Pet import requirements for Kenya

Kenya at a glance

The detail

For Kenya, start with this checkpoint: puppies and kittens under 3 months of age are not permitted to travel in dependently but may be allowed to travel with their mother, provided the mother’s vaccination records are…. Kenya is located in East Africa, bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, South Sudan to the northwest, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast. Cargo and passenger-pet routings commonly use NBO, EDL, MBA, KIS, and WIL.

Import requirements

Puppies and kittens under 3 months of age are not permitted to travel in dependently but may be allowed to travel with their mother, provided the mother’s vaccination records are valid.

All cats and dogs entering Kenya must have a valid import permit (VS01) issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) and travel with an in ternational veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country’s government vet authority. Each pet must be permanently identified with a microchip, fully vaccinated against rabies (with a valid antibody test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml), and up to date on core vaccines (dogs: distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis; cats: FVRCP). Pets must also receive in ternal and external parasite treatments within 10 days of travel, recorded and signed on the health certificate. Documentation must in clude the owner’s details, vaccination booklets, treatment records, and permit copy. Kenya does not specify a maximum number of pets per owner, but each must have its own documentation, and airlines may impose limits. Requirements may vary slightly depending on the country of origin, especially regarding rabies-free status, vaccination timing, and transit conditions.

All pets being imported into Kenya are considered Commercial.

Kenya has not published country-of-origin–specific import conditions for dogs and cats

Identification and microchip

Pets must be identified by a permanent mark, most commonly a microchip.

The microchip number must be recorded in the veterinary health certificate and appear on the import permit

Rabies and vaccinations

• Rabies vaccination is required for pets entering Kenya, and the regulations are quite specific.
• Primary vaccination:
• Must be given when the animal is at least 3 months old.
• For entry, the vaccination must be done not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months before shipment.
• Booster vaccination:

• Must be given not more than 12 months before shipment.
• Rabies Antibody Test (Titer/FAVN):

• Must be carried out not less than 3 months and not more than 24 months before shipment.
• The result must show a positive level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Restrictions / Exceptions

• Puppies or kittens under 3 months may travel only if accompanied by the mother and relying on the mother’s valid vaccination record.
• If the pet has not been vaccinated or does not meet all requirements (vaccine timing or antibody test), the Kenyan authorities may impose quarantine of up to 6 months at the owner’s expense.

DogsRequired Vaccinations

• Rabies
• Primary: must be given at ≥ 3 months of age.
• For entry: not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months before travel (for first vaccination).
• Boosters: must be given within 12 months prior to shipment.
• Rabies antibody test required: done 3–24 months before entry; valid with continuous vaccination.
• Canine Distemper
• Canine Hepatitis (Adenovirus type 2)
• Canine Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis

*(These core vaccines are expected to be up to date; most airlines and Kenyan veterinary of ficers will not clear pets without full vaccination records.)*CatsRequired Vaccinations

• Rabies
• Same rules as dogs (≥ 3 months of age, primary given 6–12 months before travel, booster within 12 months, rabies antibody test 3–24 months before entry).

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus-1)
• Feline Calicivirus
• Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Parvovirus)

*(These are the standard core feline vaccines required to be current before import clearance.)*General Timelines & Validity

• Rabies vaccine:
• Primary: 6–12 months before travel.
• Booster: within 12 months before travel.
• Other vaccines (dogs & cats):

• Should be current and typically administered within the past 12 months.
• Must be listed in the vaccination booklet/passport with date, batch number, and vet’s stamp/signature.
• Rabies antibody test (FAVN):

• Done 3–24 months before travel.

Remains valid as long as rabies boosters are continuous without lapses.

Tests and treatments

Required Test Before Entry

• Rabies Antibody Test (Titer / FAVN) is mandatory.
• It must demonstrate a protective antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• The test must be conducted by an approved laboratory (as per OIE/recognized reference labs).

Timeline Before Entry

• The test must be performed at least 3 months before shipment.
• However, there is no additional waiting period once the test is completed, as long as all subsequent rabies vaccinations have been given on time without any delays or lapses.

Treatments Required

• Internal Parasite Treatment (Endoparasites) – deworming.
• External Parasite Treatment (Ectoparasites) – effective against fleas, ticks, and mites.
• Treatments must be administered by a licensed or certified veterinarian.

• Must be given within 10 days prior to entry into Kenya.
• The timing ensures the animal arrives free of parasites and reduces the risk of in troducing vector-borne diseases.
• Both treatments must be recorded on the in ternational veterinary health certificate.
• The certificate must clearly in dicate:

• Name of product (active in gredient).
• Date of administration.
• Dose given.
• Veterinarian’s stamp and signature.

Health certificate and permits

• Kenya requires an International Veterinary Health Certificate (often called a “Zoosanitary Certificate”).
• There is no unique Kenya-only template; the certificate follows the standard OIE / exporting country’s of ficial veterinary authority format.
• It must accompany the animal during transport and be presented on arrival.

Content Requirements

The health certificate must attest that the pet:

• Identification: Is identified by a permanent mark (microchip or other adequate ID) with the number recorded on the certificate.
• Rabies Status:
• No signs of rabies within 48 hours of shipment.
• Rabies vaccination status (primary/booster, vaccine type, dates).
• Rabies antibody test results (≥0.5 IU/ml, done 3–24 months before travel).
• General Health: Clinically free from contagious/in fectious disease and in ternal/external parasites within 48 hours before shipment.
• Treatments: Internal and external parasite treatments given within 10 days prior to travel, with details recorded (product, date, vet stamp).
• Fit-to-Fly Check: Examination confirming the animal is fit for transport.

Who Must Perform It

• The certificate must be completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin.
• It must then be endorsed by the of ficial veterinary authority (government vet) of the exporting country (e.g., USDA in the U.S., DEFRA in the UK, EU Official State Vet).

Kenya Import Permit

• Issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries.
• Mandatory for each consignment (each shipment of pets).
• Valid for 90 days only and tied to the specific pets, flight, and consignee.
• Must accompany the animal during transport and be presented to Official airport state Vet, Kenya Revenue Authority (Customs) and Kenya Wildlife Service (if applicable for CITES species).

Where to Get It

• Kenya does not publish a direct on line link for public download of the application form.
• Applications are made via the KENYA SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM (KenTrade / Simba System) under the VS01 – Import Permit for Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets module.
• Licensed customs agents or registered importers can log in and apply.

Quarantine

Pets entering Kenya with correct rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test, microchip, parasite treatments, and endorsed health certificate will not be quarantined. If any requirement is missing, Kenya may enforce quarantine of up to six months upon arrival. There is no requirement for pets to quarantine at home before entry.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Breed Restrictions

• Kenya does not list banned breeds in its veterinary import regulations.
• All dog and cat breeds are technically permitted, provided they comply with identification, vaccination, and health certification rules.
• However, in dividual airlines serving Kenya may impose restrictions on certain breeds (especially brachycephalic/short-nosed dogs and cats such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) due to higher risks of respiratory distress during flights.

Import Restrictions

• Pets must enter as manifest cargo in the aircraft’s freight compartment, unless an airline allows in-cabin carriage (discretionary, but still subject to Kenyan animal holding station in spection).
• All pets must be accompanied by a valid import permit, an in ternational veterinary health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, and rabies antibody test results.
• Pets that fail to meet vaccination or test requirements may be subject to up to 6 months quarantine at the owner’s expense.
• Pregnant females close to term or animals showing signs of contagious disease may be refused entry.

Climate / Temperature Restrictions

• Kenya’s veterinary rules the mselves do not impose climate or seasonal restrictions.
• However, airlines and IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) enforce temperature embargoes for animal welfare:
• Most carriers restrict pet travel when ground temperatures are above 28°C (82°F) or below 8°C (46°F) at any transit or arrival station.
• Nairobi (NBO) and Mombasa (MBA) can experience high daytime heat, so airlines often require early morning or late evening departures/arrivals to stay within safe limits.

Some airlines also embargo pets entirely during the hottest months (e.g., Jan–Mar in coastal regions).

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly Recommended

Recommended Airports:

• NBO - Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (IATA: NBO, ICAO: HKJK)
• Moi International Airport (IATA: MBA, ICAO: HKMO)

Airports listed on this destination file: NBO, EDL, MBA, KIS, WIL.

Pets must arrive accompanied by a valid import permit (VS01) and an endorsed in ternational veterinary health certificate.

On landing, pets are of floaded to the Animal Holding Station at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) (or Moi International Airport, Mombasa – MBA).

The Customs Veterinary Officer (DVS) in spects documents (import permit, health certificate, vaccination records, parasite treatments, microchip ID).

If all requirements are met, clearance is granted and pets are released to the consignee. If not, pets may be placed into quarantine (up to six months) at the owner’s cost.

Export notes

General Requirements for All Exports (Vacations & Relocations)

• Export Permit
• Issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Kenya.
• Must be obtained before departure (valid for a single consignment, usually 14 days).
• International Veterinary Health Certificate

• Completed by a Kenyan licensed veterinarian.
• Endorsed by a Government Veterinary Officer (DVS) at JKIA or other exit points.
• Confirms microchip ID, vaccinations, parasite treatments, and pet’s fitness to travel.
• Valid 7 days
• Rabies Vaccination

• Must be current and documented (date, batch, manufacturer).
• For relocation to the US/EU/UK, pets must also have a valid rabies antibody test (≥0.5 IU/ml, done ≥3 months before travel).
• Other Vaccinations

• Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis.
• Cats: FVRCP.
• These must be up to date, especially for relocation.
• Parasite Treatments

• Internal (deworming) and external (fleas/ticks) given within 10 days of travel, documented on the health certificate.
• Microchip Identification

• ISO-compliant microchip number must be listed on all documents.

For Vacations (Short-Term Travel)

• Requirements depend mainly on the destination country and the airline.
• Most neighboring countries in the East African Community (EAC) recognize Kenya’s vaccination and export papers with relatively simple re-entry procedures.
• For short trips, pets may re-enter Kenya on the same rabies vaccination and health certificate if valid, but owners should still secure a new import permit before returning.
• Always check re-entry timelines: if the stay abroad exceeds the validity of rabies vaccination or antibody test, the pet may face re-testing or quarantine on return.

For Relocations (Permanent or Long-Term Moves)

• In addition to the above, relocation usually requires:
• Destination country import permit (e.g., USDA for U.S., DEFRA/APHA for UK, EU TRACES docs).
• Rabies antibody test for entry into the US(dogs) EU, UK, certain Middle East, and Asia-Pacific countries.
• CITES permits if relocating exotic pets (parrots, reptiles, to rtoises).
• Timeline planning is crucial (e.g., EU requires rabies antibody test ≥90 days before entry).
• On arrival, pets may face additional customs, quarantine, or in spection depending on the destination.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

CITES Requirements in Kenya

• Kenya is a signatory to CITES and fully enforces its provisions.
• Any movement (import, export, or re-export) of animals or animal products that fall under the CITES Appendices I, II, or III requires prior CITES authorization.
• This in cludes not only wildlife species (e.g., parrots, to rtoises, reptiles, primates) but also products such as ivory, skins, shells, or derivatives.
• Dogs and cats are not CITES-listed species, so CITES rules do not apply to routine pet relocation.

Specific Restrictions for Kenya

• Export, import, or re-export of CITES-listed species without proper CITES permits is strictly prohibited.
• Kenya is known for strong enforcement: contravention can lead to seizure, fines, and prosecution.
• Animals must also comply with Kenya’s veterinary import/export permit rules in addition to CITES requirements.

In Kenya, the published veterinary import requirements and permits specifically cover dogs, cats, and ferrets, as these are the most commonly relocated companion animals. For other species such as birds, rabbits, reptiles, or exotic pets, the process is different and handled on a case-by-case basis. Such imports generally require:

• A valid import permit issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS).
• Compliance with CITES regulations (if the species is listed) through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
• Additional veterinary health certification, parasite treatments, and any other conditions stipulated by the authorities at the time of application.

Because requirements vary greatly depending on the species, origin country, and whether the animal is CITES-listed, it is best to consult DVS and KWS via your NBO agent in advance for clearances before shipping.

local movements within Kenya (e.g., between counties or to staging points such as Nairobi, Mombasa, or Kisumu before in ternational travel), pets must be accompanied by a local movement permit issued by the area veterinary office. This ensures traceability and compliance even before reaching the in ternational departure point.

Official contacts

Directorate of Veterinary Services State Department of Livestock Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

P.O Private Bag, Kangemi 00625 Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 20 804-3441

Email: in fodvs@kilimo.go.ke

https://www.kilimo.go.ke

Kenya Wildlife Service – Permitting Office [CITES & NON-CITES PERMITS]

P.O. Box 40241 - 00100 Nairobi Kenya

Tel: +254 20 237-9407 / 9408 / 9409

Cell: +254 726 610-508/9, +254 736 663-400, +254 735 663-421

Email: permitting@kws.go.ke or mmosse@kws.go.ke or lmuita@kws.go.ke

Current as of November 2025

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-11-01.

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