Can I bring pets when moving to Costa Rica?  YES definitely, and it is very easy.  Costa Rica is very dog and cat friendly.  All you need to do is get a current health certificate from your Vet and stamped by the USDA , that is issued less than 10 days prior to your flight, and bring it with you.  Check out this link to the US Embassy in Costa Rica where they outline all the steps you need to take to bring your pet into Costa Rica.

https://cr.usembassy.gov/embassy/sanjose/sections-offices/animal-and-plant-health-inspection-service/want-bring-dogcat-costa-rica/

When you arrive in Costa Rica at the airport, show the health certificate and your pets are welcome in.  There is no quarantine of any kind.  Most of the major airlines allow pets to fly.  The smaller ones can ride with you in the cabin, under your seat, in an approved travel bag. The larger dogs are checked with the luggage in the cargo hold, in an approved carrier.  Check with your airline for price. 

Also, there is an amazing company here in Costa Rica that will handle EVERYTHING for you. So you won’t have to worry about a thing. The owners name is Jose Daniel Seco and his website is www.petloungecr.com

The veterinarians in Costa Rica are AMAZING, better in my opinion than the ones I had in the USA, and the prices are a fraction of what you are accustomed to paying back home.

The best Vet in our town Playas del Coco is Sharinne Alice.

Her website is http://www.vetsharine.com/ Her email is pethouseclinic@live.com or info@vetsharine.com.  Or for Whatsapp consultations (506) 8307-8400

We also have an incredible groomer her name is Meli Gonzalez.

https://www.facebook.com/meli.gonzalez.73

The Costa Ricans overall, are huge animal lovers, and most of your maids and caretakers will treat them like family.

If you go out of town, there are even animal sitters who will gladly take care of your fur children. Just ask me and I will introduce you to them.

Unique animals, like exotics or horses, need special permits and approvals so you should check with a Costa Rican attorney about the qualifications for bringing them.

If you need someone to pet sit then check out this new service

https://www.facebook.com/PuraVidaPetSitters/

Looking forward to meeting your furry friends!

LIST OF LOCAL HOSPITALS AND CLINICS PAPAGAYO AREA:

For day to day health care, any of the Individual Doctors and private Clinics are very good and can help you with most of your health issues.  If you need emergency care requiring immediate attention it is probably best to call the private ambulance service and have them take you to one of the private hospitals.  If you have international health insurance then most likely an emergency service will be covered.

You should check your insurance coverage to make sure.  If you have decided to use the public healthcare system then you have done the research and know what is required to get care.  If you have an existing condition or would feel more comfortable then schedule an appointment with one of the private Doctors listed above and discuss an emergency plan with them.