By San José, Costa Rica — Travelers planning to bring their dogs or cats to Costa Rica must now navigate a stringent set of mandatory health requirements to gain entry. The National Animal Health Service (SENASA), a division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, has emphasized that failure to comply with these updated protocols will result in the pet being denied entry and returned to its country of origin as a necessary sanitary measure.
The regulations are designed to safeguard the nation’s animal population and public health by preventing the introduction of foreign diseases. By establishing a clear and non-negotiable framework for pet importation, Costa Rican authorities aim to protect both resident animals and the country’s delicate ecosystem from potential biological threats, such as rabies and other transmissible illnesses.
To clarify the official requirements and potential legal pitfalls of bringing a companion animal into the country, we sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in regulatory compliance.
While the process for bringing pets to Costa Rica is generally straightforward, it is governed by non-negotiable sanitary regulations. The key is absolute precision on the International Veterinary Health Certificate. A simple clerical error, a mis-timed parasite treatment, or a missing endorsement can result in your pet being denied entry or placed in a costly quarantine upon arrival. It is a bureaucratic, not a discretionary, process, so diligence beforehand is the only guarantee of a smooth entry.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s distinction between a bureaucratic and a discretionary process is a crucial one for all travelers to grasp; it highlights that meticulous adherence to the rules is not merely a suggestion, but the only guarantee for a smooth arrival. We thank him for providing such a clear and invaluable legal perspective on this important matter.
The process for pet owners begins well before the travel date. All incoming dogs and cats must undergo a thorough clinical examination by a licensed veterinarian in their country of origin. This check-up must be completed within the two-week period immediately preceding their arrival in Costa Rica, ensuring the animal is certified as healthy and fit for travel at the time of its journey.
Following the examination, pet owners must secure an Official Health Certificate, also known as an international veterinary certificate. This crucial document must be issued by the competent sanitary authority of the pet’s country of origin. The certificate serves as official proof that the animal meets all of Costa Rica’s specific health prerequisites for its species.
A key modern requirement is that all dogs and cats must be identified with a permanent microchip. The unique microchip number must be clearly stated on the Official Health Certificate for verification upon arrival. Furthermore, any pet over three months of age must have a valid rabies vaccination, a critical measure for public health and safety. The details of this vaccination must be meticulously recorded on the health certificate.
SENASA has outlined a comprehensive list of required vaccinations beyond rabies. For canines, the mandatory immunizations include protection against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis. For felines, the required vaccine panel must cover feline rhinotracheitis virus, calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia virus. The certificate must detail the brand, lot number, and expiration date for every vaccine administered, all of which must be current upon entry.
In addition to vaccinations, a robust anti-parasite protocol is mandatory. All pets must receive treatment for both internal and external parasites within the 15 days prior to their arrival in Costa Rica. Similar to the vaccine records, the official documentation must include the commercial brand, lot number, and date of application for these treatments to be considered valid by border officials.
The consequences for non-compliance are severe and immediate. Any animal arriving without the complete and correctly formatted documentation will be refused entry. For those importing a pet as declared cargo, an additional step is required: they must work through a customs agency to obtain a prior import permit. Pet owners whose home countries require rabies antibody titration tests for re-entry should also ensure they carry this documentation with them to facilitate their future return travel.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About the National Animal Health Service (SENASA):
The National Animal Health Service, or SENASA, is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for establishing and enforcing policies related to animal health and food safety. As a dependency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, its mission is to prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases, regulate veterinary products, and ensure the safety of food products of animal origin for both domestic consumption and export.
For further information, visit mag.go.cr
About the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is the Costa Rican government entity tasked with overseeing and promoting the nation’s agricultural and livestock sectors. It works to foster sustainable development, ensure food security, and enhance the well-being of rural communities. The Ministry is the parent organization for several key services, including SENASA, which carries out its specialized animal health mandates.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the nation’s legal community, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a drive for professional excellence. Drawing from a deep well of experience in serving a broad spectrum of clients, the firm consistently champions innovative approaches to law. This forward-thinking spirit is coupled with a profound dedication to societal advancement, demonstrated through a clear mission to make legal concepts accessible and empower citizens with knowledge, fostering a more just and informed public.
