QCOSTARICA — The Guanacaste Airport (Daniel Oduber International Airport – LIR) reported the arrival (entry) of 1,625 dogs by air in 2024, a figure that represents an increase of 24% compared to 2023, when 1,315 dogs entered.
The airport maintained its growth in visitation for the fourth consecutive year. November, the month with the highest number of canine tourists.
In 2024, the Guanacaste Airport recorded also an increase in the arrival of cats: 60% more in 2024 than in 2023 and 2.86 times more cats entered than in 2020, when 64 were documented.
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The total entry of pets increased 2.63 times in four years.
The airport has adapted its facilities and doubled the square meters of areas conditioned for the care of pets, going from 8.5 m² in 2023 to 16.4 m² in 2025.
The country’s departure area has an area of 5.1 m² that is located after the security inspection post, before going up to the boarding gates.
The pet area has synthetic grass and a litter box for cats, a wastewater disposal grate, a drinking fountain, a space for the deposit of solid waste, disposable bags and alcohol gel.
Its use is free. Requirements include that passengers keep their pets on leashes and accompany them at all times.
In case a pet does not have the documents required for entry into Costa Rica, an additional space of 16 m² was set up within the terminal for its custody while animal authorities evaluate the situation.
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“The growth of pet-friendly tourism in our region is a clear reflection of how families are looking for destinations that allow them to enjoy complete experiences with their pets. Therefore, at Guanacaste Airport we must anticipate the needs of our passengers and meet the needs of each member of the family,” said César Jaramillo, general manager of Guanacaste Airport.
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