A Georgetown, Ontario woman says a dream anniversary trip quickly turned into a nightmare after Costa Rican officials refused her entry over a slightly damaged passport — one she had used for years without issue.

Andie Field and her fiancé, Jayson Tate, arrived in Liberia on Nov. 13 expecting sun and relaxation. Instead, Field says border staff flagged a small chewed corner on her passport — courtesy of her puppy — and deemed it invalid. Though she’d travelled to seven countries with it, she was separated from her fiancé, placed in a detention room for 24 hours, and ordered to return to Canada.

Field says officials denied her explanations, processed her “like a criminal,” and even collected her saliva. The couple bought last-minute flights home after missing the first return flight and say their $2,000 vacation ballooned into an $8,000 ordeal.

Travel experts warn that even minor tears or chewed edges can lead to denied entry, as countries reserve the right to reject any passport that appears altered or damaged.

Field says she’ll be replacing her passport — but won’t be returning to Costa Rica anytime soon.