SAN JOSE—Costa Rican authorities have approved a vital new regulation that establishes stronger controls over establishments dedicated to the breeding and sale of dogs and cats.
This regulation was developed with support from Humane World for Animals Costa Rica (formerly Humane Society International/Latin America), as part its ongoing mission to drive permanent change and create a better world for all animals.
The regulation addresses a long-standing regulatory gap in Costa Rica, where protections for dogs and cats in breeding facilities and at points of sale were previously minimal or nonexistent.
Established by executive decree, the regulation requires breeding facilities to meet minimum animal welfare standards, including adequate space based on size and breed, secure infrastructure, and appropriate lighting and ventilation. It also limits female dogs and cats to one pregnancy per year, sets a minimum sale age of 8 weeks, and requires buyers to acquire animals exclusively from breeders or clinics with a Veterinary Operation Certificate (CVO).
In addition, the regulation requires all breeders, regardless of their size, to assume the costs of care and maintenance for animals seized due to noncompliance, strengthening authorities’ capacity to respond to cases of animal cruelty.
Andrea Borel, executive director of Humane World for Animals Costa Rica, said: “For many years, we have worked with Costa Rican authorities to promote public policies that prevent the indiscriminate and clandestine breeding of dogs and cats, and we are pleased to see these elements reflected in this new regulation. We trust that it will have a positive impact both on the protection of animals and on more informed decision-making by people seeking to acquire a companion animal. We reiterate our commitment to continue supporting institutions in this new stage through the development of best-practice guidelines, technical tools for carrying out inspections, and training processes, among other actions.”
The Regulation for Governing the Breeding and Commercialization of Dogs and Cats will come into effect in Costa Rica in May 2026 and will be implemented by the National Animal Health Service.