One of the most common questions asked by foreign house hunters interested in the Costa Rica real estate market is: Can I bring my dogs/cats?

According to the real estate professionals at RE/MAX Ocean Surf and Sun in Tamarindo Beach, the process of bringing cats and dogs to Costa Rica is not overly bureaucratic. To this effect, the United States Embassy has a Web page that lists the specific requirements for importation of companion animals to Costa Rica.

One of the first things to know is that pet travel tends to appeal to the curious good nature of fellow travelers as well as of customs and immigration agents, which means that you should be prepared to be approached by people who want to greet your furry companion, and they will probably want to take pictures.

Traveling with pets to Costa Rica can also be an advantage. Airport personnel are generally aware that caged pets can get restless and smelly after hours of travel; this may result in the benefit of being rushed to the front of the passport control and customs lines.

Here are the pet travel requirements listed by the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica:

Certification Statements

• The dog/cat was examined and found to be healthy and free of any clinical signs of infectious disease. This examination should be conducted within 2 weeks of the departure date.
• Dogs were vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, Leptospirosis, parvovirus and rabies.
• Cats were vaccinated against rabies.
• Vaccination Requirements
• See Certification Statement No. 2 above.
• Animals over 3 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.

Other Information

• It is recommended that an International Certificate (APHIS FORM 7001) for Small Animals be used.
• The health certificate should be made out in duplicate.
• The health certificate does NOT need to be signed by a Notary Public, nor does it need to be stamped by the Costa Rican Consular office.
• Animals exported in commercial lot numbers must be accompanied by an Import Permit. Personal pets (dogs or cats) do NOT need an Import Permit.
• The official rabies vaccination certificate must accompany the health documents and is valid for the period of the vaccine (1 or 3 years).
• The dog/cat and supporting documentation will be inspected/reviewed upon arrival to Costa Rica.

If you have questions about acquiring real estate for your family and pets in Costa Rica, please contact RE/MAX Ocean Surf of Tamarindo Beach:

• 1 Sunrise Center
  Beach Road, Tamarindo
• Toll Free: 1-866-976-8898
• Local: 2653-0073 / 2653-0733
• [email protected]