So you are making all the preparations for your travel in Costa Rica. \u00a0You check that your passport is valid for more than 6 months, you get all your shots, and you have just the right amount of goodies crammed into your suitcases for any situation. \u00a0But there\u2019s something you may be wondering as your little, furry friend gazes upon you with forlorn eyes. \u00a0Can I take my pet with me? \u00a0Well, you most certainly can and it is a relatively easy process provided you plan ahead.<\/p>\n
The basic premise is that travelers must be able to readily prove that their animals are healthy. \u00a0With a quick trip to your veterinarian within a few weeks of your departure you can obtain a heath certificate that simply needs to be endorsed by a Veterinary Service vet. \u00a0If you\u2019re bringing a dog you must prove that it has been vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, Leptospirosis, parvovirus and rabies. \u00a0Cats also must have a rabies vaccination. \u00a0If you are planning on staying with your pet in Costa Rica for more than 30 days you are required to obtain authorization from the Costa Rican Health Ministry. \u00a0This can be acquired at the consulate or embassy.<\/p>\n
All other pets (birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits) are not subject to the regulations in respect of the anti-rabies vaccination but may have to meet other requirements as to a limit on the number of animals and a certificate to accompany them in respect of other diseases. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and\/or that of the country of destination.<\/p>\n
Always check with your airline on their particular pet travel policies and dates. \u00a0Each airline has specific rules and many have blackout dates on pet travel due to there being no air-conditioning in the cargo hold, for example.<\/p>\n
While in Costa Rica, you must consider that the attitude towards pets is much different than North America in general. \u00a0Dogs are often kept outside, unleashed, and for protection purposes. \u00a0They are sometimes found wandering the streets and are quite territorial. \u00a0Additionally, the general sentiment in Costa Rica is that dogs are simply wild animals and the owners do not often take responsibility for the actions of their pets. \u00a0Cats are becoming more popular, but again are considered to be outdoor pets and rarely are found in Costa Rican homes. \u00a0Having said this, if your little one is accustomed to the home life it is wise to keep your pet indoors or supervised on a leash when outside.<\/p>\n
Finding a good vet in Costa Rica is a relatively simple process depending on where you are staying. \u00a0Around the San Jose area there are hundreds of qualified, English-speaking vets with 24hr emergency services. \u00a0Speaking to your contacts prior to arriving is Costa Rica is wise as they often know the most reputable local vet.<\/p>\n
When it comes time to leave, pets do require an exit permit. \u00a0This can be taken care of easily by many vets as it is simply a bit of paperwork that can be done for a small fee. \u00a0This is best done well in advance to be sure that you have everything in hand prior to departure. \u00a0As with entry in Costa Rica, reentry into your next destination country will entail another set of rules and regulations to be followed and it is necessary to do your research, even if it\u2019s just returning home. \u00a0Quite often the paperwork you\u2019ve had produce to enter Costa Rica is sufficient, but checking ahead of time is sound advice.<\/p>\n
At the end of the day, many are pleased to find that pet travel in Costa Rica is common and relatively simple. \u00a0The issue that most encounter is how well their pets travel. \u00a0With many airlines, cats are to be taken in the cabin, in approved cat carriers. \u00a0If you cat tends to panic on trips, perhaps dry-run trips in the car or tranquilizers from your vet may be some smart options. \u00a0Either way you\u2019ll be pleased to know that with some due diligence and a bit of paperwork you won\u2019t have to leave anyone behind when making your next trip to Costa Rica.<\/p>\n