Like alot of people today, they want to travel with their pets for vacation, or to move or retire.

Here is what I have learned from taking my Yorkie to Costa Rica for last few years.

1. Download current documents required for Costa Rica from USDA-APHIS Veterinary Service
2. Contact your airline for any specific forms to travel with the airlines and time frames
3. Important paperwork normally needs to be signed by USDA-APHIS within two weeks of travel
4. Contact your local veterinarian and request an International Health Certificate. The form usually requires, information about last rabies vaccination. In addition, the vet will need to treat for internal parasite (heart worms) and external parasite (fleas and ticks), usually in small treat pill.
5. FEDEX the document signed by your vet to the USDA-APHIS that is the jurisdiction for your state (found on website). You must also provide a pre-paid return label to receive your certified form.
6. Make two copies of certified form and two copies of rabies vaccination
7. Keep the documents with your passport to keep it safe.
8. Present documents at Costa Rica Immigration. If stay is more than 30 days, they will keep the document and must get a new one before you return to the USA from a Costa Rica vet. If stay is less than 30 days, immigration will stamp the document and can be used on the return flight.
9. On return, present the Health Form to immigration they will check the date to make sure its valid
10. Return to the USA and declare that you have a pet with you. Again present your documentation plus your pets rabies vaccination history