Pet import requirements for Senegal

Senegal at a glance

The detail

Pets meeting all import requirements (in cluding a valid Veterinary Import Permit, Rabies vaccination booklet, and Veterinary Health Certificate) are not subject to quarantine upon arrival in Senegal. Senegal is located in West Africa, bordered by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the south. Arrival airports noted for this destination in clude DKR.

Import requirements

The earliest age for import is 12 weeks, provided the pet has received its Rabies vaccination. However, pets younger than 12 weeks can be imported using the mother’s valid Rabies vaccination certificate.

Declaration

Import Permit, Vaccination Booklet, and Veterinary Health Certificate:

• Upon arrival, animals are in spected by veterinary agents at the port of entry, such as Diass Airport, to ensure compliance with health and documentation requirements.

CITES Permits (if applicable):

• Both CITES Import and Export Permits are required for CITES-listed species.

• These permits must accompany the shipment and be presented to customs and veterinary of ficials upon arrival.

Quotas for Pet Imports:

• Senegal has not established specific quotas for pet imports. Import permits are issued based on the number of animals specified in the application.

Traveling as excess baggage or manifest cargo booked on owners ticket

Senegal has not defined moves based on commercial and non-commercial moves.

• Senegal has not published any special requirements or restrictions based on the exporting country, in cluding those at war, high-risk for rabies, or countries from which animals cannot be imported. However, all pets must meet the standard requirements, in cluding a Veterinary Import Permit, a valid Rabies vaccination certificate, and compliance with health and transport guidelines. It is advisable to consult with Senegal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries for updates or specific cases.

• All pets entering Senegal must comply with IATA Live Animal Regulations to ensure their safe and humane transport. This in cludes appropriate crate size, ventilation, and secure locking mechanisms suitable for the pet’s size and species. These regulations ensure the welfare of the animal during transit and are mandatory for all pets entering the country.

Identification and microchip

All pets entering Senegal must be microchipped as a mandatory requirement. The microchip must comply with ISO Standard 11784/11785 and be readable by a universal microchip reader. If the microchip does not meet these standards or cannot be read by a universal reader, the owner must provide a compatible microchip reader to ensure the pet's identification can be verified upon entry.

Rabies and vaccinations

All dogs/cats must be vaccinated for rabies at the time of entry into Senegal. Original hardcopy of vaccination record/booklet must travel with pet, and in clude the following in formation:

• Date of vaccination
• Vaccine product in formation
• Veterinarians’ details: full name, license number, and signature of veterinarian who administered vaccine

Pets must be continuously vaccinated against rabies with the most recent one still valid at the time of departure. If it is a primary rabies, it must be given not less than 21 days prior to travel.

Dogs entering Senegal are strongly recommended to be vaccinated against the following diseases:

• Canine Distemper

• Canine Hepatitis

• Canine Parainfluenza

• Canine Leptospirosis

• Canine Parvovirus

Additionally, the dog should be free from:

• Canine Coronavirus

• Rotavirus

• Adenovirus Type 2

• Bordetella

Cats entering Senegal are strongly recommended to be vaccinated against:

• (requirements listed above)

• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)

• Calicivirus (FCV)

• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

(Note: This is often administered as a combination "FVRCP" vaccine.)

For both dogs and cats, vaccinations should be within the vaccines validity at the time of entry into Senegal. Rabies vaccinations must be documented in on a valid health certificate issued and signed by and accredited/licensed veterinarian within 21 days of departure.

It is also advisable to ensure pets are in good health and meet all other entry requirements before traveling.

Tests and treatments

Senegal has not published any specific test requirements for pets entering the country.

There are no parasite treatments that are explicitly listed as being required for entry into Senegal, although it is always strongly encouraged for in ternational travel.

Health certificate and permits

For pets traveling to Senegal, a Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued within 21 days before embarkation. This certificate can be completed by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, and it does NOT have to be endorsed by the competent authority of the country of origin to be valid.

Senegal has not published a specific health certificate template or format for pet importation. The certificate should in clude all relevant health details of the pet, such as vaccination records, treatments (in ternal and external parasites), microchip in formation, and a declaration of good health.

While Senegal does not provide a specific form, you may use the standard health certificate template commonly used in your country. Consult your local veterinary authority or the competent government agency to ensure compliance with both the exporting and importing requirements. Let me know if you need help preparing a generic template.

All dogs and cats entering Senegal must have an authorization to import animals, issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services of Senegal.

Quarantine

Pets meeting all import requirements (in cluding a valid Veterinary Import Permit, Rabies vaccination booklet, and Veterinary Health Certificate) are not subject to quarantine upon arrival in Senegal.

There is no requirement for pets to quarantine at home before entry. However, pets may be subject to in spection by veterinary agents at the port of entry (e.g., Diass Airport) to verify documentation and health compliance. If pets fail to meet these requirements, quarantine measures may apply.

Applicable to only noncompliance with import requirement/ mostly 14 days for Dogs (rabies) and other periods depends on the type of pet. Applicable penalties or fees depend on the quarantine providing centre.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Senegal has not explicitly published a comprehensive list of prohibited pet species for import.

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly Recommended

A destination agent is required for Senegal.

