What papers does a dog need to travel? You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel, and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. These certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian. Suppose you bring your pets from the USA. You will need to fill out a Costa Rica Health Certificate with your vet within two weeks of your departure to verify that your animals are in good health to travel. What is APHIS? APHIS – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Costa Rica needs an international health certificate signed by a vet and then authorized by APHIS. Your dog or cat must be examined by a USDA accredited veterinarian, who can fill out Federal APHIS Form. If not, you can mail the documents to APHIS for certification. USA – for information about APHIS click link on main page Canada – click link on main page for the necessary form to fill out. Requirements: The requirements for dogs to enter Costa Rica are: Rabies vaccination (you will need to vaccinate your pets for rabies more than 30 days before travel); Distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis vaccination; Internal and External parasite treatment within 15 days. The requirements for cats are: Rabies vaccination; Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. You can find more detailed information HERE. Advice: Ensure you have all of your forms ready to give to the TSA and ticket agents when you arrive at the airport. Keeping an additional set or two of completed forms on hand is good. Make sure you pets have their name tags updated with the information to find you and a recent photos of your pets in case it’s necessary. It’s a good idea to write down the info on the crate as well. Don’t forget wet wipes, waste bags and a few treats to reward your pets.