Bringing Pets to Costa Rica
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Has anyone brought pets to Costa Rica from the U.S.? Is there any problem with the wildlife (e.g., monkeys) in certain sections? Are there areas where we would be safer with them? Thanks!!
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Hi! I have a cat and dog and have never had any issues with wildlife (knock on wood).
Yet, there is a lot of wildlife, and I have heard of some issues here in Guanacaste. I love close to Playa Tamarindo. For example, frogs are poisonous when licked. My dog is a beagle, so she prefers to point out wildlife rather than touch it.
In addition, we have lots of snakes and scorpions. I think my dog had gotten stung by a scorpion before as she swelled up, but she was okay. Vets have some antivenom. If a rattlesnake bites your dog, you must get it to the vet immediately. It's the same protocol for people in the area.
Skunks are my main issue at my house. They often come into my yard at night and drive my dog crazy!
In Costa Rica, the monkeys don't tend to bother people or pets. They often keep their distance and stay in the trees.
I believe there are fewer issues with wildlife in the city.
Tick fever is also common in my area. If infected, dogs get lethargic and need medicine. It is different from the States, as people don't get Lyme disease here.
Check out these articles to learn more: https://internationalliving.com/countries/costa-rica/move/
https://internationalliving.com/how-to-travel-with-pets-to-costa-rica/ (this information is a bit older, but share some personal experiences that may be interesting) -
Your response was so helpful - thank you very much!