Dogs & Guns

raven_storm wrote:

I've just begun my research on moving to Mexico or Costa Rica and would like to know how difficult it is to bring my pets (6 dogs & 1 cat) to either of these destinations.  Also, and more important, my father passed away recently and I have a collection of his old and not so old guns (some he built himself) that I will not part with.  I've read that you cannot bring guns into Mexico, but is there any way possible, maybe if the firing mechanisms are removed?  Any help or advice is appreciated.  Thank you in advance.

Welcome to Expat.com.
You will not be able to get the guns into Mexico. I suggest you give them to a relative for safe keeping, donate them to a gun club or museum or store them away in a safe place.

For pets you are best to do an online search for companies who specialise in pet transportation for information.

My understanding of guns in Costa Rica is that you must go through evaluations and paperwork with the Costa Rican consulate in your current country. That would be where you should start.your research.

Thank you for your replies, I appreciate it.  I'll research Costa Rica more, I went to the Mexican Consulate and they verified...NO GUNS.

Geez, couldn't remember my info so had to register again.  I live in Mx. and brought 4 dogs with me.  Everyone I know has dogs and have brought dogs.  It is very easy.  You have to get a special veterinary certificate of health.  Your vet should know about the official one and will charge to fill it out.  If they ask at the border, you must present it.  I had the form for all of my dogs and I also had all of their shot and other records.  I didn't want any problem.  I was never even asked. 

This is typical Mexican business.  It depends on the person, the day, the weather, your aura or maybe if their toe nails were cut that morning.  Who knows.  If there is any trouble you can try slipping them a bribe or go away for a few hours or minutes and get in another line.

Very, very few people have trouble.  I am well connected with the dog community and would know.  The only thing I have heard recently were a couple of problems coming into the Guadalajara airport.  Two incidents, only ones I've heard of in 4 years.   

No guns and difficult to buy them legally here but can be done, excruciating bureaucratic.