Traveling with Pets in San José, Costa Rica

Traveling with your four-footed companion is not always an easy task, and cities usually prove more difficult than out of the way locations. The warmth that Ticos have towards canine companions, however, helps make San José one of the most dog friendly cities in Latin America.

Although the actual dog parks leave something to be desired, there are many parks and sports fields where your dog can run, as well as cafés and restaurants that are happy to host your well behaved dog along with you.

Feria Verde
The Feria Verde was easily our top pick for dog friendly places in San Jose. From 7AM - 12:30PM every Saturday, a whole punch of people who like kids, dogs, natural products, healthy food and good music get together to hang out and enjoy these things. You can walk around with your dog and explore the for stalls - where you both can get free samples. Afterwards, sit down to have a coffee or lunch, then take fido for jog around the track or into the football field to run around and play with the other dogs. The Feria Verde is a Saturday morning must for all downtown dog owners. 

Barrio Aranjuez - Street 19 and Av 15
More info: 8884-1694; feriaverde.org
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Best Dog Parks

La Sabana
Parque La Sabana is the biggest park in San José, meaning it easily has the most space for your dog to run. What's lacking is closed off areas, so La Sabana is best for dogs who are well behaved off leash. However, it's still a great option for going on runs or walks with your furry companion. 

National Park
Smack in downtown is a lovely green space where many local dog owners come to walk their pups. Although it is not an official off leash area, you’ll see more than a few off leash dogs, especially in the morning when the park is relatively quiet. 

Polideportivo Aranjuez
The field where the Feria Verde is held on Saturdays is the easy winner for best dog friendly run downtown. The football (soccer) field is fenced in, so many dog owners take their dogs here to play off the leash. It is the only real fenced off field that we found anywhere near the downtown area. The football field is also encircled by an asphalted track, making it perfect for owner+dog runs. 

San Pedro Dog Park 
I have to include the dog park because someone will inevitably google "Dog Park San José." They will see this park, and they will get excited. If your dog is small and likes running dog agility courses, stay excited! If your dog is big and would rather run around and play with other dogs who are not small, then perhaps skip this one. The park itself is pretty small (not ideal for long legged dogs to run), and unfortunately most of the (little) dog owners that frequent here were not keen on their pups playing with our very big dog. 

​Dog Friendly Cafés 

​Mantras
Mantras is everything friendly. Vegetarians, vegans, kids, parents and dogs are all welcome at this Escalante oasis. We had a very lovely brunch here with our pup hanging out on the indoor/outdoor back patio. The residents of San José are so friendly towards animals, that we often find our dog ends up a tourist attraction in her own right. 

Costa Rica Brewing Company.
Sunshine, craft beers, picnic tables and a fido friendly lawn - need we say more? Although really it's much more of a "drink your beer with your dog by your side" than a "run around and play" kind of place, we still considered the Costa Rica Brewing Company a great destination for pet-owning beer lovers in San Jose.

Cafe Miel Garage
The new location of Café Miel in the Amon neighborhood is a perfect pet friendly hang. The counter where you order is located directly on the sidewalk, as are several of the benches for seating, so you don’t even have to enter inside to enjoy your delicious coffee or frozen smoothie concoction. Great for those whose dogs are still learning table manners. 

La Ventanita Meraki Burger
The same goes for La Ventanita Meraki as goes for Café Miel - sidewalk ordering and eating means that dogs can never be turned away. However, keeping our pup from trying to steal the delicious juicy hamburgers proved much more difficult than it was to keep her out of our coffees. For experienced dog owners only. 
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Best Dog Friendly Activity? 

Join a Walk at the Territorio de Zaguates (The Land of the Strays)

This non-profit no kill animal shelter center has been rescuing pups in Costa Rica for nearly a decade. The land of the strays currently has about 800 residents. The Land of the Strays hosts a three hour hike thorough the hills of Heredia with their pack, taking place monthly or bi monthly. Dog lovers are invited to join free of charge. The hope is that attendees will forming new bonds, thus encouraging adoptions. Walks take place from 9am -12:30 PM, and shuttles are offered from San José up to the hills for a few dollars.

Check the Facebook page for up to date information on dates of the upcoming walks.