Bringing a pet to Costa Rica

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Costa Rica requires a SENASA import permit, a current rabies vaccination, and an official government-endorsed health certificate for all dogs, regardless of origin. There is no quarantine for properly documented pets. The permit process is mandatory and should be started well in advance. Core requirements are the same for all origins, but dogs from high-risk rabies countries must also have a FAVN titer test.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Costa Rica.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US-origin pets, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Costa Rica does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, airlines flying to Costa Rica may restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Boston Terriers due to respiratory risks during transport. Check with your airline for specific breed embargoes.

Documents checklist

SENASA import permit
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered at least 21 days before travel)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, SENASA import permit fee ~$50–100, airline fees vary. No titer test is required for free-tier origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and SENASA.

Apply for the SENASA permit at least 30 days before travel. The permit is valid for 30 days from issuance.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US-origin pets, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

SENASA import permit
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered at least 21 days before travel)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, SENASA import permit fee ~$50–100, airline fees vary. No titer test is required for low-risk-tier origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and SENASA.

Apply for the SENASA permit at least 30 days before travel. The permit is valid for 30 days from issuance.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US-origin pets, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

SENASA import permit
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered at least 21 days before travel)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
Microchip certificate (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, SENASA import permit fee ~$50–100, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, airline fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and SENASA.

Dogs from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. Start the process at least 3–4 months before travel. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Costa Rica allows up to 5 pets per traveller under non-commercial (personal) import rules. If you are bringing more than 5 dogs, the shipment is considered commercial and requires additional permits and compliance with commercial import regulations. Each pet must have its own SENASA import permit and health certificate.

It depends on the origin country. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a FAVN titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Dogs from low-risk or free countries (e.g., USA, EU, UK, Japan, Australia) do not need a titer test. The test result is valid for 1 year, or 2 years if a booster was given within that period.

Apply for the SENASA import permit at least 30 days before travel. The permit is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, so you must time your application carefully. Processing can take 1–3 weeks, and you will need to upload your pet's rabies vaccination certificate, microchip details, and health certificate (or a draft). The fee is approximately $50–100, but confirm current fees with SENASA.

No. Costa Rica does not impose quarantine on dogs arriving from any country if all required documents (SENASA import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate, and titer test if applicable) are complete and valid. If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may be denied entry or held at the owner's expense until requirements are met.

The official health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS for US-origin pets). It must state that the dog is free from infectious diseases and has been vaccinated against rabies. The certificate must accompany the pet during travel.

No. Costa Rica does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have a SENASA import permit, a valid rabies vaccination certificate, an official health certificate, and a microchip. Airlines may allow service dogs in the cabin, but the destination country's import rules still apply fully.

If your dog arrives without a valid SENASA import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, or health certificate, it may be denied entry and returned to the origin country at your expense, or held in quarantine at a SENASA-approved facility until the documents are provided. Quarantine costs are the owner's responsibility. Always carry originals and copies of all documents.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Costa Rica.

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Licensed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, or equivalent EU member state authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for Small Animals issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Proof of origin (pet passport or veterinary record showing the cat's country of origin)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: health certificate $100–$200, rabies vaccination $20–$50 if not current, possible government endorsement fee $50–$100. No microchip or titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and SENASA.

No microchip, rabies titer test, import permit, or quarantine required for cats from rabies-free countries. The rabies vaccine must be given when the cat is at least 3 months old and at least 21 days before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Licensed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for Small Animals issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Proof of origin (pet passport or veterinary record)

Rough budget

Same requirements as the free tier: no microchip, no titer test, no import permit, no quarantine. The rabies vaccine must be given when the cat is at least 3 months old and at least 21 days before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Not required

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Licensed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

International Health Certificate for Small Animals issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Proof of origin (pet passport or veterinary record)

Rough budget

Costa Rica does not impose additional requirements (microchip, titer test, import permit, or quarantine) on cats from high-risk rabies countries beyond the standard health certificate and rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccine must be given when the cat is at least 3 months old and at least 21 days before travel.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

No. Costa Rica does not require a microchip for cats entering the country, regardless of the origin country's rabies risk status. Some airlines may require a microchip for identification, so check with your carrier.

No. Costa Rica does not require a rabies titer test for cats, even from countries with high rabies risk. The only rabies-related requirement is a current rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before arrival, given when the cat is at least 3 months old.

Costa Rica allows up to 5 pets (cats or dogs) per traveller without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring more than 5, the shipment is considered commercial and requires additional permits, inspections, and possibly an import license from SENASA. Each pet must still meet the health certificate and rabies vaccination requirements.

No. Costa Rica does not exempt emotional support or service animals from the standard import requirements. All cats, including those accompanying travellers with disabilities, must have a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and a valid rabies vaccination. Airlines may have separate policies for cabin travel, but the government import rules apply equally.

The kitten must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to receive the rabies vaccination, and the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel. Therefore, the practical minimum age for entry is 3 months plus 21 days, i.e., about 15 weeks. There is no separate minimum age for import beyond the rabies vaccination requirement.

