Costa Rica Pet Import Requirements: How to Bring a Pet to Costa Rica in 2026

Veterinary Certificate:
The animal must have a veterinary certificate issued no more than 14 days prior to arrival, certifying that it is healthy and has been vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies Vaccination:
A rabies vaccination is required and must be given within the period indicated on the certificate.

No Quarantine:
Costa Rica does not have a quarantine period for imported pets.

Transportation Methods:
Animals may be transported in the cabin (as carry-on baggage) or in the hold.

Import Permit:
Unaccompanied animals require an import permit issued by Costa Rica.

APHIS Endorsement:
The health certificate must be endorsed by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) after being issued by an accredited USDA veterinarian.
Pre-arrangement with the airline:
It is necessary to arrange in advance with the airline about transporting an animal, as not all airlines carry animals.

Rabies Vaccination:
Rabies vaccination is mandatory, regardless of the vaccine manufacturer.

Other Vaccinations:
Comprehensive vaccination against other common diseases is also recommended, such as canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus infections and adenovirus infections for dogs; panleukopenia for cats; canine distemper, viral enteritis, pseudomonas for ferrets; myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease for rabbits.

Deworming:
The animal must be dewormed within 15 days before the certificate is issued.

Minimum age for pets to enter Costa Rica is 15 weeks (rabies vaccination after 12 weeks + 21 days for immunity to develop as a result of vaccination)

The minimum age for pets to enter Costa Rica is 15 weeks
You can import up to 5 pets.
Costa Rica does not impose restrictions on the import of brachycephalic breeds, but many airlines prohibit their transportation.

For pets that are transported as cargo or are brought into the country without an owner, you must hire a customs agent in Costa Rica who will be responsible for processing the prior import authorization.

Exotic animals such as sugar gliders and ferrets, as well as birds, cannot be imported into Costa Rica.
Importing rabbits and rodents into Costa Rica requires an import permit and compliance with veterinary requirements, including animal health certification.

Transit of pets through Costa Rica is possible, but requires compliance with certain rules and paperwork. It is important to obtain an import permit in advance if the pet is transported in the luggage compartment or as cargo. It is also necessary to provide a veterinary certificate of the animal’s health and vaccinations

Official Information on Bringing Pets to Costa Rica

First, you need to visit a veterinarian. He will prepare an export certificate.
Then the certificate must be submitted for verification and signature to SENASA (National Livestock Service)

Rabies vaccination
Complex vaccination
Deworming and insectoacaricidal treatment

National Animal Health Service SENASA