Pets

Life With a Dog in Nicaragua 

Gone are the days when our dog got two short walks per day and had to spend Monday to Friday snoozing away in the house while we were away at work all day.

A dog riding around the countryside on a motorcycle with us? Who would have thought!

If you’ve ever wondered (or worried) about what life would be like for your dog in Nicaragua this post will provide some great insight.

DAY TO DAY

We take our dog Maggie everywhere. The fact that we can is just one of the reasons we love living in Nicaragua.

Here in San Juan del Sur the only place we can’t take Maggie is into the Pali (local grocery store). Oh, and to the bank.

Unless you’re in one of the larger cities like Managua this seems to be the case with pretty much most restaurants and bars. In fact, there are even a lot of pet friendly hotels. 

Since we are lucky enough to live in on the coast we’re usually at the beach with Maggie at least every other day. She is able to run freely off leash fetching her ball and frolicking in the ocean.

When we are out and about on the beach or walking around town we do encounter the odd street dog, but since they are generally scared of people (and Maggie) we are never bothered by them.

Although not common practice in Nicaragua we do carry poo bags and pick up after Maggie should she happen to do her business on the beach, sidewalk or street.

DEALING WITH THE HEAT

- Maggie cooling off in a tide pool: Playa Yankee: San Juan del, Nicaragua
– Maggie cooling off in a tide pool: Playa Yankee: San Juan del, Nicaragua

Some dogs tolerate the heat better than others. Minature schnauzers are not one of them. With average daytime highs reaching 28 to 34 degrees Celsius it gets hot here, especially for a little dog.

To ensure Maggie stays safe we avoid long walks in the heat of the day. We always carry a water dish so she can drink as often as she needs to.

And when it really starts to heat up in mid-April through to mid-May we actually find it’s better to leave her home during the day when we’re out and about running errands so she can just chill out and keep cool and comfortable.

FOOD

Here in Nicaragua the selection of quality dog food is very limited. Our preferred brand for Maggie is Members Select that we buy at Pricesmart.

FLEA & TICK PREVENTION

Living in a country where many dog owners are not practicing flea or tick prevention can be a bit concerning.

To protect Maggie from these pesky little critters and the potentially fatal tick borne disease every 3 months we give her Bravecto. Certifect and other preventatives such as Frontline and flea and tick collars are also readily available here. 

VETERINARIAN CARE

Dr. Faran Dometz: San Juan del Sur Veterinary Clinic
~ We ❤️ Dr. Faran Dometz! (Photo credit: Katie Horn)

We are grateful for how incredibly inexpensive veterinarian care is here compared to Canada or the United States.

But we are even more grateful to have a skilled, compassionate and caring veterinarian who we can trust located a short ferry ride (or phone call) away on Ometepe Island.

A regular consultation with our veterinarian Dr. Faran Dometz at Ometepe Vet Clinic is just C$400 ($11.66 USD).

Annual vaccine fee (distemper, parvo, rabies, etc.) is C$500 and includes a full physical exam.

Dental cleaning and spay and neuter surgeries start at $75 USD (price is based on weight) and are done by gas anesthesia.

Faran is also available for virtual consultations via Skype and Facetime.

BRINGING YOUR DOG INTO NICARAGUA

Nicaragua does not quarantine healthy pets who meet the following requirements:

A licensed veterinarian must complete an International Health Certificate (see below for links to forms for Canada and the US) stating that your pet is in good health and free from parasites such as fleas and ticks.

American Health Certificate
Canadian Health Certificate

  • Your dog must have been vaccinated from rabies no more than 365 days and no less than 30 days prior to travel. For this reason be sure to plan your veterinarian visit and travel accordingly.

When you arrive in Nicaragua you will be asked to present the paperwork for your pup. Upon receipt and review of your paperwork — providing everything is in order — you’ll be required to pay an entry fee of $10 USD (per dog).

