Traveling With Pets Internationally ll Bring Your Dog to Costa Rica

[@Charles-qt4hq]

Love that you travel with your pup! They’re family too!

[@SaltTravelCo]

Traveling with our eight dogs in our van right now :) check out our Pawed Crew channel. Soon we’ll have some content of our trip :)

[@alyssastephenson4567]

This video was so helpful! Did you have to get your health certificate translated to Spanish? I am in process of getting our 3 pets certified so we can move to Costa Rica.

[@mjlat5990]

Hi! This video is very helpful. What exactly is the health certificate? Also did you have to do this certificate: APHIS 7001 (Where you have to send it to Sacramento for stamping)? Getting somewhat confused about this, so any info would be helpful. Thanks!

[@rhiannonedwards5078]

Can you travel with large dogs? I have a Labrador retriever and I have never traveled with him

[@SaltTravelCo]

Hi, good question. Yes, in certain airlines, they are allowed to travel in a crate under the plane. I have traveled with my husky this way, years ago, although since I have learned that it has more risk. Trained service animals are allowed in cabin. I wish so much they would allocate a flight a month or something that was large dog friendly. I bet they would sell so many tickets. Otherwise, there are groups that organize private flights for people moving to Costa Rica. There was a facebook group but I have just searched and searched and couldn't locate it. They are very pricey but a good option if you are moving permanently. My husband and I have 4 big dogs so when we decided to move we bought a van and drove! Hope that helps a bit. Best of luck!

[@JohnJohnCrusher]

What about bringing them home? That was the part I was wondering about. How smooth is the process at the airport leaving Costa Rica? Who checks papers, and carrier size, and at what stage of the check-in process do they do that?

[@SaltTravelCo]

Hi John John, the process leaving Costa Rica is the same. Each airline (at check in) decides how strict to be about size and weight. They check the papers at the airline counter and again at security. Once I arrived to the states they actually didn’t check at all :)

[@timothyoneill3350]

So will I never be able to bring 55lb dog to Costa Rica?

[@SaltTravelCo]

Hi!!! I know the frustration and very good question. I'll share here what I responded to a similar question: Yes, in certain airlines, they are allowed to travel in a crate under the plane. I have traveled with my husky this way, years ago, although since I have learned that it has more risk. Trained service animals are allowed in cabin. I wish so much they would allocate a flight a month or something that was large dog friendly. I bet they would sell so many tickets. Otherwise, there are groups that organize private flights for people moving to Costa Rica. There was a facebook group but I have just searched and searched and couldn't locate it. They are very pricey but a good option if you are moving permanently. My husband and I have 4 big dogs so when we decided to move we bought a van and drove! Hope that helps a bit. Best of luck! I seriously think we need an airline or at least just a few scheduled "big dog allowed" flights! How do we make that happen!?

[@heatheroffutt2748]

Does the rabies shot need to be given 30 days or less before departure or 30+ days before departure?

[@SaltTravelCo]

Hi Heather, yes sorry that’s 30+ before departure so that it has time to take effect.

[@heatheroffutt2748]

Thank you so much! I'm moving down in February. I'm so excited! Your video helped calm my nerves a bit, so thank you! :)@@SaltTravelCo

[@MuNeQuiTaBrAviTa]

This video is so helpful. I plan on moving back to Costa Rica in a few months and I’ve been so stressed. I want to take my dog but didn’t know where to start 😢 What airline did you use? What did carry bag did you purchase and from what website?

[@SaltTravelCo]

Hi Monica! There’s no reason to worry! It’s actually very easy. I’d start by calling your vet and get a timeline for the paperwork. Will your dog fit under the seat on the plane? Usual limit is about 20 lbs. This is the kennel I use for Mogli who is about 8 kilos / 18 lbs I usually fly United, Aeromexico or Avianca (all pet friendly). Before you book your ticket with another airline just google “BLANK airline pet policy” and you can read specific requirements. Get your pup used to the kennel at home by using treats and positive voices. Hopefully your dog will love his kennel as much as mine do. To them it’s a safe little cave like space that as long as it’s not used for punishment most usually feel very comfortable inside. Take little trips around town to the dog park, beach, etc with them in it so they associate it with good things. Make your vet appointment a couple weeks before your flight (or when they advise is best). They will administer flea and worm meds so if you have one you usually use you can wait to do it at the vet. Happy to answer any more questions! Apollo Walker Pet Carrier Backpack for Large/Small Cats and Dogs, Puppies, Safety Features and Cushion Back Support for Travel, Hiking, Outdoor Use a.co/d/hNcAMyX

[@SophiaP]

Nice video. Does Costa Rica require the leptospirosis vaccine? We don't want to give that to our dogs.

[@SaltTravelCo]

Oh!? To be honest I haven’t heard of it?

[@paulinarodriguez5388]

Can you share tips on bringing my dog back into US from Costa Rica? Im planning a trip to Costa Rica and will be staying there for 1.5 months and will bring my dog along.

[@SaltTravelCo]

Yes :) it’s the same process. Costa Rica is not on the high rabies country list so the health certificate from a vet plus a “stamp” the vet can also do for you. The official vet at Sanasa needs to sign the health certificate so depending where you go to the vet they will usually send it off and have it back a couple days later or you can take it yourself to the offices at the airport either San Jose or Liberia. You will definitely want to add some extra time and check the office hours but if you have the time you can take it yourself. Make the pet reservation with your airline, arrive a little early to the airport and it’s super easy. In fact when I get to the states they usually just ask which country I’m coming from and then don’t even make me bother getting the papers out but they do check them at the airport and again at security so do you have them handy while you travel.

[@paulinarodriguez5388]

@@SaltTravelCo Thank you! Super helpful

[@surfing.4ever]

link to buy that dog backpack? thanks

[@SaltTravelCo]

Oh great idea, thanks! Here’s the one we use:Pecute Cat Backpack Carrier, Dog Carrier Backpack Expandable with Breathable Mesh for Small Dogs Cats, Dog Backpack Bag for Hiking Travel Camping Hold Pets Up to 18 Lbs www.amazon.com/dp/B08BZ5SZ65/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8R97TJ4D8BRZ407GCECF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@surfing.4ever]

@@SaltTravelCo thank you!

[@ebonieriley8309]

How much Xtra do they charge for the doggie

[@SaltTravelCo]

It varies a little but usually around $150 each way internationally. Wish an airline wouldn’t charge; I’d give them all my business :)