Suzanne C. Says:
How easy is it to transport and live in Costa Rica with one or two dogs?
IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says:
Hi Suzanne,
Of course, when planning your big move, you must remember an integral part of your family—your pets!
The good news is there’s no quarantine for pets arriving in Costa Rica, and it is a relatively straightforward process.
Following the requirements from the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is always the best option.
The dog or cat must have a Health Certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and Veterinary Services (VS) veterinarian in your home state. You can find more information about the accreditation here. The vet must be accredited in the state they’re practicing in.
To find this contact information, go to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) page and click on Pet Travel. Before starting the process, you’ll need the following information:
- The type of animal traveling
- The destination country
- The date of departure from the United States
- Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
Once you’re in Costa Rica, you can find rentals that allow dogs. Often, it is easier to find a rental with smaller dogs. You’ll usually have to pay a larger deposit when living with pets.
It is easiest to have your own car for transportation with pets. When my dog was a puppy, sometimes I put her in a big bag (which was always open, and she was always safe) when I needed to take a taxi to the beach. It all depends on whether your driver allows dogs or not.
If you don’t already have a pet, many dogs and cats are looking for a forever home here in Costa Rica. Learn more about finding a pet down here by contacting Bini, Doris, or Halfway Home.
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