1. If you rescued your pet or adopted it then there will be very little customs duty for you to pay when you bring it into Costa Rica.

However, I am told by the experts that if you bought your pet and declare the purchase price, then Customs is going to charge you significant customs duties.

So we hope that only people that love to rescue animals and NOT buy them are the kind of people that will come to Costa Rica if you know what I mean….

2. I spoke with Costa Rica Veterinarian Dr. Molina in Escazu who told me that they take 48 hours (after they have received the Health Certificate from your pet’s veterinary doctor, vaccination record and other information you want to provide of your pet, like: color, age, breed, etc) to prepare the import papers (needed for you to bring your pet into the country.

Out of all the veterinarians that I spoke with, it would seem that Dr. Molina has the most experience in helping foreigners bring in their pets safely and quickly to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Veterinarian – For all your pet needs

3. Dr. Molina’s office normally only takes 48 hours to prepare the export papers (which includes the Health Certificate and other specifications asked by the different countries).

If your pet is traveling to countries in South America or Europe, they might need more time to prepare the export papers, because some countries demand special permits from the Consulate. (USA and Canada do not).

For special cases, it would take from 4 to 6 days to prepare the papers. Since their office can handle everything for you when you want to bring your pets into Costa Rica, try to contact them a month before you travel so there’s no panic and you don’t have to rush.

4. They can can pick up your pet from the airport and deliver it anywhere in Costa Rica in their ‘Pet Taxi.’ Doing it this way “will be a lot easier and faster for both you and your beloved pets if a veterinary Clinic claims the animal from Customs!

5. The experts at Dr. Molina’s office are willing and available to chat via email with any veterinarian anywhere in the world about your pet’s special needs, in this way they can assure you that your pet will have the most comfortable journey possible and that it will arrive healthy, happy and ready to enjoy your new home in Costa Rica!

6. Please remember that your pet can not travel if it is sick

For an additional information, please contact Dr. Molina’s office directly in Costa Rica at (506) 2228-1909, (506) 2288-1716 or fax them at (506) 2289-9989.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.