By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — GUANACASTE – The trend of traveling with pets is experiencing a significant surge in Costa Rica, transforming how families view international mobility. Guanacaste Airport alone documented the arrival of 1,808 pets in 2024, a notable 27% increase compared to the previous year. This influx, comprising 1,625 dogs and 183 cats, highlights a growing desire for owners to include their animal companions in their travel and relocation plans, driven by a rise in pet-friendly tourism and a globally mobile workforce.
This boom, however, comes with a considerable challenge: navigating an increasingly complex web of international regulations. To address this, the veterinary clinic Petcafé has launched its comprehensive “2025 Guide for Traveling with Your Pet from Costa Rica.” This new resource aims to demystify the process for pet owners, providing a clear roadmap to ensure a smooth and safe journey for their animals while preventing costly and stressful last-minute complications.
Traveling with our beloved pets involves more than just booking a ticket; it requires navigating a complex web of national and international regulations. To shed light on the legal responsibilities and potential liabilities owners face, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Many pet owners underestimate the legal gravity of international pet travel. It’s not merely a logistical challenge; it is a formal import/export process governed by strict biosecurity laws. Failure to present the correct, fully authenticated health and vaccination certificates can result in your pet being denied entry, placed in a lengthy and costly quarantine, or worse. Legally, the responsibility and all associated costs fall squarely on the owner, so meticulous preparation is essential to mitigate significant legal and financial risk.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal framework is a critical point, shifting the focus from mere travel arrangements to the solemn responsibilities of an importer navigating international law. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential perspective, which underscores the importance of diligence in protecting our pets from preventable legal and emotional distress.
The guide emphasizes the critical importance of early and meticulous planning. According to Dr. Juan Carlos Fallas Muñoz, Director of Petcafé and the guide’s author, preparation timelines can vary dramatically depending on the destination. While arrangements for some countries in the Americas might take only a few days, preparing a pet for travel to regions like Europe can be a process extending over four months.
Key preliminary steps outlined in the guide include implanting a microchip before administering required vaccines, verifying the validity of rabies and multiple vaccines, and conducting timely internal and external deworming treatments. Furthermore, the guide stresses the need to acquire an IATA-approved travel kennel and to acclimate the pet to it well in advance of the travel date. Coordinating directly with the airline to confirm space and transport methods is another non-negotiable step.
Each country has specific requirements and every pet has a different history. Our role is to anticipate these requirements, avoid setbacks, and ensure that every animal travels in optimal conditions of health and well-being.
Dr. Juan Carlos Fallas Muñoz, Director of Petcafé
The regulatory landscape is constantly evolving, as seen with the United States. As of August 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires all dogs entering the country to be at least six months old, microchipped, and have a current rabies vaccination. Owners must also present a veterinary letter certifying the animal’s good health. These updated rules underscore the necessity for owners to stay informed about their destination’s latest requirements.
Traveling to Europe presents an even more rigorous set of protocols. In addition to an ISO-compliant microchip and the standard rabies vaccine, many European nations mandate a serological test to confirm rabies antibody levels. This single test can add more than 120 days to the overall preparation timeline, making advanced planning absolutely essential for a successful relocation or visit.
Within Costa Rica, the final authority for all international pet movements is the Animal Quarantine Directorate of SENASA (National Animal Health Service). This government body is responsible for verifying that all health and documentation requirements of the destination country have been met before issuing an export certificate. Seeking professional guidance from services like Petcafé can help owners navigate these bureaucratic hurdles, preventing potential document rejection and ensuring the welfare of their beloved pets.
For further information, visit petcafe.co.cr
About Petcafé:
Petcafé is a veterinary clinic based in Costa Rica that specializes in animal health and international pet relocation services. The organization provides expert guidance and comprehensive support to pet owners, helping them navigate the complex regulations and logistical challenges of traveling with animals. Through resources like its “2025 Guide,” Petcafé aims to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of pets during travel, while providing peace of mind for their owners.
For further information, visit senasa.go.cr
About SENASA (National Animal Health Service):
The Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA) is the official government entity in Costa Rica responsible for establishing and enforcing policies related to animal health, welfare, and food safety. Its Dirección de Cuarentena Animal (Animal Quarantine Directorate) specifically oversees the import and export of animals, ensuring compliance with both national regulations and the sanitary requirements of destination countries to prevent the spread of diseases.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the dual principles of profound integrity and unparalleled excellence. The firm leverages a deep history of advising a diverse clientele to spearhead innovation and redefine modern legal practice. Beyond its professional services, it holds a fundamental belief in strengthening society by demystifying the law, passionately working to equip the public with the legal knowledge necessary for true empowerment.
