I am moving to Playa Potrero from the U.S. in December and want very much to bring my golden retriever, but have concerns about her health and safety.

I have visited Costa Rica a lot and my main concerns are a) streets dogs --- will they pick fights with her/spread disease? b) the extreme heat c) unknown allergens d) sometimes unfriendly attitudes towards dogs.

Has anyone done this before that might be able to help?

Thank you so much!
Rachel

I have brought many pets down here for people and provided you take care of where your dog is, you shouldn't have a problem. If you let them run loose, you will have a problem. Keep their yearly vaccines up to date and you won't get anything from the local dogs.


_________________
Angela Passman
Guardian Angels CR
Relocation Specialists
www.guardianangelscr.com
Toll free: 1-877-889-1131

I brought my Westhighland Terrier her in June 2006. I am sure you know you have to have a health report from your vet in the states and show that all shots are current. They will ask for the paper when you go thru customs with your dog.
My Westie didn't have any problems other than adapting to the heat. We moved here from San Francisco. She lost "the undercoat" but that was not a problem. Please make sure you keep you dog confined to your property. I've see so many dogs just running loose, skinny, hungry and some quite mean. It's also a game for some "kids" to try and hit dogs that are running wild. My pooch is kept in the confines of our Quinta here in Atenas and "she loves it". Good luck - just be a responsible dog owner. Once you're here you understand why!
Butch

Hi there. I brought 3 cats and our German Shepherd puppy. All fared well with the move from Tampa to Playa Conchal (near Playa Potrero). If moving to Potrero, you will be fine. Just watch out for ticks. That has been the only issue. I give my pets frontline plus and baths and they love life in Costa Rica. If you have specific questions, feel free to email me directly: mediatica26@yahoo.com

Good luck.

hi.we brought our 2 dogs.a lab.and a aussie.to costa rico.they were scared on the plane but once landed they did fine.we have been here a year now.the dogs are doing great.good luck.dana[/b]


_________________
dana

Why would you refer to Costa Rica as Costa Rico?

Gracias

harv.just a slip up.sorry that i worried you so much.


_________________
dana

can anyone explain the intricacies of bringing a pet to costa rica? Is there a quarantine period?

No quarantine, just get a health certificate from your vet, have it signed by a USDA official; your vet can tell you where. At Costa Rica customs, they will likely wave you by, rarely will they even bother to read your documents.

I have had my dog here for several years. I keep my doors open 24/7.. he is free to come and go as he pleases. No problems with the other dogs, except the Chihuahua that chased him back home recently, lol... And I thought he was brave.

I keep him on a leash when I visit the more populated areas; I came out of the grocery store one day and saw a fellow putting my dog in his car: I asked 'what are you doing with that dog'... he replied 'I'm taking him home'.. 'but that's my dog, I cried' 'sorry, he says'... He is a cute little fellow.. not the guy, my dog.

Charlie