Flying with a Dog from Costa Rica to United States — Requirements

A free online form completed by the person bringing the dog into the US. Each dog requires a separate form. After submitting, you receive a receipt by email — print it or show it on your phone to US Customs. For dogs from Costa Rica (a CDC low-risk country), the receipt is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued and can be used for multiple US entries from the same departure country. You can complete the form on the day of travel or up to 6 months in advance.

Costa Rica is a screwworm-affected country. A full-time salaried veterinary official from the region of origin must certify that the dog was inspected and found free of screwworm within 5 days before shipment to the US. This can be a standalone document or incorporated into the origin country's official export health certificate.

Your dog must have a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner. ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit) microchips are recommended. The microchip number will be recorded in your CDC Dog Import Form.

Your dog must be at least 6 months (approximately 180 days) old at the time it arrives in the United States.

Your dog must visually appear healthy when it arrives at the US port of entry. A dog that appears ill may be subject to inspection or denied entry. No veterinary health certificate is required by the US to prove this.