And that’s it, that’s all! You and Fido are then free and clear to start your new adventure together in Nicaragua.

DISCLAIMER: To the best of our ability we deem this information to be an accurate reflection of the current regulations for dog importation in Nicaragua.

Do you have a question about bringing your dog or cat to Nicaragua? Leave us a note in the comment section below.

45 Comments

  1. Thank you, this is great info!! Good timing for us, we will be flying in with our small dog mid August. I have been researching tick protection products. Most on the Facebook groups seem to agree Certifect is what is currently most effective. Our ‘go to’ online store has discontinued it – I got nervous and didn’t order it but now I think better to have the protection. Has Maggie experienced any skin dryness or other side effects?

    Karla Dykhus

    1. Hi Karla,

      Maggie does have occasional skin issues, but this is common in the miniature schnauzer breed, so I really don’t think it has anything to do with the climate here.

      About 9 months ago we started giving her fish oil capsules and saw a dramatic change. One capsule per day has worked wonders!

      Ticks can be a bit of a problem here…and concerning…especially if you happen to have untreated dogs residing next door or near by. This is something we never had to deal with with our dog in Canada, but we have learned to manage it quite well here by doing daily checks and applying the Certifect every four weeks or so.

      Maybe we’ll see you and your pup around in August!

      Cheers,
      Elisha

      innicanow

  2. Hi,

    Thanks for this post!

    I’m only in SJDS for the summer right now and in two weeks I have to leave.

    I just took in two kittens who wouldn’t last on their own, and am wondering if you have any good links to share about doing the reverse — flying out with pets (I’m going to the U.S.).

    I’m researching this just in case I can’t find them homes here–but I also think they might be too young to pass
    through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    This post is a bit off topic I know, but I would appreciate any shared info!

    Thanks!

    Lily A

    1. Hi Lily,

      According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cats are not required to have a rabies certificate for entry to the United States.

      Please see below for text that I copied from their site:

      “A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required at the port of entry.

      Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination..”

      If it were me — to be on the safe side — I would visit one of our local veterinarians to obtain a health certificate for each kitten.

      According to the Embassy of the United States (Managua * Nicaragua) you will require an export permit that has been authenticated at the Nicaraguan Chancery (MINREX).

      The veterinarian at the central market can help you with both the export permit and the health certificate.

      The fee for this service is $40 USD. It does take a few days to get the export permit though, so I recommend visiting their office no less than 10 days before you want to travel.

      Good luck!
      Elisha

      PS. Don’t forget to check with your airline provider for any current travel restrictions for pets.

      innicanow

  3. Hi Elisha!

    I recently discovered your blog, and read a bunch of your older posts to catch up!

    I am really thankful you posted about your dog and the requirements. I’m American, but my fiancée is Nicaraguan and we want to be open to the idea of moving to Nicaragua someday. Being able to bring our dogs is a must, and even better if we can avoid a quarantine.

    Thank you for the post!
    -Jess

    jess

  4. Thanks so much for posting this information! We will be in Granada for several months with our two dogs. Do you know of any kennels or boarding services that are available? I anticipate that we’ll travel some weekends and will need somewhere to leave the pups behind.

    -Julie

    julie

    1. You’re welcome Julie!

      No unfortunately I don’t know of any boarding kennels in Granada. Your best bet might be to make friends with a couple of dog lovers, so they can take care of your pups when you want to travel. 😉

      Cheers,
      Elisha

      In Nica Now

  5. We are travelling from Canada for just 4 months and bringing our dog and cat. We will have all the documents/vaccinations from our vet. However, I am Wondering if it’s necessary to have these documents authenticated by the Nicaraguan Embassy before entering the country or if the CFIA endorsement and our vet paperwork is sufficient on its own. I’ve been reading conflicting info.

    Erin

  6. Ah thanks thats good to know. We saw some small dogs at airports in the USA as we travelled from Aussie via LA and Dallas to get to Nicaragua. Its pretty great that they can travel along with people in the cabin I never heard of this in Australia or NZ. Pity our dog is too large he will have to travel in a crate as cargo, which we got a quote for its possible but not cheap.

