.

There is presently an embargo on birds.

celferis
  1/7/2016 13:56 EST

Actually I just got some updated information on birds. There isn't an embargo bringing birds in, but's it a very complicated process. For dogs, United has PetSmart program that will take dogs; you don't need a broker from the US.

spcruz
  1/7/2016 14:06 EST

Hi, I did extensive research on importing my lil dawg. 1st they need all their vaccinations & it must be done by a vet 4 the documentation. A series of 2 Lepiritus (sp) with a 4 to 6 week interval between is mandatory. It's a vac. that is for a disease that wild critters can carry & die from.
For transportation if you're flying down you can brin 1 or 2 with you in either the cabin (if small enough & there's room) or in the pressurized pet area in baggage. It's $100 on Alaska & Delta. 10 days prior to flying you need a health certificate from the vet w/ all records of vaccination. After that u need it stamped by the USDA. No pet needs to go to that office. The cost of the USDA stamp is $35.00... some airlines, like Delta, will not fly during during hot weather. Some breeds cannot be accepted like all Massler breeds, bulldogs, pugs etc. Tooooo many problems from the breathing difficulties with some breeds.
Hope this helps!

spcruz
  1/7/2016 14:21 EST

Oops, also many airlines alow 2 puppies/tiny breeds, kittens in one carrier. Delta will not allow animals on flights in August thru the end of September due to excessive heat. It should be noted as well that if your critter's vet thinks sedation is needed then use caution when administrating it! Delta, one of a few, will reject an animals boarding if it "appears sedated, loopy, drugged up."
In my lil rat dawgs case he's a mess with people he doesn't know if he can't see me. It's 9.5 to 11 hours of flying with a brief law over in LA. I couldn't stand him being under a seat (except no room in business class where I am) & he'd be obnoxious whining.
Your crate has to be solid, in cargo area, with ventilation holes around the entire crate. Also required: metal fixation( no plastic wing nuts), opening in front, "puppy pad" to soak up accidents, water ,food dish, copy of all documentation which includes last watering & feeding and a zip ties to lock crate. I got a small/med. sized on w/a kit that has everything on Amazon Prime. It was by far the least expensive & is a great crate.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

Kohl
  1/7/2016 14:29 EST

United no longer accept pets as 'extra baggage' but now offer the 'Petsafe' program.

Some other airlines will allow pets as 'extra baggage' if they are over the allowable 20lb, including carrier to travel as in-cabin' and under 100lb including kennel. If over the permitted 100lb, they are required to travel as 'cargo' and then require a broker or if the animals are traveling on a different flight from their owner then a broker is required.

Yes, it has been very complicated to bring in birds for many years but I had read recently that an embargo was once again, in place. Most folk just give up.

BrookeB
  1/7/2016 15:37 EST

Thanks to everyone for all of the info. I'd be bringing cats and dogs. Since I have 6 I might look into using a company that relocates pets to help, but if airlines now offer pet programs I might look into that too. I hate the idea of having to send pets as baggage but I suppose there's no other way with 6. And it's good to know that some airlines are now suspicious of sedated animals. That used to be the norm 10 years ago when carrying pets in the cabin.

Kohl
  1/7/2016 16:44 EST

Having 6 pets, that will want/need to go outside, I presume you will want something with a fenced yard to keep them in. A condo will not likely accept that many pets, so procuring suitable accommodation could prove to be difficult.
You need to keep a watch for animals, snakes and insects that will go after pets. Three of our dogs have been bitten by snakes, over the years.

laurajhawk
  1/8/2016 16:11 EST

Hi Brooke, I'm in very early days of thinking about relocating (it would be a few years from now), but I have five pets (cats and dogs). It has occurred to me to wonder whether it would be cheaper to purchase plane tickets for trusted friends to accompany them, rather than a professional service. Something to think about maybe?

Kohl
  1/8/2016 17:39 EST

While a good idea, there is a maximum number of pets allowed in-cabin, and of course, it will depend whether the pet carriers, will fit 'under the seats'. Otherwise using a pet service, they still have to abide by the same rules of the airline and the animals travel in the same space, as one traveling as 'excess baggage' if over 20lb.
Also, all the paperwork for the pet must be in the name of the passenger.

