Can I bring pets when moving to Costa Rica?  YES definitely, and it is very easy.  Costa Rica is very dog and cat friendly.  All you need to do is get a current health certificate from your Vet and stamped by the USDA , that is issued less than 10 days prior to your flight, and bring it with you.  Check out this link to the US Embassy in Costa Rica where they outline all the steps you need to take to bring your pet into Costa Rica.

https://cr.usembassy.gov/embassy/sanjose/sections-offices/animal-and-plant-health-inspection-service/want-bring-dogcat-costa-rica/

When you arrive in Costa Rica at the airport, show the health certificate and your pets are welcome in.  There is no quarantine of any kind.  Most of the major airlines allow pets to fly.  The smaller ones can ride with you in the cabin, under your seat, in an approved travel bag. The larger dogs are checked with the luggage in the cargo hold, in an approved carrier.  Check with your airline for price. 

VIP PET TRAVEL ANYONE?  Check out this surprisingly affordable Private Jet Pet travel service.  My clients have nothing but rave reviews.  

Affordable(ish) Pet-Friendly Air Charters – PERRO AIR makes private jet travel a convenient and competitively priced option for pets and their people traveling between North America and Costa Rica.

Also, there is an amazing company here in Costa Rica that will handle EVERYTHING for you. So you won’t have to worry about a thing. The owners name is Jose Daniel Seco and his website is www.petloungecr.com

The veterinarians in Costa Rica are AMAZING, better in my opinion than the ones I had in the USA, and the prices are a fraction of what you are accustomed to paying back home.

The best Vet in our town Playas del Coco is Sharinne Alice.

Her website is http://www.vetsharine.com/ Her email is pethouseclinic@live.com or info@vetsharine.com.  Or for Whatsapp consultations (506) 8307-8400

We also have an incredible groomer her name is Meli Gonzalez.

https://www.facebook.com/meli.gonzalez.73

The Costa Ricans overall, are huge animal lovers, and most of your maids and caretakers will treat them like family.

If you go out of town, there are even animal sitters who will gladly take care of your fur children. Just ask me and I will introduce you to them.

Unique animals, like exotics or horses, need special permits and approvals so you should check with a Costa Rican attorney about the qualifications for bringing them.

If you need someone to pet sit then check out this new service

https://www.facebook.com/PuraVidaPetSitters/

Looking forward to meeting your furry friends!

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 68

Surgery in Costa Rica

“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow… what a ride!!!!!” Can I get a Tequila Sunrise please?

The first time you jump out of a perfectly good airplane, it is a very daunting task. Anyone who tells you they were not scared is a liar. When that door slides open, and you see the ground from 13,000 feet, your breathing becomes challenged, your mind goes blank. As you plummet toward earth at a terminal velocity speed of 124 mph, your blood flowing, your heart pounding, all other issues in your life seem to melt away; the only concern you have is whether or not your parachute will actually open. After what seems like the longest minute of your life, the canopy deploys above you, as you come to a screeching halt, and you can actually enjoy the scenery as you gently float to earth. The second my feet touched the ground, the first words out of my mouth were “Let’s do it again!”

As you become more proficient at this sport, you can obtain speeds of almost 200 mph, barreling along like a NASCAR racer.  They say that the trauma to your body for each successful flight is similar to a small car accident, as the deceleration of the parachute opening, creates 3 to 4g pressure on your spine, as you slam on the brakes down to 15 mph. The most dangerous part of the entire ride is when you finally touch down, as one small mistake can face plant you into the dirt. In my life, I experienced 86 small collisions like this over a period of a few years, and a couple real fender benders as well.

“I will pay you $50” someone once said to me, “if you jump off that glacier.” I will do it for free, I replied, if you take my picture for me.