Monday, September 18, 2006
On Pet Immigration: The Real Deal
Bringing a pet to Costa Rica really is not that difficult, IF you know the ropes. Despite thorough Internet research (months ahead of time), I was unable to find the following information listed in any one single site, at least not this concisely.I had to learn the facts the hard way. No one told me that the rabies vaccination had to be no less than 30 days recent. I found this out after I obtained the pet immigration form, which is valid for only 30 days. I thought I could just get all the vaccinations and the health certificates in one day, within the two week window that the certificate of health requires, but No!
Needless to say, you will need 2 different appointments with your vet to get all the required documents and shots within the time constraints required by the two documents you will need*. The following article consists of first hand information, concisely outlined, with all that you need to know in order to efficiently, and cost-effectively transport your pet to Costa Rica. My dog now lives happily with me in Costa Rica.
The following procedures MUST be followed in order to bring your pet to Costa Rica.
1) 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.
It SPECIFICALLY states the following:
- Dogs or cats must be accompanied by a health certificate (United States Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals) (your vet has this form), issued and endorsed by a licensed veterinarian AND endorsed by Veterinarian Services (VS) office in your state. VS is a federal agency and is usually located in the Federal building in your state’s capital. The local USDA office CANNOT certify this form for you. It must go through the Federal VS office. This health certificate must be issued and certified within two weeks of the departure date.
- ALL dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies no more than one year prior to exportation AND no less than 30 days prior to arrival in Costa Rica. *The actual form from the M.A.G. is not required if your pet is traveling in the cabin of the aircraft, but you still need to do the things it says for the health certificate to be valid and complete. (up to date shots, including rabies, and assertion of good health).
2) For ALL pets entering Costa Rica, you will need to obtain a certificate of health for small animals from your vet no more than two-weeks prior to your departure to Costa Rica and make sure that the rabies vaccination follows the above protocols. Get this certificate approved and stamped by the Veterinary Services (VS) office in your state. There is a $24.00 fee for this service. Overnight mail is a good option to assure timely arrival of your paperwork. Hand delivering of the form to VS is also an option if you live near enough. Call for an appointment.
3) Make two copies of your rabies certificate. Upon arrival in Costa Rica, your pet will arrive in the large luggage section of baggage claim. Proceed through regular customs and then stop at the Ministry of Agriculture desk (just beyond the customs station) for approval and admittance of your pet. No quarantine is required if these procedures are followed and no quarantine is required for return to the US from Costa Rica.
