Costa Rican Living

Thinking about moving to Costa Rica? Costa Rica is an incredibly beautiful nation with a lush and green landscape. Also, thanks to the lower cost of living and laid back environment, it is becoming an increasing popular destination to move to. Costa Rica also boasts friendly locals and a thriving diverse culture. If you are consideration moving to, or are already planning your upcoming move to Costa Rica, here is a list of the import rules and requirements to make sure your four-legged friends can come with you!
Note: Before beginning the import procedures, make sure that your vet is approved by the Government Veterinarian Authority in the country of origin. For example, if an animal is departing the United States, the vet will need to be USDA Accredited.

Requirements:

1. Pet Immigration Form: Ahead of time, obtain a pet immigration form from the Ministry of Agriculture (M.A.G) in Costa Rica. The form cost 20,000 colons (roughly $40.00) and is good for a one-month period from date of issue. Have this form with you when you pass through customs at the airport in Costa Rica.
2. All animals need to have Full Vaccinations:
   • Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, (DHLPP) Corona Virus, Parainfluenza, and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 30 days before arrival.
   • Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 30 days before arrival.
3. International Health Certificate: Your vet should have these in stock. It’s a good idea to call ahead and ask. This is an international health certificate that needs to be completed by your vet within 10 days of departure. This form need to also state that the US is free of African Horse sickness and Rift Valley Fever and that your pet(s) have not traveled to regions affected with these diseases.
   Note: Depending on the logistics of your particular pet relocation and the specific health certificate being used (APHIS Form 7001) an additional USDA Endorsement maybe required on this health certificate. Speak to your PetRelocation.com specialist regarding the USDA portion of this process.
4. Pet Quarantine Permit: The quarantine permit must be issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Control ("Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia"). It costs $22.00US (twenty-two U.S. dollars) per pet. You can file for this permit prior to your pet's arrival through a Custom Agency, in person if you are already in Costa Rica, or through a third party that represents you.
5. A personal letter stating pet's market value or a document that proves it, such as an invoice.
6. USDA Endorsement: The below referenced forms:
   • Pet Immigration Form
   • International Health Certificate – APHIS Form 7001
   All documents above must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval. Please contact your PetRelocation.com representative on the best way of handling this.
7. All original documentation must travel with the pets.

Planning ahead and taking these steps into consideration should make your move go smoothly and as stress free as possible!