To travel with your cat or dog from Costa Rica to the U.S.
Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) requires a certificate of good health from your veterinarian in Costa Rica AND an export authorization issued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture (SENASA-Cuarentena Animal). It is advised that your Costa Rican veterinarian take care of all required authorizations with the Ministry of Agriculture (SENASA-Cuarantena Animal).
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) do not consider Costa Rica as high risk for importing dog rabies into the country, many states require rabies vaccines and many airlines require a health certificate and proof of your pet’s latest rabies vaccine.
*Please note, SENASA will have limited staffing during holy week. Please have your veterinarian call SENASA’s office at Juan Santamaria airport at 2442-6059 for services during this time. On April 13th SENASA offices will resume their normal schedule, with reduced personnel.
For more information:
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) pet travel website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pet travel website: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html
Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal (SENASA) – Dirección de Cuarentena Animal – 2587-1710 or 25871714
APHIS-IS Area Office in San José: +506 2290-4548
You will need a Certificate of Good Health from your veterinarian in Costa Rica and an export authorization issued by the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture (SENASA-Departamento de Cuarentena Animal).
Normally, your Costa Rican veterinarian can take care of all the required authorizations. If he/she does not, you will also need to visit the Ministry of Agriculture directly to obtain the export authorization. The Ministry (SENASA- Cuarentena Animal) is located in Barreal de Heredia, Jardines del Recuerdo, 2 Km West, 400 Meters South, Heredia. Telephone number: 2260-8300 Ext. 2024 or 2093 or 2260-9046.
You will need to take with you to the Ministry the following stamps, which can be purchased at most book/stationary stores: one “fiscal” stamp of ¢25.00 and one “archivo” stamp of ¢5.00.
To pay the required fee, you must deposit ¢4,992.00 (please confirm the correct amount with SENASA before depositing since amounts change frequently) into one of the following accounts:
| Bank | Account Number | Currency | Name | Customer account |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco de Costa Rica | 001-262585-7 | Colones | Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal | 1520100102 625857 |
| Banco Popular y de Desarrollo Comunal | 161-010-089-1-019474-1 | Colones | Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal | 161010089 10194741 |
| Banco Nacional de Costa Rica | 100-01-061-000890-1 | Colones | Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal | 151061100 10008909 |
| Banco Crédito Agrícola de Cartago | 105519621 | Colones | Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal | 15302001055 196219 |
