A Step-by-Step Guide to Pet Travel Requirements
Your tickets are booked, your bags are packed, and your new home is waiting. Now, it’s time to make sure your four-legged family members are ready for the journey. Here’s how to get them there, stress-free.
This guide is for domestic dogs and cats*, including service animals**.
If you are planning to bring a bird, reptile, rabbit, or any other exotic animal, Costa Rica requires that these be considered on a case-by-case basis, and will require additional permits.
*Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats (unless they are 5 generations removed) are not eligible.
**The policies for bringing a service animal into Costa Rica are the same as bringing a pet - the only difference will be airline policy, as most airlines will allow service animals on board with you if you provide the appropriate documentation.
Before anything else, make sure you're working with an USDA accredited veterinarian authorized to issue international travel documents. They’ll be able to handle all of the following requirements, including vaccinations, treatments, and certifications.
For both cats AND dogs:
All pets MUST BE 2 months or older to enter the country.
For CATS only: Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations are ALL necessary on top of the rabies vaccine.
For DOGS only: Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis vaccinations are ALL necessary on top of the rabies vaccine.
Pro Tip: Keep all of these documents together in a "pet passport" folder—this will speed up airport inspections and give you peace of mind. Don’t tuck these away until you’ve arrived-you’ll need them when you land
Not all airlines have the same standards when it comes to pet travel, so be sure to do your research ahead of time. Check with different airlines to see who allows pets in the cabin or as checked baggage —and what restrictions apply.
Airline policies vary: some breeds (especially brachycephalic dog breeds like pugs) may not be allowed.
Carrier requirements tend to be similar across airlines: pets must travel in IATA-compliant crates or carriers.
Several major U.S. airlines offer in-cabin pet travel and service routes to Costa Rica. However, policies vary depending on the airline, pet size, and destination, so it’s important to plan ahead.
Here are the major U.S. airlines that fly to Costa Rica and allow small pets to travel in the cabin:
Pro Tip:
Always confirm your airline’s most current pet travel policies, carrier requirements, and breed restrictions before booking—especially when traveling internationally. Booking early and notifying the airline of your pet is also highly recommended, as most carriers limit the number of pets allowed per flight. Per Costa Rican policy, you may bring up to 5 personal pets into the country with you-but check with each airline to confirm how many animals you can bring on-board.
There are specific companies whose entire focus is on helping you arrange transportation for your pet-which one you choose depends on what your priorities are. Pets to Home and Pet Lounge CR are both Costa Rica specific. LATAM Pet Transport can handle a variety of arrangements, including boarding, veterinary requirements, and getting your pet to Costa Rica. If you want to travel with your pet but don’t want to navigate commercial airlines, PerroAir will connect you to private or shared flights for you and your pet. PerroAir shared services tend to start at around $7200 per person.
Since they handle pet transportation on a regular basis, arranging important details like import permits* and navigating customs** is much more straightforward for them.
*What’s an import permit? This is something that is required if your pet is entering Costa Rica unaccompanied or for commercial reasons (breeding, competition, or resale). A permit will also be required if your pet is entering the country without (such as on a charter flight). Be aware, your pet may be held for 24 hours for additional inspection and paperwork.
**A customs broker in Costa Rica must obtain an import permit if your pet is entering Costa Rica as manifest (air) cargo or other classes of service where an airway bill is involved, regardless of whether or not you are traveling with your pet. Sound confusing? Don’t worry—charter companies will walk you through this portion of the process.
Your pet’s travel experience can be made much easier with a few simple preparations:
Pro Tip: Include a small food and water dish attached to the crate, and pre-measure some extra food in a Ziploc or container for longer flights, or in case of delays. CleverPup has a dog travel kit, and Condé Nast Traveler has several articles recommending travel products for cats and dogs.
Once you land, your pet will need to be cleared by veterinary officials at the airport (SJO or LIR) OR be cleared by a licensed Costa Rica vet within 14 days of arrival. Be prepared to show all of your documents for your pet.
If you're bringing a puppy or a kitten, special rules and permits may apply.
Planning to return home someday? Some countries require a rabies titer test for re-entry, even if Costa Rica doesn’t require one to enter—check this before you move back.
Something to Consider: Costa Rican pet culture is different than in the U.S. Stray animals are much more common, and many animals are allowed to roam free-something to be aware of if you have a reactive pet or an indoor/outdoor cat. Most areas of the country are relatively dog friendly, but some are likely to be less appreciative of your pet.. Always check before you go somewhere new to be sure your pet is allowed, especially protected areas like wildlife preserves and rainforests.
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