Published on Tuesday, June 2, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Daniel Oduber-Quirós International Airport (LIR) located in Guanacaste Province welcomed 876 arriving pets, primarily dogs and cats, during the first quarter of 2026, according to CORIPORT, the company that manages the airport.

The total represents a 4% increase compared with the same period in 2025, airport authorities said.

An additional 557 pets departed through the airport during the same period, bringing the total number of pets processed to 1,433.

CORIPORT said the figures reflect the continued growth of pet-friendly tourism in Guanacaste Province and have prompted the airport to further enhance services and facilities for passengers traveling with pets.


The airport currently offers three dedicated pet service areas and employs personnel to ensure compliance with animal care and sanitation standards established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and the National Animal Health Service (SENASA).


“We celebrate the airport’s growing position as an attractive destination for travelers accompanied by their pets,” said César Jaramillo, the airport’s general manager. “The growth of pet-friendly tourism and the low rate of pet return cases reflect how families are choosing destinations that allow them to enjoy complete travel experiences together.”

Airport officials reminded travelers that anyone flying with a pet to or from Guanacaste Airport must comply with all health and immigration requirements.


Among those requirements is a veterinary health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. The certificate must include the document number and a valid USDA signature and must be issued within 14 days of travel. It also must provide information on the pet’s health condition and vaccination history.


In addition, pets must undergo deworming treatment within 15 days before travel.

Owners are also responsible for ensuring that all required vaccinations are current. Rabies vaccination is mandatory and, if administered for the first time, must be given at least 21 days before travel.

Other recommended vaccinations for dogs include distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus. Recommended vaccinations for cats include panleukopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis.

Official figures show that LIR handled nearly 368,000 passengers during the first quarter of 2026.

Costa Rica’s tourism industry has continued to expand in recent years. The country recorded more than 2.6 million air arrivals in 2025.

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What additional improvements should Costa Rica's airports make to attract more travelers flying with their pets? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com