Photo credit: Humane Society International/Latin America

The Zoo technical Diagnosis of Dog Breeding Centers in Costa Rica, an investigation carried out by Mario Torres a student of the School of Zoo Technology of the University of Costa Rica confirms that 75% of the breeding centers registered in the country operate without permits.

Torres obtained the date from the National Service of Animal Health (SENASA), the Costa Rican Canine Association, the Costa Rica Canine Federation and the ASOVAL; which report 119 breeding centers, 30 of which are recognized by SENASA (25%) while 89 (75%) are operating without being regulated by this institution.

SENASA has the responsibility of evaluating the health conditions of the animals in breeding centers.

In Costa Rica there isn’t an official list of breeding centers, this investigation is the closest to it.

According to SENASA, the institution is working on the regulations that would be applicable to these centers, which will demand an operation permit that must be renewed every two years; however, currently the law is clear in that they must have permission from SENASA; unfortunately this does not happen because the institution doesn’t have the necessary resources to enforce the law.

SENASA has intervened in several cases where someone has filed a report due to the bad conditions of the animals; however, there is not an estimate on how many puppy mills are currently operating in the country.

Many institutions in Costa Rica strongly encourage adoption as a way to discourage puppy mills and irresponsible breeders; however, there are still many people who prefer a particular breed because of the specific characteristics this breed has; pure breed puppies also deserve a good home, but it is important to get them from a responsible breeder.

If you are considering buying a puppy of a particular breed in Costa Rica here are some aspects you should consider:

1) Do research about the breed you are interested in before you buy a puppy, don’t base your decision on looks, but consider their characteristics, maintenance, space requirements, etc.
2) Ask a veterinary clinic for advice on reputable breeders and the questions you should ask.
3) Always ask to see the parents of the puppy you are getting. Go to the breeder center directly and check on the conditions in which they keep the animals.
4) Request a health certificate and vaccination-deworming record. If possible take your vet with you to check on the puppy you are buying.
5) Do not purchase puppies that have been neutered /sprayed before reaching 6 months.