PET TRANSPORT SERVICES IN COSTA RICA

At Animal Transport EU, we provide safe, stress-free, and fully regulated pet transport to and from Costa Rica.

Whether your pet is travelling to the vibrant capital of San José, the beaches of Guanacaste, or the lush rainforests of Limón, we ensure their comfort and wellbeing every step of the way.

Our expert team coordinates door-to-door journeys, manages all veterinary and customs paperwork, and provides full guidance on Costa Rica’s specific import and export requirements.

With our services, your pet’s relocation will be simple, smooth, and worry-free.

WE REACH EVERY CORNER OF COSTA RICA

We cover all major destinations in Costa Rica, including:

Central Valley: San José, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago

North Pacific: Liberia, Tamarindo, Nosara, Nicoya Peninsula

South Pacific: Quepos, Dominical, Uvita, Golfito

Caribbean Coast: Limón, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita

Northern Zone: La Fortuna, Arenal, Monteverde

Southern Zone: Pérez Zeledón, Osa Peninsula

Even in remote rural areas, we coordinate reliable door-to-door transport for pets of all sizes.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED TO TRANSPORT PETS IN COSTA RICA

Pet import and export regulations in Costa Rica are managed by SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal).

Requirements vary depending on the type of animal, but all pets must meet strict veterinary and health controls.

DOG AND CATS

Dogs and cats are the most frequently transported pets in Costa Rica. SENASA requires:

Microchip identification (ISO standard, recommended for traceability).

Valid rabies vaccination certificate: Required for pets over 3 months of age. The vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before entry.

Veterinary health certificate: Issued by a licensed vet in the country of origin within 10 days of travel.

SENASA import permit: Mandatory for entry into Costa Rica.

Deworming and parasite treatment: Proof required within 15 days before travel.

⚠️Special note: Some airlines flying into Costa Rica impose additional restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to heat stress risks.

BIRDS

Bird importation into Costa Rica is highly regulated to protect biodiversity. Requirements include:

Import permit from SENASA.

Veterinary health certificate issued within 72 hours of travel.

CITES documentation for exotic or endangered species such as parrots, macaws, and cockatoos.

Possible quarantine period depending on the country of origin.

⚠️Important: Many native species are protected and cannot be imported or exported under Costa Rican law.

SMALL MAMMALS (RODENTS, RABBITS, FERRETS)

Transporting small mammals is allowed but requires compliance with SENASA standards:

Veterinary health certificate within 10 days of travel.

Rabies vaccination certificate for ferrets. Rabbits and rodents do not usually require rabies vaccination but must be healthy and parasite-free.

Import permit may be needed for exotic or commercial shipments.

⚠️Special rule: Some exotic mammals (such as certain rodent species) may require special environmental permits due to Costa Rica’s strict biodiversity protection laws.

MOST TRANSPORTED ANIMALS IN COSTA RICA

The most frequently relocated pets in Costa Rica include:

Dogs: Particularly small to medium breeds such as Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, and Labrador Retrievers.

Cats: Domestic cats are popular in both cities and rural areas.

Birds: Parakeets, cockatiels, and lovebirds are transported, though native species remain protected.

Small mammals: Rabbits and guinea pigs are sometimes transported as family pets.

Every transport service is adapted to SENASA’s rules, ensuring that pets travel comfortably and safely, with no risk of delays at borders.