    Paul Surrey

  7. Hello,
    I have visited Nicaragua before and have travelled for work and leisure. I love Granada and San Juan del Sur but my job will require me to live in Managua. I want to bring my dog with me for companionship and protection however I am at a loss for how to travel with my dog to the coast. I will most likely not have a car, especially in the beginning and I was wondering if you know of any taxi services or any other type of service that I would be able to take my dog with me to provide us both with some relief from the craziness of the city. Please let me know if you know anything! Thank You!

    Jessica Lanoue

    1. Hi Jessica,

      Yes, there are various taxi drivers and shuttle services that will allow you to travel from Managua to San Juan del Sur and elsewhere in their vehicles with a dog.

      We have a reliable driver we can connect you with when the time comes.

      You can email us at innicanow@gmail.com and we can help you with the arrangements.

      Cheers,
      Elisha

      Elisha & Gordon MacKay

  9. Hi guys! Recently learned about your blog – such a wonderful and helpful resource, thank you! I’m a fellow Canadian, heading to Playa Gigante and then SJDS for 4-6months beginning in September. I’ll be bringing my pup with me. One of my biggest concerns is encounters with strays, mostly in Gigante. You guys mention you have no trouble with this in SJDS. Wondering if you have any specific tips on how you guys navigate around strays and what you do when one does approach Maggie?

    Thanks so much!
    Jylian

    Jylian Russell

    1. Hi Jylian:

      We always see dogs walking the streets and beaches of San Juan del Sur and Playa Gigante. Most of them are not strays though. They have homes to go back to at night, but wander around with their friends during the day.

      The thing about street dogs is they almost never get into a fight. If they did they wouldn’t last long.

      Most dogs are very social pack animals and the trouble usually starts when an owner has their dog on leash. Maggie is always off leash except on busy streets.

      She dominates dogs that are submissive and is submissive to dogs that are dominant. We have never had an issue and she has walked up to literally hundreds of dogs.

      Our strategy is to ignore the interaction between the dogs so our own insecurities do not colour our dogs perception and cause a problem that was never really there.

      If you are afraid and tense then your dog will emulate that stance and the approaching dog will feel the stress and insecurity in your dog. Stay calm and walk with confidence and your dog will learn to do the same.

      Cheers,
      Gordon

      Elisha & Gordon MacKay

  11. Hey, love the information! I am living in Léon now and wondered if you had a vet recommendation here in town? I just bought a mini Pincher and want to bring him back to the states with me when I return a year from now and also wondered if you have any new advice on returning with a pet? I do t want to leave my baby here! Thanks 🙂

    Olajide C.

  13. I want to bring my Service Dog to Nicaragua. I know he has to have had a rabies within one year. However hearing about the flea and tick products is worrisome. He gets seizures from things like the frontline flea and tick stuff that you put on the back of their neck. I simply cannot risk that.

    Susan Shaver

    1. Hi Susan,

      The problem lies in when you live in an area that is heavy populated with other dogs whose owners are not doing anything to control fleas and ticks. On the other hand if you are living in a home or neighborhood where there are no other dogs on site/next door fleas and ticks will not be a problem.

      NexGuard is another flea and tick preventative that we have more recently given to Maggie on occasion. Perhaps this would be an option for your dog if/when needed?

      Kind regards,
      Elisha

      Elisha & Gordon MacKay

      1. Thank you for the info. Unfortunately it says “Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures” and it is by Frontline, the very company that makes the product that gives my dog seizures. I was asked to join a group of people who is currently suing Frontline (although I did not join them in doing so). It’s products have actually killed dogs who are sensitive I am sorry to say.

        I am curious, are there parts of Nicaragua that have a lower incidence of fleas? That is my main concern as I can inspect him every day and remove ticks. Do you know any really good veterinarians that use a more holistic approach?

