Discovering Costa Rica

Page 48

Pets

Deciding whether or not to bring your family pet on an international assignment is a personal

decision. Before making your decision, consider the following.

How long will your stay be in Costa Rica?

Will having your pets with you help your family adjust to the new life?

If you do not bring your pet, will you worry about your pet the entire time you are away?

Helpful Hint:

It is important to take into consideration the quarantine period that could

apply for bringing your pets back to your home country. Quarantine periods are required

upon return in Australia, England, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and

the U.S. (Hawaii and Guam).

Requirements

Ask your freight forwarder, moving company, or airline to ensure that the necessary

paperwork is completed to import your pet. This paperwork might also need to be

validated by the nearest Costa Rican embassy in your home country; check with your

Dwellworks Consultant to find out if this is the case

Shots must be current within 30 days of transporting the animals. Rabies shots must be

over 30 days, but less than one year in advance. Ask your vet what vaccines are

required for your pets

Be sure to have all your pets’ records and certificates with you

You are allowed to import birds into Costa Rica, but you are not allowed to export them;

don’t bring your bird unless you are sure you will be staying for a long time.

Be aware of airline blackout periods, during which times animals will not be allowed to

fly; ask airline employees until you find someone who knows when they are

Registration

The first step to registering your pet is talking with your Dwellworks Consultant about the

necessary procedures to take. Cats and dogs will not be quarantined, but you will need a

certificate from your vet.

Note:

If you are coming from the United States, this form must comply

with the United States Department of Agriculture format. For all other inquiries, your Dwellworks

Consultant will be able to answer questions.