Moving to Costa Rica with a Pet

Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations for expats from North America and Europe, and the country’s warm, dog-friendly culture makes it a good choice for pet owners. The import process is among the most straightforward in Latin America.

The SENASA permit

The first step is applying for a zoo sanitary import permit from SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal). Apply online at senasa.go.cr. The form asks for your pet’s species, breed, microchip number, vaccination history, and your travel dates.

SENASA typically issues permits within a few days to two weeks. Print the permit and carry it with you. Airlines handling your pet as cargo will also need the permit number.

The health certificate

Your health certificate must be issued within 15 days of your travel date. It must confirm:

  • Current rabies vaccination
  • Distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis vaccinations for dogs
  • Appropriate feline vaccinations for cats
  • Parasite treatments within the last 30 days (internal and external)
  • Microchip number and physical health confirmation

USDA APHIS endorsement (for US-origin pets) or APHA endorsement (for UK-origin pets) is recommended. Some Costa Rican entry officials accept un-endorsed health certificates from certain countries, but an endorsed certificate removes ambiguity.

Life with a pet in Costa Rica

Climate: Most of the country is warm year-round. San Jose’s central valley is the most moderate. Coastal areas are hot and humid. If you have a thick-coated or brachycephalic breed, choose your location carefully and ensure indoor air conditioning is available.

Veterinary care: Good vet clinics are available in San Jose and most larger towns. In rural areas, access can be limited. The Costa Rican College of Veterinarians (COLVET) maintains a directory of registered practices.

Day-to-day life: Dogs are common pets in Costa Rican society, and many restaurants, shops, and parks are dog-friendly. Leash laws are not universally enforced in rural areas, but urban areas have more structured rules. Rabies, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and tick-borne disease are locally relevant: your Costa Rican vet will advise on a local vaccination and parasite protocol.

Official sources:

  • SENASA Costa Rica: senasa.go.cr
  • USDA APHIS international travel: aphis.usda.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally yes. Costa Rica has a dog-friendly culture in many areas, particularly in urban centres like San Jose, Santa Ana, and coastal towns popular with expats. Veterinary care is widely available and of good quality in main towns. The warm climate suits most breeds, though very large or thick-coated dogs may need extra care in the heat. The main requirements for bringing your dog are a SENASA import permit and a current health certificate.

Costa Rica passed legislation in 2020 that restricts certain breeds in public, including Pit Bull Terrier, Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler, and others classified as potentially dangerous. These breeds must be muzzled in public, kept on a lead, and owners must hold third-party liability insurance. Importation of these breeds is more complex. Check the current SENASA rules before importing a restricted breed.

Costa Rica is tropical, with average temperatures of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius year-round in most areas. Coastal and lowland areas are hotter and more humid. Highland areas such as San Jose are cooler and more moderate. Thick-coated breeds (Siberian Husky, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland) will find lowland Costa Rica uncomfortable. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) are at higher risk in the heat. Most short-coated breeds adapt well.

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