Updated for 2026 with current SENASA entry requirements, airline policies, and dog-friendly accommodations throughout Costa Rica.

Costa Rica With Your Dog: Full Travel Guide

Costa Rica is one of the few tropical destinations where traveling with a dog is both feasible and rewarding. The country’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle extends to animals in a genuine way. Dogs roam beaches freely, restaurants welcome them without question, and the lush landscapes offer experiences you simply cannot find in temperate climates.

When my girlfriend and I decided to spend a month in Costa Rica with our Labrador mix, Coco, we were not sure what to expect. What we found was a country that embraced her presence at every turn. From the Pacific coast surf towns to the cloud forests of Monteverde, Coco was welcomed with the same warmth Costa Ricans extend to everyone.

Entry Requirements

Costa Rica’s pet import rules are managed by SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal), the national animal health service.

What You Need

Requirement	Details
Rabies vaccination	Current, administered at least 30 days before travel but no more than 1 year prior
Health certificate	Issued by a licensed veterinarian within 14 days of travel
USDA endorsement	The health certificate must be endorsed by APHIS
SENASA import permit	Apply online through SENASA’s website. Processing takes 3-5 business days. Fee approximately $15 USD
Microchip	ISO standard recommended though not technically required
Internal and external parasite treatment	Administered within 15 days of travel, documented on health certificate

Step-by-Step Process

1. At least 30 days before travel: Ensure your dog’s rabies vaccination is current
2. 2-3 weeks before travel: Apply for the SENASA import permit online at senasa.go.cr
3. Within 14 days of travel: Visit your vet for a health examination. Get the health certificate (USDA Form 7001) completed with notation of parasite treatment
4. Within 10 days of travel: Submit the health certificate to your local APHIS office for USDA endorsement
5. At departure: Carry all original documents in your carry-on

Breed Restrictions

Costa Rica does not have breed-specific legislation. All breeds are welcome.

Arriving in Costa Rica

You can arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near San Jose or Daniel Oduber Quiroz International Airport (LIR) in Liberia (Guanacaste). Both airports have customs areas where your documents will be reviewed.

Upon arrival, a SENASA official will inspect your documents and may examine your dog. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes. In our experience at SJO, the officials were friendly and efficient. They checked Coco’s certificate, scanned her microchip, and we were on our way.

Flying to Costa Rica With Your Dog

Airlines

Airline	In-Cabin	Cargo	Route
United Airlines	Yes (under 25 lbs with carrier)	Yes	Multiple US cities to SJO and LIR
American Airlines	Yes (under 20 lbs with carrier)	Yes	Miami, Dallas, Charlotte to SJO and LIR
Delta	Yes (under 20 lbs with carrier)	Limited	Atlanta to SJO
JetBlue	Yes (under 20 lbs with carrier)	No	Fort Lauderdale, Orlando to SJO and LIR
Southwest	No international pet service	No	Does not fly to Costa Rica
Avianca	Yes (varies by route)	Yes	Connections through Central American hubs

Flight times: From Miami, the flight is about 3 hours. From Los Angeles, approximately 5.5 hours. From New York, about 5 hours. These are manageable durations for most dogs.

For large dogs: United’s PetSafe cargo program and American Airlines’ cargo service are the most reliable options. The cargo hold is pressurized and climate-controlled on all aircraft flying these routes.

Getting Around Costa Rica

Renting a Car

A rental car is almost essential in Costa Rica, especially with a dog. Public transportation is limited outside of San Jose, and taxis and rideshares vary in their willingness to accept dogs.

Car rental tips:

• Book a 4WD/SUV. Many roads in Costa Rica, especially in rural and beach areas, are unpaved and can be rough. During the rainy season (May-November), a 4WD is crucial.
• Expect to pay $40-80 USD per day for a suitable vehicle.
• Most rental companies allow pets but may charge a cleaning fee. Confirm when booking.
• Bring a seat cover and a car harness or crate for your dog.
• Gas stations are found in most towns but can be sparse in remote areas. Fill up when you can.

Driving Conditions

Costa Rica’s roads range from excellent (the Pan-American Highway) to adventurous (dirt roads through jungles). Navigation apps like Waze are widely used and recommended over Google Maps for Costa Rica. Drive defensively; road conditions can change quickly, and wildlife crossings are common.

