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Moving Pets to Costa Rica: SENASA Rules, Vaccinations, and Zero-Quarantine Entry

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Costa Rica is a popular destination for North American and European expats and retirees - and it’s one of the more pet-friendly countries in Latin America. No quarantine, no titre test, and straightforward documentation make the process manageable.

No Quarantine

Costa Rica operates a documentation-based import system rather than quarantine. If your paperwork is correct, your pet is released on arrival after inspection. Incomplete documentation can lead to the animal being held or returned - so precision matters.

Core Documentation

DocumentRequirement
ISO 15-digit microchipYes
Rabies vaccinationCurrent and within validity period
Distemper/parvovirus/hepatitis (dogs)Current
Feline respiratory and panleukopenia (cats)Current
Health certificateIssued within 30 days of travel, endorsed by government authority
International air waybill numberRequired for cargo shipments

Health Certificate Details

The health certificate must:

  • Be issued on official government letterhead or SENASA-accepted format
  • Be signed by an accredited vet
  • Be endorsed by the government authority (APHA for UK, USDA APHIS for USA)
  • State that the animal has been examined and is free of signs of infectious disease

UK to Costa Rica: Book your OV vet appointment well in advance of the APHA endorsement window. APHA endorsement adds 5-10 working days.

Entry at Juan Santamaría Airport

All pets arriving in Costa Rica enter through Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José. The SENASA inspection office is at the airport. Present all original documents. Cargo pets are collected from the cargo terminal after inspection.

Small Dog Cabin Option

Costa Rica-bound routes typically connect through Miami, Houston, or New York. Airlines that allow small dogs in the cabin (under 8 kg including carrier) include United, American, and Delta for North American connections. Check individual airline policies for transatlantic legs.

Cost Estimate (UK to Costa Rica)

ItemEstimated Cost
OV appointment + APHA endorsement£200-350
Airline cargo£600-1,200
Total~£800-1,550

Sources: Costa Rica SENASA official pet import requirements; APHA UK export guidance. Data current as of May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Costa Rica does not require quarantine for pets arriving with a valid SENASA health certificate, current vaccinations, and an ISO microchip. Animals are inspected on arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport.

No. Costa Rica does not require a rabies antibody titre test. A current rabies vaccination (within validity period) is sufficient.

SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Animal) is Costa Rica’s animal health authority. A health certificate must be issued by a USDA-accredited or equivalent government vet in your country, endorsed by the relevant authority (USDA APHIS for US pets, APHA for UK pets), and presented on arrival. The certificate must be issued within 30 days of travel.
Dr. Sarah Okafor
Company-authored guidance reviewed against the sources named in each article. If you have a route question, get in touch.
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Sources

Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.

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