        Susan and Tiki

        1. Hi Susan,

          Fleas have never been a problem for us.

          It’s the ticks that are worrisome as they carry disease that can lead to death if not treated. Maggie has had tick borne disease 2 times in the span of her 4 1/2 year life. We caught it at the very beginning and treated it with a 30 day course of antibiotics.

          Our veterinarian is Dr. Faran Dometz. He uses traditional medicine. I am not aware of whether or not there are any vets in country using a holistic approach.

          Kind regards,
          Elisha

          Elisha & Gordon MacKay

  14. Thank you very much! I contacted Dr. Faran Dometz via Facebook who helped me review the tests of another vet for my dog who got the tick disease (2 actually). I cannot wait to go and meet him with our pup in person. Very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you for sharing. I feel very comfortable now that my pup will be ok.

    Kristin Kolenic

  15. Very cool! I have a mini schnauzer and live in Managua. His name is Max and is the sweetest dog…. I am trying to figure out how to take him to the USA with me next year I’m due for some time state side and will be gone 6-12 months…. He will need to come with me… And then back here again… When I return. Do you know anything about dogs bought here returning to the USA? I met someone who travels back and forth with their dog and said he just needs a vet check and proof of shots…

    Alexandra

  17. My husband and I are strongly considering moving to Nicaragua after he retires from the military. Do you have any information on how hard it may be to rent with multiple pets? We have been animal rescuers (now retired from that!). Moving without them would be a no go for us. I also realize we may have to sacrifice and live in a house that may be a bit less because of the animals and we are fine with that. I would LOVE a fenced yard that’s not shared, do you think that would be asking a lot?

    Vicki Madsen

    1. Hi Vicki,

      We have helped plenty of families with more than one pet find rental homes here. To give you a couple of examples last month we had a family of 4 move here with two big dogs and a cat. Next month we have a retired couple arriving with a dog and a cat. We also have another family of 4 arriving with two large dogs.

      Most times the homeowner will ask for an additional pet deposit ranging from $250 – $500 USD. There are very few homes here with completely enclosed fenced yards.

      Hope this information helps!

      Cheers,
      Elisha

      Elisha & Gordon MacKay

  19. Hi, congrats for your interesting blog! I brought 2 medium-size dogs from Madagascar to Nicaragua, but used 3 pet travel agents in 3 countries – otherwise this would have been too difficult. Can only recommend this solution which is expensive, but worth while, when you have the impression you cannot handle it for some reason. Transport from the USA (Atlanta) with DELTA to Nicaragua was the easiest part. It is recommendable to fill out the entry form for Nicaragua in English + Spanish. The airport staff in Managua was extremely helpful, and the Mercedes Best Western hotel just on the other side of the airport accepted my 2 dogs, although they normally only accept small pets. So I recommend them in case you have to spend a night at the airport. Here in Leon are many good vets, however none who prepares for export – this is only in Managua, also for microchips. I am using NEXGARD to protect my dogs against ticks. The indication says it lasts 1 month, but in fact my dogs are still tick-free even 5 months after I gave it to them. Btw I changed my dogs from kibble to 50% kibble + 50% raw, after I read many negative articles on kibble. There is even a lawsuit against 2 brands (forgot the names) in the USA at present, because dogs died from it. It is not a natural way to feed them, because it contains 60% of non-meat and many preservatives as well as sugar! I am now totally switching them to 100% raw (liver, kidney, high rib, spleen) and cooked/fried meat (chopped meat and chicken without bones), because this is what their type of stomach is made for. Once a week I buy several lbs of various raw meat, cut it into pieces and keep it freezed in 2lbs yoghurt cups. Every day, I unfreeze one cup which is sufficient for my 2 boys. Greetings from my 2 pooches to all the others and their masters!

