Costa Rica - relocation
Importing Pets to Costa Rica 2026: The SENASA Process Without the Guesswork
Bringing a dog or cat from the US, Canada or EU is easier than it looks but every step has a deadline. We walk through the rabies window, USDA endorsement, SENASA import permit, airline cargo vs accompanied baggage, and what actually happens at SJO arrival.
Key takeaway
You need a rabies vaccine at least 21 days before travel but not more than 1 year before, a USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate within 10 days of flight, and you must apply for the SENASA pre-import permit online at least 1-2 weeks ahead. Skip any one and the airline can deny boarding.
Costa Rica is a rabies-controlled-but-not-rabies-free country, which simplifies pet imports from most North American and European origins. The five-step process below is the SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal) protocol in effect for 2026.
Step 1: Rabies vaccine inside the window
Your dog or cat needs a current rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before your departure date and no more than 12 months before. Three-year rabies vaccines are accepted as long as they fall in that 21-day-to-12-month window. The vet must record the vaccine batch number, manufacturer, expiration date and date administered on the certificate.
Step 2: Health certificate from your vet
Within 10 days of your flight, your USDA-accredited vet issues an International Health Certificate (Form APHIS 7001 in the US, or equivalent in Canada/EU). The certificate confirms the animal is free of contagious disease, lists vaccinations, and identifies the pet by microchip or breed/markings.
Step 3: USDA APHIS endorsement
For US origins, the APHIS 7001 needs digital endorsement through the USDA Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). Your vet submits the form to VEHCS, USDA reviews within 1-3 business days, and you download the endorsed PDF. As of 2025-2026 the endorsement is fully electronic; USDA stopped processing paper for Costa Rica.
| Service | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic VEHCS endorsement | $38 | Per certificate, 1 animal |
| Additional animal on same cert | $7 | Multi-pet households |
| Expedited (under 24h) | +$70 | Use only for emergencies |
Step 4: SENASA online import permit
Apply for the pre-import authorization at sigorenasa.go.cr. Free of charge. Upload the rabies certificate and the USDA-endorsed health certificate. SENASA typically responds within 5-10 business days with an approval PDF. Print it and carry it with your pet.
Step 5: Arrival at SJO or LIR
At Juan Santamaria (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), present your SENASA permit, USDA-endorsed health certificate, rabies record and passport to the SENASA inspector. A SENASA vet does a brief visual exam (mostly to confirm the animal matches the paperwork). You pay an arrival fee of roughly USD 100-150 in colones at the SENASA kiosk and walk through customs.
Airline rules: in-cabin, baggage or cargo
| In-cabin | Checked baggage | Cargo | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight limit | Under 8 kg / 17 lb incl. carrier | 8 - 45 kg / 17 - 100 lb | Over 45 kg or large breeds |
| Cost (US -> SJO) | $95 - $200 | $200 - $450 | $1,200 - $2,800 |
| Booking lead time | 1-3 days | 5-10 days | 2-4 weeks |
| Snub-nose breeds allowed | Yes, in cabin | No (most airlines ban) | Sometimes, climate restrictions |
| Direct flight required | No, but recommended | Strongly preferred | Required by most carriers |
American Airlines, United, Delta, Avianca and Copa all accept pets to Costa Rica with advance booking. Most US carriers stopped accepting checked-baggage pets in 2020-2022; only American Airlines and a few smaller operators still offer it on some routes. Cargo via a pet relocation specialist (Pet Movers, Pet Relocation Inc, Starwood) is the standard option for large dogs.
Real cost roll-up
Breeds and ages SENASA restricts
- Puppies under 4 months: rabies cannot be administered before 12-16 weeks in most jurisdictions, so the 21-day post-vaccine window makes import impossible before ~4 months of age
- Pit bulls and Staffordshires: not banned by SENASA, but Avianca, Copa and some Latin carriers refuse them in cargo. Check airline policy before booking
- American Bullies, Dogo Argentinos: similar carrier-level restrictions
- Snub-nose breeds (pugs, French bulldogs, Persian cats): banned from cargo holds by most carriers due to heat-stress deaths. Must travel in-cabin if eligible
- Animals other than dogs and cats (birds, reptiles, rodents): CITES and additional SENASA permits required, expect 4-8 weeks of paperwork
Sources
Related visa guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a microchip for Costa Rica?
Not strictly required by SENASA, but strongly recommended. Most US and EU vets microchip routinely, and the chip ID gets recorded on the health certificate. If your pet is unchipped and lost in transit, recovery is dramatically harder.
Can I bring two pets on one application?
Yes. SENASA accepts up to four pets per traveler per application, but each animal needs its own rabies record and its own line on the USDA health certificate. The USDA charges $38 for the first certificate and $7 per additional animal.
What if my rabies vaccine is older than 12 months on arrival?
Re-vaccinate at least 21 days before departure. The 12-month window is firm; SENASA inspectors check the date and will refuse entry if the vaccine has lapsed. Three-year rabies vaccines reset the clock on re-administration.
Is quarantine required on arrival?
No, provided all paperwork is in order. Costa Rica does not quarantine pets from rabies-controlled countries with current vaccines. The arrival inspection is a visual exam at the airport and takes 10-30 minutes.
Can my pet fly in cabin from the US to SJO?
Yes if under ~8 kg / 17 lb total weight including the carrier. American Airlines, United and Delta all permit in-cabin small pets on direct routes to SJO. Book the pet slot at the same time you book your ticket; airlines limit in-cabin pets to 4-6 per flight.