Bringing Your Pet to Costa Rica
Complete requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Costa Rica from the United States. Verified against official sources.
Costa Rica allows pets to enter without quarantine when paperwork is complete. Here's what you need, in order.
Step-by-step timeline
What it costs
Realistic all-in costs for an already-healthy pet. Does not include airline pet fees.
| Microchip (if not already chipped) | $40 – $80 |
| Rabies vaccination | $20 – $60 |
| Additional vaccines for dogs (DHLPP) | $40 – $100 |
| Parasite treatment (within 15 days of travel) | $20 – $60 |
| USDA-accredited vet exam + health certificate | $100 – $300 |
| USDA APHIS endorsement fee | $38 – $173 |
| SENASA import permit (cargo only) | $30 – $50 |
| Airline pet fee (in-cabin or cargo) | $125 – $300 |
| Typical all-in | $200 – $500 |
Common mistakes that cause denied entry
- Forgetting the additional dog vaccines (DHLPP — Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus). Costa Rica is unusual among Latin American countries in requiring these beyond rabies.
- Skipping the 15-day parasite treatment window. SENASA requires documentation of the treatment date, product name, and lot number on the health certificate.
- Missing the microchip paperwork. The microchip number must appear on the health certificate, rabies certificate, and any vaccine records — mismatched or missing numbers can cause holds.
- Flying as cargo without the SENASA import permit. In-cabin pets with accompanied owners don't need a permit; cargo arrivals do.
- Arriving with a health certificate issued more than 14 days before travel. Costa Rica accepts a 14-day window (more generous than the EU's 10-day), but expired certificates are refused.
Airline notes
United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Copa, Avianca, and Southwest all fly to San José (SJO). In-cabin pets are accepted on most routes up to 8 kg (17 lbs) including carrier. Liberia (LIR) is the main alternative entry if you're heading to Guanacaste beaches. Summer heat embargoes apply to brachycephalic breeds on cargo. Driving from the US through Mexico is possible but adds complexity — most people fly.
Frequently asked questions
Does Costa Rica require quarantine?
No. Costa Rica does not quarantine pets from the US if paperwork is complete. SENASA verifies documents at the airport and releases compliant pets directly to their owners. Pets with incomplete paperwork can be held at the airport (at the owner's expense) until the issue is resolved, or in rare cases refused entry.
What vaccines does my dog need beyond rabies?
Costa Rica requires DHLPP vaccination for dogs — Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Leptospirosis, and Parvovirus. These must be current and documented on the health certificate with vaccine brand, lot number, and date. This is more than many Latin American countries require. Cats don't have additional required vaccines, but FVRCP is strongly recommended. Leptospirosis is especially important because it's common in Costa Rica's tropical environment.
Do I need an import permit from SENASA?
Only if your pet flies as unaccompanied cargo. If your pet travels with you (in-cabin or as accompanied checked baggage), no permit is needed — SENASA handles documentation at the airport. For cargo arrivals, apply through SENASA using form DCA-PG-03-RE-01, submitted via email or through a Costa Rican customs broker. Permit fee is around $30 USD.
When must parasite treatment happen?
Within 15 days before arrival. Your USDA-accredited vet applies treatment for both internal parasites (nematodes and tapeworms) and external parasites (ticks, fleas). The treatment date, product name, and lot number must appear on the health certificate. Missing or vague parasite treatment documentation is one of the top reasons SENASA holds pets at the airport.
Can I fly my pet in cabin to Costa Rica?
Yes, for pets under about 8 kg (17 lbs) including carrier. United, American, Delta, JetBlue, Copa, and Southwest accept in-cabin pets on most Costa Rica routes. Southwest has particularly pet-friendly policies. Book the pet spot when you book your own ticket — airlines cap in-cabin pets at 4-6 per flight. For pets over 8 kg, you'll fly them as cargo, which requires the SENASA import permit.
Which airport should I fly into?
San José (SJO) for most destinations — it has the most daily flights, fuller SENASA staffing, and the widest range of airlines. Liberia (LIR) is better if you're heading to Guanacaste beaches (Tamarindo, Nosara, Playa del Coco). Both airports have SENASA animal inspection, but SJO processes more animal arrivals daily and has slightly faster clearance.
Is Costa Rica pet-friendly?
Yes, increasingly so. Dogs are welcome in most outdoor restaurants, many beaches, and national parks (leashed). Costa Rica's animal welfare laws are among Latin America's strongest. Veterinary care is widely available and affordable (a basic vet visit costs ~$30-50). Pet-friendly rentals are easier to find than in most Caribbean countries. Heartworm prevention and tick-borne disease prevention are essential due to the tropical climate — budget for monthly preventatives.
- SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal) — Cuarentena Animal · last checked 2026-04-19
- USDA APHIS — Pet Travel to Costa Rica · last checked 2026-04-19
- U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica — APHIS FAQ · last checked 2026-04-19
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