    Elfi Littmann-Kaba

  20. This is incredibly helpful, as I have contacted the Nica Consulate in Philadelphia and the US Embassy in Nicaragua and neither were any help. I do have one question: Do I need to have the paperwork translated into Spanish?

    Tim Powell

    1. Hi Tim,

      I am not sure. To be on the safe side I would use the bilingual form that we have provided a link to.

      Cheers,
      Elisha

      Elisha & Gordon MacKay

  21. Hi,

    We are looking to bring our dog in, she will be just under 6 months old, but only had her rabies vaccine for about 14 days before arrival.

    Do you know for sure they require a minimum of 30 days before they can come in? If its not in the 30 days do you know if they just quarantine it for a couple weeks?

    I can’t find a single official document that says 30 days is required, and the Nicaraguan embassy here in Canada can’t even confirm that.

    Where did you get the 30 days from?

    I know everywhere unofficial is saying that, just trying to find an official document or account of some sort. OR if you know who I might be able to contact about that would be amazing.

    Thank you.

    wesphibbs

    1. Hi Wes,

      I found the following information on the National Assembly of Nicaragua website by typing my search terms in Spanish. I then used Google for help with the translation.

      Artículo 9.- Para la importación de perro y gatos se requiere:
      Article 9.- For the importation of dogs and cats, it is required:

      1.- Que cuando los animales procedan de países afectados por la rabia, lo que se calificará por el jefe de Departamento de Ganadería, hayan sido vacunados contra esta enfermedad dentro de un período no mayor de un año y no menor de 30 días anteriores a la fecha de embarque con vacuna de embrión de pollo.

      1.- When the animals come from countries affected by rabies, which will be qualified by the head of the Department of Livestock, have been vaccinated against this disease within a period not exceeding one year and not less than 30 days prior to the date of shipment with chicken embryo vaccine.

      2.- Que los Certificados Sanitarios Oficia. expedidos por las autoridades veterinarias en el país de origen y que acompañen a dichos animales, contengan la siguiente información: descripción completa del animal, fecha de la vacunación, clase de vacuna, número de lote de la vacuna y nombre y dirección de su fabricante.

      2.- That the Sanitary Certificates Oficia. issued by the veterinary authorities in the country of origin and accompanying said animals, contain the following information: complete description of the animal, date of vaccination, class of vaccine, batch number of the vaccine and name and address of its manufacturer.

      3.- Que cuando las vacunaciones efectuadas en el lugar de origen, sean consideradas a juicio del veterinario oficial de la Inspección General de Ganadería como inefectivas, el animal o los animales deberán ser revacunados contra la rabia usando vacuna de embrión de pollo, por cuenta del importador.

      3. That when vaccinations carried out in the place of origin are considered by the official veterinarian of the General Livestock Inspection as ineffective, the animal or animals must be revaccinated against rabies using chicken embryo vaccine, on behalf of of the importer.

      I have sent a message to my veterinarian to see if he knows what happens to those who attempt to import a dog that hasn’t been vaccinated for rabies within 30 days of arrival.

      I will update this message once I get a response. 🙂

      Cheers,
      Elisha

      Elisha & Gordon MacKay

  22. Hey there, I know you may not have checked this thread in a while, but i have a couple of quick questions! One, is your vet still here in San Juan? I am not real fond of the one I have and would love the name and number of yours if possible! Also, I’m having someone watch my dog for a week. It’s a super reliable person, and I said I’d compensate them, but I just don’t know what a fair price is here in Nicaragua. It will be for 8 days, do you have any suggestions? Thanks!

    cjmccaff

  23. I hope you will update your information on taking a pet into Nicaragua. The information you have here is from 2015!
    Nicaragua is classified as a high rabies country as classified by the European Union. At least check here https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/nicaragua.cfm.

    Good luck, hoping to visit sometime with my dog when things are calmer!

    It sounds beautiful, however the coastal area is too hot and humid for me, I would be heading to the more mountainous cooler areas with my dog!

    Susan

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