Costa Rica Livin’

services

Moving your most treasured pets (with no worries)...

Choosing a pet relocation service

Top recommended pet relocation services for moves to Costa Rica emphasize IPATA membership (or equivalent professionalism), strong reviews for CR-specific routes, door-to-door options, SENASA compliance expertise, and positive client feedback on safety and communication. Costa Rica is relatively pet-friendly: no mandatory quarantine for compliant dogs/cats, no rabies titer test typically required, but you need an ISO microchip, current rabies + core vaccines, parasite treatments (within ~15 days), a health certificate (USDA-endorsed if from the US), and an import permit for unaccompanied/cargo pets.

IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) membership is a key vetting signal—members follow ethical guidelines and IATA Live Animals Regulations. Always verify current membership on ipata.org and get multiple quotes, as pricing varies widely by pet size/number, origin, service level (DIY paperwork help vs. full door-to-door), and route. Typical professional full-service costs for US-to-CR range from roughly $1,000–$6,500+ (higher for large breeds, multiples, or charters).

Costa Rica-based specialists

  • Pets to Home (Costa Rica / Aselogistica)
  • Pet Lounge CR
  • World Pet Travel / Guardian Angels Costa Rica

International companies with Costa Rica experience

  • Pet Relocation International (PRI)
  • Air Animal Pet Movers
  • PetRelocation
  • WorldCare Pet
  • The Pet Porters
  • Across The Pond Pets

Charter option, especially useful from Florida

  • Perro Air

Other notable mentions

Broader highly rated international firms that can route to Costa Rica include Starwood Pet Travel and companies in major international pet relocation rankings. Always cross-check recent independent reviews (Google, Trustpilot, BBB) and confirm IPATA status.

Tips for choosing and preparing

  • Prioritize IPATA members and ask for recent Costa Rica references.
  • Confirm they handle SENASA requirements, USDA endorsement (if applicable), airline booking, IATA-compliant crates, and ground transport on both ends.
  • Start 6–8+ weeks ahead (longer for large/multiple pets or peak seasons).
  • DIY is more realistic for small in-cabin pets; pros are safer for cargo/large dogs.
  • Verify current rules via SENASA and your origin country’s export authority.
  • Get itemized quotes and clarify what’s included (boarding, updates, contingencies).
  • Local CR firms (Pets to Home, Pet Lounge) are especially helpful for arrival and follow-up needs.