CR
MX
Pet Transport from Costa Rica to Mexico
4-10
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Low
Route complexity
10
Airlines on this route
Official rules on this page checked
Which Mexico rules depend on a pet coming from Costa Rica?
Mexico sorts countries into 3 groups, and Costa Rica falls in “Other countries”.
Health certificate no older than 15 days (original and copy) showing rabies vaccination (under 3 months exempt), clinical health, and internal and external deworming within six months; documentary and physical check on arrival. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Mexico, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Mexico guide.
What does Costa Rica require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: Exports of dogs and cats: the private veterinarian who inspects the pet prepares the export certificate to the destination country's requirements, then SENASA veterinarians review and sign it, validating it as a Costa Rican Government document (SENASA news item, 8 April 2022). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica.
SENASA recuerda trámite para salida de perros y gatos desde Costa Rica (8 April 2022), checked 7 October 2026 - Export health certificate: MAG/SENASA reminder of 18 December 2025: the owner takes the pet to an authorised private veterinarian for the clinical assessment; that vet checks the destination country's requirements and issues the export certificate, and the official SENASA veterinarian reviews it and confirms compliance. Once the certificate is signed the pet may leave. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica.
Si va a viajar con su mascota, recuerde verificar los requisitos de exportación (18 December 2025), checked 7 October 2026 - Other conditions: The export certificate fee is paid under the SENASA tariff decree, code C.16, and the user must show the vaccination card and any document the destination requires. If the destination needs an additional certificate model, the user arranges both documents. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica.
Si va a viajar con su mascota, recuerde verificar los requisitos de exportación (18 December 2025), checked 7 October 2026 - Other conditions: SENASA Tarifario 2026 (valid 1 April 2026 to 31 January 2027): code C.16, certificate for the export of animals, products and non-edible by-products, costs CRC 17,322 with 0% VAT. The MAG reminder of 18 December 2025 names C.16 as the code for pet exports. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Costa Rica.
Tarifario 2026, rige a partir del 01 abril 2026, checked 7 October 2026
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Cabin and Cargo | |
| Emirates | Cargo Only | |
| Lufthansa | Cabin and Cargo | |
| British Airways | Cargo Only | |
| Singapore Airlines | Cargo Only | |
| Cathay Pacific | Cargo Only | |
| Air France | Cabin and Cargo | |
| KLM | Cabin and Cargo | |
| Delta Air Lines | Cabin and Cargo | |
| Air Canada | Cabin and Cargo |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations
- SENASA Costa Rica · Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal, Costa Rica