Shipping your pet from Norway to Costa Rica is a process that rewards early planning.
This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks before your travel date -- some steps have …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
3
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
4
Apply for import permit from Costa Rica
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
5
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
6
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Costa Rica
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 3 weeks. Vaccination must be current within 1 year (or per manufacturer's guidelines).
Rabies titre test
Required for: Not routinely required
Quarantine
No quarantine. Veterinary inspection on arrival. All documents must be in order.
Import permit
Required. Issued by: SENASA Costa Rica (online application). Import permit (Permiso de Importacion) required. Apply online via SENASA portal.
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: USDA/CFIA/APHA-endorsed vet (or equivalent national authority). Valid for 14 days from issue
Export permit (Norway)
{'required': False}
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (Costa Rica)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
BRITISH
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Why this route needs early planning
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Norway to Costa Rica is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
Costa Rica regulated by SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Salud Animal), part of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG). Popular destination for North American and European expats. Relatively straightforward pet import process.
Practical advice for shipping your pet from Norway
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
FAQ
Common questions about Norway to Costa Rica pet transport
Allow at least 20 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Costa Rica for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Costa Rica. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from Costa Rica’s authority (SENASA Costa Rica (online application)). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Norway. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Costa Rica’s authority for the exact format required.