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.

The government of Costa Rica has appointed an organization called "Ventanilla Unica" (The Only Window) to issue permits associated with importing plants, animals, substances, food, machinery, and others. The "Ventanilla Unica" is located at 40th Street, between 1st and 3rd Avenue in San José, inside The Center of Foreign Trade ("Centro de Comercio Exterior") on the Northeast side of the building called "Edificio Colon" in San José. Their phone number is 506-256-7111. Ask to speak to the manager, Mr. Marvin Salas.

It takes 72 hours to issue the quarantine permit. You need to bring your pet's health certificate, proof of payment of visual examination conducted by Customs. A fee of $1.00US (one U.S. dollar) plus proof of payment of your pet's Customs Duties (if applicable) is required.

This quarantine permit allows you to take your pet with you wherever you go in Costa Rica.

Once you get this permit, you need to take it to Customs or to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Control ("Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganaderia")'s Customs Animal Shelter in San José, Costa Rica.