Best Dog-Friendly Destinations

Guanacaste (Pacific Northwest)

Guanacaste is the driest, most accessible beach region and an excellent base for dog-friendly travel.

Tamarindo: A bustling surf town with a long sandy beach where dogs run freely. The beach is essentially an off-leash dog park at sunset. Tamarindo has numerous dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and shops. Accommodations range from budget hostels to luxury resorts, many welcoming pets.

Playa Flamingo: A more upscale beach with calm waters, good for dogs who enjoy swimming. Several vacation rentals in the area are pet-friendly.

Nosara: A yoga and surf town with a laid-back vibe. Playa Guiones is a stunning beach where dogs are common. The town has excellent restaurants with outdoor seating.

Playa Grande: Known for leatherback turtle nesting (dogs must be leashed during nesting season November-March), this beach is wild, beautiful, and dog-friendly during the day.

Nicoya Peninsula

Santa Teresa and Mal Pais: These connected surf towns on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula are incredibly dog-friendly. The beach stretches for miles, dogs are everywhere, and the community is welcoming. This was Coco’s favorite area. Many expats who live here have dogs, and the culture reflects it.

Montezuma: A bohemian beach town with waterfalls, beaches, and a relaxed attitude toward dogs. The Montezuma Waterfall hike is dog-friendly (keep your dog on leash near the water, as currents can be strong).

Central Pacific

Manuel Antonio area: Manuel Antonio National Park does NOT allow dogs, but the surrounding area is excellent. The beaches outside the park (Playa Espadilla) are dog-friendly, and the town has many pet-welcoming restaurants and hotels.

Dominical: A surf town that is growing but still relaxed. The beach allows dogs, and the nearby Nauyaca Waterfalls offer a hiking experience (dogs permitted on leash).

Uvita: Home to the Whale Tail (Marino Ballena National Park, no dogs inside), but the surrounding beaches are dog-friendly. The town is quieter and more affordable than Manuel Antonio.

Caribbean Coast

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: The Caribbean side of Costa Rica has a completely different vibe: Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae music, and laid-back beach towns. Puerto Viejo is dog-friendly, with beautiful beaches like Playa Cocles and Playa Chiquita. The Jaguar Rescue Center (dogs not allowed inside) is nearby, and the Cahuita National Park has a beach trail where dogs are allowed.

Cloud Forest

Monteverde: This famous cloud forest reserve does NOT allow dogs on trails due to wildlife protection. However, the town of Monteverde/Santa Elena is dog-friendly with cafes, restaurants, and accommodations that welcome pets. You can explore the area’s roads, farms, and non-reserve trails with your dog.

San Gerardo de Dota: A mountain valley known for quetzal bird watching. The area has hiking and lodges, some of which are pet-friendly. The cooler temperatures (compared to the coast) are a relief for dogs.

San Jose

Most travelers pass through San Jose quickly, but the capital has some dog-friendly spots:

• Parque La Sabana: The largest park in San Jose, with walking paths and green space
• Barrio Escalante: A trendy neighborhood with restaurants and cafes, many with outdoor seating

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Hotels and Lodges

Large international hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, Westin) have limited presence in Costa Rica outside of San Jose and the Guanacaste resort area. Most accommodations are small hotels, eco-lodges, and boutique properties. Pet policies vary widely, so always confirm before booking.

Dog-friendly accommodation types:

• Beach bungalows and cabinas: Small beachfront accommodations, often family-run. Many welcome dogs, especially in surf towns like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa.
• Eco-lodges: Some eco-lodges in rural areas welcome dogs. These often have large grounds where dogs can explore.
• Vacation rentals: Airbnb and VRBO have extensive Costa Rica listings, and many are pet-friendly. Houses with fenced yards are ideal.

Camping

Costa Rica has limited formal campgrounds compared to the US or Canada, but wild camping is common in some areas. Beach camping is possible in certain locations (always check local regulations). Some national parks have camping areas, but dogs are generally not allowed in national parks.

Health and Safety

Tropical Health Concerns

Costa Rica’s tropical climate creates health considerations for dogs that do not exist in temperate regions.

Heat and humidity: Temperatures along the coast range from 27-35C (80-95F) year-round. Humidity is high, especially during the rainy season. Dogs can overheat quickly.

