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Thanks for that question as I may be going down there as a trial with 2 small dogs.

It would be nice to hear from people who went through the process of getting them there.  I read through old posts and there are lots of streets dogs and cats and they don't feel the same as we do about our "pets". The ticos do not have a problem with barking dogs and make little effort to control their barking dogs.  Be warm about where you reside as it may be a problem if you're looking for peace and quiet as I am.

You are only permitted to take one small pet for 'in cabin' travel, so you will be required to pay for any others as 'extra baggage,' or if a dog is over 100 lb. including their crate, it will be required to travel as 'cargo' which is quite expensive but you will need to check with your chosen airlines as not all will permit cargo or pets as extra baggage. Also temperature conditions will dictate when the are allowed or not.

Many homes have dogs for security reasons, be they Ticos or expats.

You should also realize that roosters are common even in towns...

I moved here with 2 dogs and a cat.  I had to have them checked out by my vet and a health certificate issued, showing all shots up to date.  We drove from NV to CR and other than charging us in each country for them, we had no problems bringing them.  I think the worse part of it for me, was in one country (don't remember which one) they made us get out of the RV and take the fur kids to cages that we could not be near or even see while they took their own dogs in and went thru things.  We did not notice anything missing, which is a good thing.

I would have to be in dire straits  to drive to CR and allow my dogs to be taken away even for a short time where I couldn't see them.   I'm glad you are all there safe and sound.

When you say "for security reasons" is this in the upscale areas or anywhere that you have seen?

Well, you have to drive or fly to get them here - and you don't see them at all in a plane - plus, I've known more than one show dog to escape and never be found after flying them for a dog show.  I didn't like not being able to see them, but in the end, all was good.

Both Ticos and expats often have dogs for security reason, all over the country. I wouldn't advise you to let the dogs loose at night, though, as it is not uncommon for poisoned food to be thrown onto the property to facilitate a robbery to take place...