Pet import requirements for Nigeria

Nigeria at a glance

The detail

Nigeria is located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea and shares borders with four countries: Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, Cameroon to the east, and Benin to the west. Because Nigeria is in Africa And Middle East, transit countries on the way can impose extra live-animal rules even when the destination file looks straightforward. Yes, an import permit is required to bring pets (dogs or cats) into Nigeria, as regulated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the Department of….

Import requirements

Pet Entry Requirements into Nigeria (Based on Regulatory Standards)

• For All Countries Except the UK and USA:
• Pets must be at least 3 months old (12 weeks) to receive a rabies vaccination.
• They are allowed to enter 30 days after the rabies vaccination has been administered.
• Therefore, the minimum entry age is approximately 16 weeks (4 months).
• For Pets Coming from the UK and USA:

• A rabies serology test (FAVN or equivalent) with a titre reading of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml is mandatory.
• No waiting period is required after the serology result is received.
• Due to the time required for rabies vaccination and blood sampling, the minimum entry age is 5 months.
• Pregnant Animals:

• The importation of pregnant females beyond 30 days of gestation is not recommended, due to animal welfare risks and airline restrictions.
• Veterinary clearance may be required, and transport is discouraged during late pregnancy.

Required Documents for Each Animal:

• Import Permit or Official Permission Letter (issued by the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services)
• Veterinary Health Certificate (issued within 7 days of travel and endorsed by the exporting country’s veterinary authority)

• Rabies Vaccination Certificate (must be given at least 30 days before travel)
• Core Vaccination Record:

o Dogs: DHPP/DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza ± Leptospirosis)

o Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

• Microchip Certificate – 15-digit ISO-compliant, implanted before rabies vaccination
• Internal and External Parasite Treatment Proof (deworming, tick/flea treatment within 7 days of travel)

• Flight Details – Port of embarkation and disembarkation
• Copy of Importer’s Passport or ID

Dogs from countries like the UK or USA must have a rabies antibody titre test (≥ 0.5 IU/ml), no waiting period required post-result.

All pet imports into Nigeria are Classified as Commercial.

The conditions of the International Veterinary Certificate must conform to those laid down in the Nigerian import permit... The Livestock and Veterinary Division reserves the right to keep the animal under observation or deny entry if required tests or endorsements are missing or non-compliant.

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Identification and microchip

Type: Microchip (15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant)Note: The microchip must be implanted and scannable prior to export approval.

Rabies and vaccinations

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all pets imported into Nigeria. Only WHO-approved in activated (killed virus) rabies vaccines are accepted—live or modified live vaccines are not permitted. The vaccine must be administered at least 30 days prior to entry, and pets must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. Additionally, the pet must be microchipped before the rabies vaccine is given. Vaccination must be recorded on an of ficial certificate in dicating the date of vaccination, vaccine manufacturer, batch number, expiry date, and must be signed and stamped by a licensed veterinarian. While a rabies titer test is generally not required, it is a mandatory requirement for pets originating from the United States or the United Kingdom, with a minimum acceptable titre level of 0.5 IU/ml. As a result, the minimum age of entry for pets from the US and UK is 5 months, taking into account the vaccination and serology testing timeline.

Vaccination Requirements for Pets Entering NigeriaFor Dogs:

• Rabies – Must be administered at least 30 days before entry
• DHPP/DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza ± Leptospirosis) – Within 12 months prior to travelFor Cats:
• Rabies – At least 30 days before entryFVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) – Within 12 months prior to travel

Tests and treatments

Pre-Entry Tests Required for Pets Entering Nigeria

• Rabies Serology (Antibody Titre Test):
• Required only for pets entering from the United Kingdom and the United States.
• Must show a titre level of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
• Can be done any time after 30 days of rabies vaccination.
• No waiting period is required after receiving the result.
• The test result remains valid for the life of the pet, as long as rabies vaccination is kept current and not allowed to lapse.

• Internal Parasite Treatment (Deworming)

• Administered by: A licensed veterinarian
• Timing: Within 7 days before travel
• Documentation: Stated in the veterinary health certificate or treatment section of the pet passport
• External Parasite Treatment (Ticks & Fleas)

• Administered by: A licensed veterinarian
• Timing: Within 7 days before travel
• Documentation: Must be recorded on the health certificate or pet passport, in dicating the product used, date of treatment, and administering vet’s details

Health certificate and permits

There is no publicly available standard Nigerian template, but it must be:

• On of ficial letterhead of the issuing veterinarian or veterinary authority.
• Signed and endorsed by the of ficial government veterinary authority of the exporting country

Required Information in the Certificate

The certificate must confirm that the pet:

• Has been examined within 7 days prior to departure and found clinically healthy and free from in fectious or contagious diseases.
• Has been vaccinated against rabies (with date of vaccination, product details, and batch number).
• Has been treated for in ternal and external parasites within 7 days of travel.
• Is permanently identified by microchip, with the number listed on the certificate.

Is fit for air transport and meets IATA Live Animals Regulations.

Yes, an import permit is required to bring pets (dogs or cats) into Nigeria, as regulated by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security through the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services.

VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE

Quarantine

Pets meeting all entry conditions will not be quarantined.

No pre-arrival home quarantine is required.

Quarantine at arrival only applies to pets that are non-compliant, ill, or high-risk.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Breed and Import Restrictions for Nigeria

• Breed Restrictions:

Currently, Nigeria does not publish a banned or restricted breed list for pet importation. All common domestic dog and cat breeds are allowed, provided they meet health and identification requirements.

• Import Restrictions:

Pets must have:

• Valid rabies vaccination (and serology if coming from certain countries like the UK or USA)
• Microchip identification
• A valid veterinary health certificate
• An import permit or written permission (as shown in the document)
• Climate Restrictions (Temperature Embargoes):Nigeria itself does not impose seasonal climate-based restrictions, the airlines transporting pets do.

Customs, agents, and airports

A customs broker is required for Nigeria.

A destination agent is required for Nigeria.

Lagos (LOS)

Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN)

ABV, PHC

Airports listed on this destination file: ABV, LOS, PHC.

TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY AND PEST CONTROL SERVICES DVPCS

Export notes

Export permit,

Parrots and exotic animals are prohibited for export,

Allow 3 weeks from application,

VHC,

Microchip certificate,

Also, dependent on the airline and the country of import.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

General CITES Requirements for Nigeria:

• CITES Permit or Certificate is required for:

o Import, export, or re-export of CITES-listed species (Appendix I, II, or III)

o Live animals, animal products (skins, bones, trophies), plants, or plant derivatives

• Application Process:

o Must be submitted to the CITES Management Authority (Department of Forestry, Federal Ministry of Environment)

o Requires supporting documents, in cluding:

§ Proof of legal acquisition

§ Veterinary or phytosanitary certificates (for live specimens)

§ Export/import permits from the counterpart country (if applicable)

• Inspections and Clearance:

o All CITES-listed specimens are subject to in spection at entry/exit points

o Clearance is handled in collaboration with Nigerian Customs Service and Port Health of ficials

• Species-Specific Rules:

o Appendix I species: Trade is highly restricted and only permitted for non-commercial purposes (e.g., scientific research or conservation), and requires both import and export permits

o Appendix II & III species: Require an export permit or certificate of origin from the exporting country

Specific CITES Restrictions for Nigeria:

• High-risk scrutiny is applied to:
• Parrots, to rtoises, pangolins, and primates, as Nigeria is considered a transit and source country for illegal wildlife trade
• Timber and exotic plant species, particularly those listed in Appendix II, such as rosewood (Pterocarpus spp.)
• Severe penalties apply for non-compliance, in cluding:

• Confiscation of specimens
• Fines and/or imprisonment
• Wildlife exports from Nigeria are in creasingly regulated due to in ternational pressure to curb wildlife trafficking

Department of Forestry

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Federal Ministry of EnvironmentHeadquarters:Federal Secretariat Complex, Phase IIIShehu Shagari Way, Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria

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CITES Contact Information (Nigeria):

• CITES Management Authority:Department of ForestryFederal Ministry of Environment
• Postal Address:

Federal Ministry of Environment

Department of Forestry

Block C, 4th Floor,

Federal Secretariat, Phase III,

Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja, Nigeria

• Telephone:

+234 (0) 803 337 6050

+234 (0) 9 523 4119

• Email:

info@environment.gov.ng

forestry@environment.gov.ng *(commonly used for CITES-related queries)*Official Website:

www.environment.gov.ng

Parrots and other exotic animals are prohibited.