No. Costa Rica does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with a valid health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate. If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may be detained at the airport until the issue is resolved, but there is no routine quarantine.

You need: (1) an International Health Certificate for Small Animals issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the government veterinary authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK); (2) a current rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 21 days before travel; and (3) proof of origin (pet passport or veterinary record). No import permit is required for cats.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Costa Rica.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin pets, or EU official veterinarian for EU-origin pets) endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

SENASA import permit (apply at least 15 working days before travel)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and animal at least 12 weeks old at vaccination
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or an ISO-compatible reader if a non-ISO chip is used)
SENASA import permit number must match the microchip number on the health certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, SENASA import permit ~$50–100 (fee varies), official health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccine ~$20–40. Total typically $200–400 per ferret. No titer test or quarantine costs apply in this tier. Confirm current fees with SENASA and your vet.

Ferrets are not classified as dogs or cats under Costa Rican law; SENASA treats them as 'other species' and requires an import permit for all origins, including rabies-free territories. No quarantine is imposed for ferrets from free-tier origins provided the permit and health certificate are in order. The 10-day health certificate validity is strict — do not obtain it more than 10 days before arrival.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

SENASA import permit (apply at least 15 working days before travel)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and animal at least 12 weeks old at vaccination
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or an ISO-compatible reader if a non-ISO chip is used)
SENASA import permit number must match the microchip number on the health certificate

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. Costa Rica does not differentiate ferret imports by rabies-risk tier for low-risk countries — the permit and health certificate are mandatory regardless. No rabies titer (FAVN) test is required for ferrets from low-risk origins. No quarantine.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

SENASA import permit (apply at least 15 working days before travel)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and animal at least 12 weeks old at vaccination
FAVN rabies titer test result from an OIE/WOAH-approved laboratory, showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, with blood drawn at least 90 days before arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or an ISO-compatible reader if a non-ISO chip is used)
SENASA import permit number must match the microchip number on the health certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, SENASA import permit ~$50–100, official health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccine ~$20–40, FAVN titer test ~$150–300 (including shipping to an approved lab). Total typically $350–700 per ferret. No quarantine costs apply. Confirm current fees with SENASA and your vet.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries face the strictest rules: a 90-day pre-travel FAVN titer test is mandatory. There is no quarantine on arrival if all documents are correct, but SENASA may detain the animal at the port of entry if the titer test is missing or below threshold. Plan for at least 4–6 months of preparation. Some high-risk origins may face additional restrictions or outright bans — check with SENASA before booking travel.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

SENASA does not publish a fixed numerical limit for ferrets, but the import permit is issued per animal and the non-commercial framework is designed for personal pets. In practice, more than 3–5 ferrets on a single itinerary may trigger a commercial import review, which requires additional permits, facility inspections, and higher fees. If you are moving with more than 5 ferrets, contact SENASA directly before applying.

No. Costa Rica does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from SENASA import requirements. A ferret — regardless of its role — must have a SENASA import permit, an official health certificate, a valid rabies vaccination, and a microchip. Airlines may also refuse ferrets in the cabin even if they are service animals, so confirm with your carrier separately.

It depends on the origin country. Ferrets from free-tier and low-risk origins (e.g., EU countries, US, UK, Japan, Australia) do not need a FAVN test. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East) must have a FAVN test with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml, and the blood must be drawn at least 90 days before arrival. The test must be done at an OIE/WOAH-approved laboratory.

SENASA advises applying at least 15 working days before travel, but in practice allow 3–4 weeks. The permit is issued electronically and is valid for a specific entry date and port. If your travel dates change, you must request an amendment — do not travel with an expired or mismatched permit.

Yes. The ferret must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. The microchip number must appear on the rabies vaccination certificate, the FAVN test result (if required), and the SENASA import permit. If your ferret has a non-ISO chip (common in the US), you must bring an ISO-compatible reader with you, or have your vet implant an ISO chip before the rabies vaccination is given.

SENASA can refuse entry, detain the animal at the port of entry, or order it returned to the origin country at your expense. There is no on-arrival quarantine option for ferrets with missing documents. If the rabies titer test is missing for a high-risk-origin ferret, the animal will not be admitted. Always carry originals (not copies) of the permit, health certificate, and vaccination records.

Costa Rica's animal health rules do not govern cabin vs. cargo — that is an airline decision. Most airlines that accept ferrets require them in the cabin as carry-on, but many carriers ban ferrets entirely. Check with your airline at least 4 weeks before travel. On arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), you must declare the ferret and present the SENASA permit and health certificate to the agricultural inspection desk before clearing customs.

Good to know

A SENASA import permit is required for all dogs. The permit is valid for 30 days from issuance. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian (USDA APHIS for US-origin pets). Rabies vaccination must be current, administered at least 21 days before travel. No quarantine is imposed for properly documented pets. Airlines may have additional requirements, such as brachycephalic breed restrictions.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Costa Rica, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).