Allianz CareAllianz Care
Get Quote

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Allianz Care's plans ensure that you have access to quality healthcare whenever you need it. Our flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. You can submit your claims digitally and our helpline is available 24/7 to help you anytime.
Get Quote

AmyH41
  4/16/2016 00:38 EST

Hi Brooke,

I am moving in July with 4 dogs and 3 cats and we are driving! I've ordered all the pets their passports and the papers for the necessary countries border crossings, health certificates, etc.

Have you moved yet? Will you share your experience if you have?

Marthacam
  4/16/2016 12:55 EST

Hi Amy. Where are you driving from to reach Costa Rica? We're in Mexico and have 8 cats to bring. Had thought about driving but have concerns about safety. Thanks.

pebbalita
  3/23/2017 19:37 EST

Hi My original post disappeared so this is a quickie I did a google search of Pet friendly rentals in Costa Rica Most were over $100 per night I found one cute house pet friendly looks nice Unfortunately Incompetent Idiots TRIPE Advisor is renting it ,,so worst travel site ever Good luck try to contact owner,,vu=ia them here is the link
https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g309253-d6431842-Casa_Rustica_1_Boutique_Style_Beach_House_a_few_steps_from_the_surf-Tamarindo_Province.html

pebbalita
  3/23/2017 19:41 EST

COST of driving bribes at borders NOT so safe countries I KNOW,AND cost far more than flying IF you make it safely Good Luck I would NEVER do it even for my beloved dogs I would rather make several trips .with as many dogs as Airlines will accept (all different) and board them while here I may know a vet to do that ...Good Luck don't drive too dangerous HORROR stories I have heard from the horses mouths..

playasdelcoco
  3/24/2017 00:16 EST

About pets:
Here where I live the new Board is making a war on cats and dogs!
I feel so sad!
My husband had to stand up on the annual meeting to defend a cat that was born here and this is the only home he knows!
He is a natural hunter but we also give him food and take him to the vet.
My heart breaks for those who are renters and who have pets!-Even the homeowners now are not allowed to have pets, they say.
Last night I was exchanging emails about this subject with another homeowner who lives in Australia.
A lady with Parkinson's disease who has a little dog for emotional support and who has all the legal papers for the dog, is now being the casualty of the new board.
We are trying to help her!
Please pray for her!

Kohl
  3/24/2017 10:17 EST

While it is not uncommon for condo to restrict pets, on the premises, I feel very sorry for those whose 'family' is now being denied access.

I would check with a lawyer regarding the emotional support dog.

I understand that many landlords restrict pets due to their nature, who may chase away wildlife, that the tourists come here to see.

Unfortunately, our dogs tend to chase iguanas and bark at the monkeys that come too close to the house...but it is not a problem for us, as the landlord has no issues with them.

playasdelcoco
  3/24/2017 22:02 EST

Khol,
This is a new law that those who only spend a few months here but who are on the Board because they keep choosing each other and there is no one else interested in replacing them, came up with.
My husband said that in the annual meeting the lawyer said that the board couldn't stop people from having pets inside the condos.
Conclusion: the condo owner stood up for this lady and he was emailing the Administration about the laws for pets that are considered to be for emotional support.
Tonight we came back from Coconutz and I had an email from the lady saying that she had found a building in Las Palmas that is pet friendly.I'm so happy for her because even though I wish she would move back here I know she would be always very stressful since the dog couldn't be on the common grounds.
The dog (female) doesn't chase wildlife.She is always on a leash!

Kohl
  3/25/2017 07:39 EST

Hope it works out for her.

playasdelcoco
  3/25/2017 18:30 EST

Khol,
The condo owner where she was supposed to be moving in contacted me and he said that he had given orders to his property manager to give back to the lady the deposit she had already made!
The lady also contacted me and she confirmed it!

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Costa Rica GuideLiving in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa RicaHealthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa RicaCost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa RicaMoving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa RicaReal Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros Cons of Living in Costa RicaPros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa RicaRetiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Visa and Residency Costa RicaCosta Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz CareAllianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute to Costa Rica Network Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal