Pet Travel to Kenya: A Complete Guide to Importing Dogs and Cats

Bringing a dog or cat into Kenya requires proper preparation and the correct veterinary and import documentation.

To enter Kenya, your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, a Kenya veterinary import permit and an endorsed veterinary health certificate.

At Mobivet Veterinary Clinic, we help pet owners prepare their animals and complete the documentation required for international travel into Kenya.

Requirements for Bringing a Pet Into Kenya

1. ISO-Compliant Microchip

Your dog or cat must have an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip.

The microchip number must be recorded consistently on all veterinary and travel documents.

The microchip should be implanted before the rabies vaccination used for international travel.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination administered by a licensed veterinarian.

The vaccination must meet Kenya's entry requirements and be correctly recorded in the pet's vaccination certificate.

Ensure the rabies vaccination remains valid on the date of arrival in Kenya.

3. Rabies Titre Test

A rabies antibody titre test (FAVN) is required for pets travelling from countries where titre testing forms part of the applicable import requirements.

Where required, the test must be completed well in advance of travel because the process involves vaccination, blood sampling and laboratory testing.

Before beginning the process, confirm the requirements applicable to your country of departure.

4. Parasite Treatment

Your pet must receive appropriate treatment for external and internal parasites before travel.

The treatment must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and recorded in the veterinary documentation.

5. Veterinary Health Certificate

Your pet must have an official veterinary health certificate confirming that the animal has been examined and is fit to travel.

The certificate must correctly identify the pet and include:

• Pet's name

• Species

• Breed

• Sex

• Age or date of birth

• Microchip number

• Rabies vaccination details

• Owner's details

• Country of origin

• Veterinary examination details

The certificate must be endorsed by the relevant government veterinary authority in the country of departure.

6. Kenya Import Permit

A Kenya veterinary import permit must be obtained from the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) before your pet travels.

The information on the import permit must match the pet's identification and supporting veterinary documents.

Start the permit application early to allow sufficient time for processing.

Pet Travel from the UK, USA, Europe and Other Countries

The documentation required for pet travel into Kenya is determined by the pet's country of departure, vaccination history and travel route.

A pet travelling from the United Kingdom, United States, France, China or another country must meet Kenya's import requirements as well as the veterinary and airline requirements applicable to that journey.

Transit countries also have their own entry and transit regulations. These requirements must be checked before booking the journey.

Booking Your Flight to Kenya

Most international pets entering Kenya arrive through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.

Choose a direct flight where possible to reduce travel time and stress.

Before booking, confirm:

• The airline accepts pets on your route.

• The airline-approved travel crate specifications.

• Whether your pet will travel as cargo or under another approved arrangement.

• Transit requirements.

• Breed restrictions.

• Airline documentation requirements.

Airline requirements are separate from Kenya's veterinary import requirements. Both must be satisfied.

Preparing Your Pet's Travel Crate

Your pet must travel in an airline-approved crate that allows the animal to:

• Stand comfortably

• Turn around

• Sit naturally

• Lie down comfortably

The crate must be secure, adequately ventilated and suitable for the duration of the journey.

Introduce your pet to the crate several weeks before travel to allow the animal to become comfortable with it.

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Upon arrival at JKIA, your pet and accompanying documents are presented for veterinary and customs clearance.

Officials verify the relevant documentation and the pet's identification before release.

The clearance process includes verification of:

• Microchip

• Rabies vaccination

• Import permit

• Veterinary health certificate

• Supporting travel documents

For pets travelling as cargo, airport cargo clearance and collection must be arranged before arrival.

Using an experienced veterinary or pet relocation service simplifies the clearance process and ensures the required documentation is prepared correctly.

How Early Should You Start?

Start preparing your pet as early as possible.

The preparation period depends on the pet's vaccination history, country of departure and laboratory testing requirements.

Early preparation allows you to:

1. Confirm the import requirements.

2. Check the pet's vaccination history.

3. Verify the microchip.

4. Complete required laboratory tests.

5. Obtain the Kenya import permit.

6. Complete the veterinary health certificate.

7. Meet airline requirements.

8. Arrange JKIA clearance.

Do not book your pet's flight before confirming the veterinary and airline requirements.

Common Pet Travel Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes when bringing your pet into Kenya:

·       Incorrect microchip information
The microchip number must match all travel documents.

·       Invalid rabies vaccination
Ensure the vaccination is valid on the date of arrival.

·       Late permit application
Obtain the Kenya import permit before your pet travels.

·       Incomplete health certificate
The certificate must be completed and endorsed correctly.

·       Ignoring transit requirements
Transit countries have their own veterinary and travel regulations.

·       Booking the flight too early
Confirm all veterinary and airline requirements before making the final travel booking.

Pet Relocation Services to Kenya

At Mobivet Veterinary Clinic, we provide veterinary support for international pet relocation into Kenya.

Our services include:

• Pet travel consultation

• Microchipping

• Rabies vaccination

• Veterinary examination

• Laboratory testing

• Veterinary health certification

• Kenya import permit processing

• Travel documentation

• Airline travel preparation

• JKIA cargo clearance and collection

• Pet relocation and onward transportation

We assist pet owners travelling with dogs and cats from the UK, USA, Europe, China and all other international destinations into Kenya.

Planning to Bring Your Pet to Kenya?

Start your pet's travel preparations early.

Contact Mobivet Veterinary Clinic before booking your pet's flight. We will assess your route, confirm the applicable requirements and guide you through the preparation and clearance process.

Mobivet Veterinary Clinic
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 0727 333 722
📧 Email: info@mobivetclinic.co.ke
🌐 Website: mobivetclinic.co.ke

Important Note

Pet import requirements are subject to veterinary regulations and can change. Requirements also differ according to the country of departure and travel route. Confirm the current requirements with the relevant veterinary authorities and airline before travel.