Airports:

• Blaise Diagne International Airport, Ndiass (IATA: DSS, ICAO: GOBD)
• Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport, Dakar (IATA: DKR, ICAO: GOOY)

Ground:

• Rosso (from Mauritania)
• Diama (from Mauritania)
• Kidira (from Mali)
• Tambacounda (from Mali)
• Kaolack (from Gambia)
• Ziguinchor (from Guinea-Bissau/Gambia)
• Diaobé (from Casamance/Guinea region)
• Sénoba (from Kolda region)

Water Port:

Autonomous Port of Dakar, Dakar

Airports listed on this destination file: DKR.

• Entry Mode:

• Pets can enter Senegal as cargo or as excess baggage, depending on the airline's policy.
• For pets traveling as excess baggage, it is mandatory to book an in spection upon arrival with veterinary agents to ensure compliance with health and documentation requirements.
• Customs and Veterinary Clearance:

• Clearance is mandatory for all pets upon arrival, regardless of entry mode.
• A licensed customs agent must handle the clearance process and will provide a detailed breakdown of fees at the time of import.
• It is essential to notify the authorities in advance of the in tended date and time of arrival to allow customs and veterinary of ficials to make prior arrangements, avoiding unnecessary delays.
• IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR):

• Pets must be transported in containers that comply with IATA LAR standards, ensuring proper size, ventilation, and security for the animal.
• Entry Points:

• Pets typically enter Senegal through Diass Airport, which is equipped for live animal imports and in spections.
• Operating Hours:

• Customs and veterinary services operate 24/7, allowing pets to be cleared regardless of arrival time, in cluding weekends.
• Weekend Arrivals:

• Pets arriving on weekends will still be cleared, as Customs and State Veterinary of fices are operational at all times. Rescheduling to weekdays is unnecessary.
• Appointments:

• For pets traveling as excess baggage, you must book an in spection appointment upon arrival with veterinary agents.
• Informing your licensed customs agent in advance is also recommended to ensure smooth processing.
• Customs Requirements:Documents Required:

• Veterinary Import Permit
• Veterinary Health Certificate (issued within 48 hours before departure and endorsed by the competent authority)
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• IATA-compliant crate details
• A licensed customs agent must oversee the clearance process.
• Fees, Taxes, and Costs:

• Import fees vary and will be determined by the licensed customs agent during clearance. These typically in clude import duties, veterinary in spection fees, and handling charges.
• Transit Station/Crates During Clearance:

• Senegal does not have a dedicated transit station for live animals. Pets remain in their crates while waiting for Customs and Veterinary clearance.

• Best Practices for Entry:

• Ensure all documentation and crate requirements are completed and accurate before departure.

• Collaborate with a licensed customs agent to streamline the clearance process.

• Notify authorities in advance of the arrival date and time to avoid delays.

• Use Diass Airport as the preferred entry point due to its established facilities and procedures for live animal imports.

Export notes

• Export Permit, Veterinary Health Certificate, Vaccination and Microchip, Customs Process and State Veterinary Clearance, Pets must be transported in IATA-compliant crates suitable for their size and species, destination requirements import permit must be met, pet owners are required to Begin the export process well in advance to meet timelines for documentation and approvals.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

A CITES Import Permit is required for any CITES-listed species entering Senegal and is issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock. A CITES Export Permit must also be obtained from the CITES Management Authority in the country of origin. Both permits must accompany the shipment and be presented to customs and veterinary of ficials upon arrival. Trade regulations depend on the CITES Appendix: Appendix I (species threatened with extinction) requires both import and export permits, Appendix II (species needing trade control) requires an export permit, and Appendix III (species protected in specific countries) requires permits or certificates. Upon arrival, CITES-listed species are subject to in spection and clearance by veterinary and customs of ficials to ensure compliance. For permits and further in formation, contact Senegal’s CITES Management Authority at the Directorate of Veterinary Services or visit www.elevage.gouv.sn.The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in Senegal oversees the implementation of CITES regulations. Detailed in formation can be found on their of ficial website: www.denv.gouv.sn. The Directorate of Water, Forests, Hunting, and Soil Conservation also provides resources on wildlife protection and trade regulations at www.defccs.gouv.sn. These sites outline the procedures and requirements for importing and exporting CITES-listed species in Senegal.

Import permit and CITES (where applicable) is a mandatory requirement.

Code des Contraventions (Domestic Animal Protection) Pg 88, Chapter 2 Article 12 - https://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Senegal/SN_Code_Penal_.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Your pet will not be allowed to enter Senegal if it has any contagious disease harmful to any other animals or humans.

Official contacts

Government of Senegal

Building Administratif 3e etage, Dakar

Tel: +221 849-7000 / 823-3974

Fax: +221 823-3268

Website

sgagri@sentoo.sn

gaye_thierno_mademba@hotmail.com

Ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Équipement rural

Avenue Bourguiba, prés du jet d'eau

BP 4005

Dakar

Tel:+33 864-6413

Website

Ministre: Papa Abdoulaye SECK

Sécretaire général: Mame Ndiobo DIENE

Dr Abdou khoudos Diop,

GM SERVICES

Keur Ndiaye lo-Rufisque - Dakar – Senegal

Directorate of Veterinary Services – Direction des Services Vétérinaires

Ministry of Livestock and Animal Production

Diamniadio, Bâtiment C

Tel: +221 33 859 06 33

Email: contacts@elevage.gouv.sn

Website: http://www.elevage.gouv.sn/

Current as of January 2026

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 2026-01-15.

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