Vacations with pets: what you need to know to travel to Costa Rica with animals

If you want to bring your four-legged friend to Costa Rica, it is essential to be informed about some important procedures. The health process can be quite complex, so it is essential to be patient and organize in advance.

Here is a list of the required documents and instructions provided by the Costa Rican Embassy in Italy.

You will need a passport and an international certificate of good health issued by a veterinarian from the ASL. This document must include the name, number of the animal’s registry book or passport, characteristics (breed, sex, coat, date of birth, approximate date of arrival and means of transport) and must be issued within two weeks before the trip.

The certificate must state that:

• The animal has been vaccinated against rabies (not less than 30 days and not more than 3 years ago).
• The animal has been treated with anti-parasitic products and is free from ticks and other internal and external parasites (the treatment must be carried out 15 days before the trip).

In addition, dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. Cats must be vaccinated against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia and feline leukemia. An apostille is not necessary for the certificate, the ASL stamp is sufficient.

It is also advisable to ask the ASL about the requirements for the animal’s return to Europe, such as the analysis of rabies antibodies, known as “titration”.

Once you have obtained the documentation, take it with you during the trip to present it at customs and immigration controls.

Contact the airline you have chosen well in advance to find out the requirements for carrying your pet, as some companies have restrictions regarding certain breeds or limitations on the size of the kennel.

For example, Iberia does not allow the boarding of breeds considered “dangerous” and the dog, inside the kennel (which must be approved), must be able to stand up comfortably and turn around without difficulty. With Iberia, dogs under 8 kg (including the carrier) can travel in the cabin, always inside the carrier.

In Costa Rica, dogs are not allowed in restaurants or public places such as bars, restaurants, banks and supermarkets, but they can freely access the beaches, where they can run and play, always respecting other swimmers.

Bear in mind that such a long trip can be stressful for your pet, so make sure it is worth it, also because the costs are not negligible! For a short vacation, it might be better to leave your four-legged friend with a friend, an aunt or grandmother, but every owner knows what is best for their pet.