🐕 Mi Amore, Una: Why Dogs Feel Right at Home in Costa Rica

One thing visitors quickly notice about Costa Rica — especially along the coasts — is just how many dogs you see. You’ll spot them trotting down the beach at sunrise, lounging under tables at beachfront cafés, or napping in the shade of surf shops. Sometimes they look like strays at first glance, but look closer and you’ll see a collar: in many beach towns, that’s how locals let others know the dog has a home — even if it spends half the day exploring town on its own.

Dogs are welcome almost everywhere here. Maybe it’s because so many restaurants are open‑air that it’s hard to tell where “inside” ends and “outside” begins — for us and for the dogs! But mostly, it’s a cultural thing: people here tend to be more tolerant, more laid‑back. Visitors notice, and many love it. Some even adopt a dog to take home — not really necessary (there are plenty of dogs needing homes everywhere) but maybe it feels like the most meaningful souvenir they could bring back.

My own rescue, Una — mi amore — comes almost everywhere with me. Guests adore her friendly, calm nature, and she loves meeting new people just as much as I do. The only places we can’t bring her are the national parks. And honestly, that’s for good reason: wildlife here is special and needs to be protected. It’s important to stay quiet, stick to the trails, and respect the animals’ space — not just for conservation, but also to have a better chance of spotting sloths, monkeys, and birds.

But everywhere else? You’ll find me and Una together. Because here in Costa Rica, dogs really are part of daily life — on the sand, at the café, walking through town — just like everyone else enjoying pura vida. 🐾🌴❤️