How to bring a pet into Costa Rica: Simplified
Posted by Geoff | Filed under Costa Rica, Travel
Okay, so a while back I was having kittens (pun intended) about bringing Asia into Costa Rica. Mostly because I simply could not seem to get a straight answer from anyone about the proper process. It was driving me batty.
So, to anyone bringing in their (small) dog or cat (this might also work for rabbits, but don’t expect success with gerbils or hamsters or any form of rodent; and it’s a one-way trip for all birds, you can’t take them out again) into Costa Rica, allow me to present the (current) process. It’s really easy.
- Check with your government’s agricultural agency (the Ministry of Agriculture in Canada, for example) and find the International Health Certificate. (There is an American equivalent from the Department of Agriculture, but I’m not sure what it’s called.) Print it out.
- Go to your vet, and ensure that your cat/dog has all their most recent vaccinations. Get documentation about all of it. It’s important, you’ll need it when you arrive. You’ll also need the vet to fill out the specifics of the aforementioned International Health Certificate, which they also need to sign.
- In Canada (I can’t say for certain with the United States), you’ll need to schedule an appointment with the Ministry of Agriculture to have them sign the document as well, and stamp it to make it official. This is necessary — without this form, your pet will not be joining you.
- Bring the pet with you on the plane in a carrier that fits under the seat. Not all airlines will do this anymore — Continental Airlines still does. Air Canada does not. This way, you can be assured that the pet is with you when you arrive, and does not go automatically into quarantine.
- When you arrive in customs, you need to go to the Agricultura desk (it’s easy to see) and have them look over the papers. Provided you are not bringing the animal in for resale (e.g. it’s not merchandise), it’s a quick stamp, a scribble in the register, and you’re free to go — no duty required.
Notes:
- If your pet does not fit under the seat and/or must travel cargo (with you on the same flight), the process might be the same, provided you can collect your pet with your luggage. I’m not sure, as I didn’t see any other pets there.
- If you’re bringing in animals for resale, expect to pay a duty.
Tags: airlines, cats, immigration, pets
June 23rd, 2008 at 21:41
thank you very much this is exactly what I was looking to find.. I have a small dog and I am hoping everything will work out.. I will visit the vet tomorrow and ask who to talk to about an international health certificate.. ( I am from the U.S.)
June 23rd, 2008 at 22:30
I hope it goes well for you, Joel! Let us know!
September 29th, 2008 at 00:49
ok
just how difficult is it going to be driving from ny
to costa rica w/12 cats??????
i would never consider putting them in the cargo hold of a plane and besides i think it would bankrupt me!
do u need different documents to cross different countries borders?
September 29th, 2008 at 15:53
12 cats? Driving? Not sure which is going to be less painful for you — the loss of money or your sanity after being locked in a car for 6,000 kms with 12 cats!
And yes, you’ll need papers for every border you cross. I imagine you won’t have an easy time of it, either.
May 19th, 2009 at 08:43
Hi,
Can you clarify something for me please ?
The CR consulate in Ottawa are telling me that I have to send the International Health Certs to them to be authenticated (with fees of course) and then they will send them back to me. Iam worried about not getting the certs back in time.
Doesn’t the cert only last for 10 days?
Thanks
May 19th, 2009 at 11:49
Hi Rita!
I’ve heard a rumour that the rules changed recently (especially if you’re going through the States), so you might have to send to the consulate/embassy.
Ask them to see if there’s a way to expedite the validation (there’s usually a way) and make sure items are sent via Purolator or Fedex. It costs more, but you won’t be at the mercy of Canada Post to get your documentation on time.
November 16th, 2009 at 00:21
I want to bring my cat with me to Costa Rica coming from California. I talked to my airline and they have room for my cat as a carry on but they said check to see about quarantine. They said they would possibly quarantine the cat for 6months??!! Where do I go to find out if that information is true or not?
thanks!
November 16th, 2009 at 10:14
Daniella,
You do NOT have to quarantine your cat if it’s carry-on, and you have supporting health documentation. Basically, if you follow the same specifications as bringing your cat into the US, you should be okay. So far, everyone I know has had no trouble.