Date | | Name | Type | Details | |

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Jan 1 | Monday | New Year's Day | Public Holiday | | |

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Feb 14 | Wednesday | Valentine's Day | Observance | | |

Feb 14 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday | Observance, Christian | | |

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Mar 8 | Friday | Women's Day | Observance | | |

Mar 10 | Sunday | Mothering Sunday | Observance | | |

Mar 11 | Monday | Ramadan Start | Observance | | |

Mar 20 | Wednesday | March Equinox | Season | | |

Mar 29 | Friday | Good Friday | Public Holiday | | |

Mar 30 | Saturday | Holy Saturday | Observance, Christian | | |

Mar 31 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Observance, Christian | | |

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Apr 1 | Monday | Easter Monday | Public Holiday | | |

Apr 10 | Wednesday | Id el Fitr | Public Holiday | | |

Apr 11 | Thursday | Id el Fitr holiday | Public Holiday | | |

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May 1 | Wednesday | Workers' Day | Public Holiday | | |

May 27 | Monday | Children's Day | Observance | | |

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Jun 12 | Wednesday | Democracy Day | Public Holiday | | |

Jun 16 | Sunday | Father's Day | Observance | | |

Jun 17 | Monday | Id el Kabir (Tentative Date) | Public Holiday | | |

Jun 18 | Tuesday | Id el Kabir additional holiday (Tentative Date) | Public Holiday | | |

Jun 20 | Thursday | June Solstice | Season | | |

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Jul 8 | Monday | Al-Hijra (Tentative Date) | Local holiday | | |

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Aug 20 | Tuesday | Isese Day | Local holiday | Osun | |

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Sep 16 | Monday | Id el Maulud (Tentative Date) | Public Holiday | | |

Sep 22 | Sunday | September Equinox | Season | | |

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Oct 1 | Tuesday | National Day | Public Holiday | | |

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Dec 21 | Saturday | December Solstice | Season | | |

Dec 22 | Sunday | Sambisa Memorial Day | Local holiday | Borno | |

Dec 24 | Tuesday | Christmas Eve | Observance, Christian | | |

Dec 25 | Wednesday | Christmas Day | Public Holiday | | |

Dec 26 | Thursday | Boxing Day | Public Holiday | | |

Dec 31 | Tuesday | New Year's Eve | Observance | | |

*While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the in formation in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an*

Requirements for Import/Export - Dog & Cats

• Complete the application form.
• Attach copies of the following documents:
• Health certificate attesting to the health status of the pet.
• Recent Rabies vaccination certificate that is not more than a year old. (Inactivated vaccines).
• Laboratory result for Rabies serology test.
• Forward all the above copies via email address: livestockcommodityng@gmail.com or submit hard copies to the office of the Director, Department of Veterinary & Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Abuja

Note: It takes 3 working days to process the permit and validity is for 14 days.

International Veterinary Certifcate - Dogs & Cats

Provided Aug-22-2018

Application for the import license should be sent to:

The Director

Federal Department of Livestock and Pest control services.

Area 11, Garki,

Abuja.

When applying; your form should contain the following;

species, name, age, sex, colour, bredd, country of origin, proposed date of travel, port of embarkation/ disembarkation, means of transportation. And any distinguishing features of the animal. Also attach a vaccination certificate for rabies and a current health certificate issued by a registered vet (VALID FOR TWO WEEKS)

Official contacts

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITYDEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY AND PEST CONTROL SERVICES

New Secretariat, Area 11, P.M.B. 135, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria

Tel: +234 9 234 7985

Email: info@fmard.gov.ng| dvpcs@fmard.gov.ng

Website

Director of the Federal Department of Livestock & Pest Control (DVPCS)

New Secretariat Area 11 PMB No 135

Garki Abuja FCT

Tel: +234 9 314-1329; 314-0337

Fax: +234 9 314-0336

Email: livestock@cyberspace.net.ng

Contact: Dr Foluso E Fasanmi

Customs and Shipping Office

Fax: +234 1 619-750 or 261-0257

Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development

1 Capital Drive, Area 11, FCDA

Garki, Abuja, Nigeria

Email: adm@fmard.gov.ng or servicom@fmard.gov.ng

WEBSITE

Nigerian embassy in Johannesburg

Tel: +234 1 1442-3620

Email: nigeria.johannesburg@foreignaffairs.gov.ng

Current as of April 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 2026-06-10.

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