Once you land in Costa Rica, most think that they are going to stay here forever. Sometimes it doesn’t work out that way and for one reason or another you have to leave. This is directed at those that are leaving to go to any European country with pets….
Costa Rica is not considered a rabies controlled country as is all of Central and South America. Because of this, your dog must undergo a blood test by your veterinarian or ours. After this is done, the blood is sent off to University of Kansas in the US for the titre test. It usually takes 3-4 weeks to get these results back, BUT…your pet CANNOT leave the country for 90 days from the date that the blood draw took place.
This is the case for the majority of European countries. When you are going to England, Ireland, Sweeden or Malta, there is a completely different process. Your pet MUST go into quarantine for 6 months as these are considered rabies free countries. There is no way around this. The only option that you would have is to move to the US for 7 months and do inhome quarantine and testing there.
When going to England, and many other countries, you must acquire and import permit. There is also special documentation that is required to travel with your pet. Without this paperwork, your pet can be returned to Costa Rica or if you cannot afford to pay the fare back, your pet WILL be euthanized.
This is why it is so important to work with someone that does this all the time. So many of the veterinarians in Costa Rica will tell you they know just what needs to be done to get your pet to Europe then the pet is returned because the vet didn’t know what the heck he was talking about.
Don’t make the mistake so many others have made at the cost of losing a loved one. Contact a local pet transportation specialist to help you with all of the documentation and following of the laws of the country of which you are entering. They can work together with specialists in the country of which you are going to ease the process for everyone.
In Costa Rica there is one company that does this. They are members of IPATA (Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association) If you are considering a move to Europe, please contact them so that all is done correctly. www.worldpettravel.com or you can email to info@worldpettravel.com.
Check out the website and good luck with moving your animals in and around Europe.