• Walk early morning and late afternoon, not midday
• Always carry water and a collapsible bowl
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy
• Sand can be extremely hot on paws during midday

Tropical parasites and diseases:

• Ticks: Extremely common in Costa Rica, especially in grassy and forested areas. Use a strong tick preventive (Bravecto, NexGard, or Seresto collar) and check your dog daily.
• Heartworm: Mosquito-transmitted, present year-round. Ensure your dog is on heartworm prevention.
• Leishmaniasis: Sand fly-transmitted, present in some areas. No vaccine available for dogs in the US. Prevention includes keeping dogs indoors at dawn/dusk and using permethrin-based repellents.
• Leptospirosis: Bacterial disease from contaminated water. Vaccination recommended. Avoid letting your dog drink from puddles, streams, or standing water.

Cane toads (Bufo toads): These large, toxic toads are common in Costa Rica, especially during the rainy season. Their skin secretions are highly toxic to dogs. If your dog mouths or licks a cane toad, rinse their mouth immediately with water (wiping outward, not forcing water down the throat) and seek veterinary care immediately. This is a genuine emergency.

Snakes: Costa Rica has several venomous snake species, including the fer-de-lance (terciopelo), which is responsible for most snakebites. Keep your dog on leash on trails and be vigilant in grassy areas.

Veterinary Care

Costa Rica has good veterinary care, especially in larger towns and cities. San Jose has 24-hour emergency veterinary hospitals. In smaller beach towns, vet clinics may have limited hours. Consultation fees are typically $25-50 USD.

Carry a pet first aid kit with wound care supplies, antihistamine (diphenhydramine, cleared by your vet), tick removal tools, and any medications your dog takes.

Food and Dining

Costa Rican restaurants are generally welcoming to dogs at outdoor tables. The concept of outdoor-only dining does not carry the same restriction it does in the US; many restaurants are partially or fully open-air due to the climate, and dogs are accepted naturally.

Restaurant types:

• Sodas (local restaurants): Simple, affordable Costa Rican food. Most have open-air seating and welcome dogs.
• Beach restaurants: Almost universally dog-friendly.
• Upscale restaurants: More variable. Many in tourist areas welcome dogs on patios.

Local dog food: International brands (Royal Canin, Purina, Hill’s) are available at veterinary clinics and pet stores in larger towns. If your dog eats a specific brand, consider bringing a supply from home, as availability in small beach towns can be limited.

Budget Planning

Category	Estimated Daily Cost (USD)
Pet-friendly accommodation	$40-150
Car rental (4WD)	$40-80
Dog food	$3-8
Dining out (your meals)	$15-40
Gas	$15-25
Activities	$0-50
Vet visit (if needed)	$25-50

Sample 2-Week Itinerary

Days	Location	Highlights
1-2	San Jose area	Recover from travel, Parque La Sabana, stock up on supplies
3-5	Arenal/La Fortuna	Hot springs area (dogs at some lodges), hanging bridges, waterfall hikes
6-7	Monteverde	Cloud forest town, coffee farm tours (some dog-friendly), scenic drives
8-10	Nicoya Peninsula (Santa Teresa)	Beach time, surfing, sunset walks, beach restaurants
11-13	Manuel Antonio area	Beaches outside the park, Dominical surf, jungle walks
14	Return to San Jose	Departure

Returning to the US

When returning to the US from Costa Rica, your dog needs a valid rabies vaccination certificate. As of the CDC’s 2024 updated rules, dogs returning to the US from countries with dog rabies (which includes Costa Rica) need additional documentation including a CDC Dog Import Form and potentially a veterinary examination. Check the latest CDC requirements before your return trip, as these rules have been evolving.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica with a dog is an adventure in the truest sense. The landscapes are dramatic, the people are warm, the food is delicious, and the lifestyle moves at a pace that both you and your dog will appreciate. It requires more preparation than a trip to Canada or Europe, especially regarding health precautions for the tropical climate, but the payoff is extraordinary.

Coco thrived in Costa Rica. She swam in the Pacific, explored cloud forest trails, ate alongside us at open-air restaurants, and made friends with the many local dogs who live the Pura Vida lifestyle every day. If you are willing to do the preparation, Costa Rica will reward you and your dog with experiences you will never forget.

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