Moving Pets to Costa Rica: SENASA Rules, Vaccinations, and Zero-Quarantine Entry
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
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| ISO 15-digit microchip | Yes |
| Rabies vaccination | Current and within validity period |
| Distemper/parvovirus/hepatitis (dogs) | Current |
| Feline respiratory and panleukopenia (cats) | Current |
| Health certificate | Issued within 30 days of travel, endorsed by government authority |
| International air waybill number | Required 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)
| Item | Estimated 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.