Pet import requirements for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe at a glance

The detail

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, bordered by four nations. Typical air gateways on file in clude HRE. A destination agent is required for Zimbabwe.

Import requirements

Age Requirements for Pets After Vaccinations

• Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entry into the country but not more than:
• 1 year for primary rabies vaccinations.
• 3 years for revaccinated dogs.
• 1 year for revaccinated cats.
• Pets younger than 3 months of age are generally not allowed unless their dam (mother) was vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before giving birth.

Restrictions and Exceptions for Age

• Young Pets (Under 3 Months):
• Allowed entry only if:

• The dam was properly vaccinated against rabies within the specified timeframe.
• The young pet remains under the protection of its dam.
• Pets from Areas with Rabies Movement Restrictions:

• In cases where the pet originates from an area with recent rabies cases or movement restrictions (within the last 3 months), the waiting period after vaccination is extended to 60 days in stead of the standard 30 days.

Restrictions for Pregnant Females

• Pregnant females are allowed to travel provided:
• They are in good health and fit for travel as certified by a veterinarian.

They have met all vaccination and health certificate requirements.

• Veterinary Health Certificate

• Import Permit

• Rabies Vaccination Certificate

• Parasite treatments

• No Quotas on how many pets one can import at any time

All pets being imported into Zimbabwe are considered commercial even personal pets.

Zimbabwe has not published commercial vs noncommercial moves. All pets being imported into Zimbabwe are considered commercial.

No special origin country restrictions has been listed by Zimbabwe.

Identification and microchip

A permanent identification microchip is required, and it must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. Tattoos are also acceptable as a form of identification, and identification tags are accepted as a means of identifying pets.

Rabies and vaccinations

• Rabies vaccine must be a strain of vaccine conforming to a potency standard recognized by WHO. Pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entry into the country but not more than:

• 1 year for primary rabies vaccinations.
• 3 years for revaccinated dogs.
• 1 year for revaccinated cats.
• Pets younger than 3 months of age are generally not allowed unless their dam (mother) was vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before giving birth.

Restrictions and Exceptions for Age

• Young Pets (Under 3 Months):
• Allowed entry only if:

• The dam was properly vaccinated against rabies within the specified timeframe.
• The young pet remains under the protection of its dam.
• Pets from Areas with Rabies Movement Restrictions:

In cases where the pet originates from an area with recent rabies cases or movement restrictions (within the last 3 months), the waiting period after vaccination is extended to 60 days in stead of the standard 30 days. However, imported puppies under 12 weeks old must be vaccinated once they reach 12 weeks of age, and proof of vaccination must be provided to the State Veterinarian.

Dogs entering Zimbabwe must be vaccinated against the following diseases:

• Canine Distemper
• Canine Hepatitis
• Canine Parainfluenza
• Canine Leptospirosis
• Canine Parvovirus

Additionally, dogs must be free from:

• Canine Coronavirus
• Rotavirus
• Adenovirus Type 2
• Bordetella

Cats entering Zimbabwe must be vaccinated against:

• Rabies
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR)
• Calicivirus (FCV)
• Feline Panleukopenia (FPV)

(Note: These are often administered as a combination "FVRCP" vaccine.)

For both dogs and cats, the required vaccinations must not be older than one year at the time of entry into Zimbabwe. All vaccinations must be documented in a valid health certificate issued and endorsed by a competent veterinary authority 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

Tests Required Before Entry to Zimbabwe

• Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis):
• Dogs from the U.S. and Canada must be certified free from heartworm through a blood sample examination for the presence of Dirofilariae.Dirofilaria immitis: Microfilarial filtration test.

Timeframe Before Entry

• These tests must be performed within 30 days prior to export at an of ficially approved laboratory.

Expiry of the Tests

• The test results are valid for 30 days from the date of testing.

Validity and Expiry of the Test

• The test results are valid for the duration specified in the health certificate, which must be signed within 21 days before travel. However, upon arrival, dogs will need to be retested 3 months after entering Zimbabwe.

The health certificate documenting the test must be issued and endorsed by a state veterinarian in the exporting country.

Before entry into Zimbabwe, pets must receive both Endo and Ecto parasite treatments administered by a certified veterinarian. These treatments should be given within 24 hours to 21 days prior to embarkation. Additionally, the pet must be issued a health certificate no more than 21 days before departure, endorsed by the competent authority. The health certificate must document the in ternal and external parasite treatments, in cluding the dates of administration, the products used, and the veterinarian's certification.

Health certificate and permits

Type of Health Certificate Required

• Dogs and cats entering Zimbabwe must be accompanied by an of ficial health certificate issued by the country of origin.
• Zimbabwe requires a specific template health certificate tailored to its import regulations.

Specific Format

• The health certificate must:
• Be completed in English.
• Follow the prescribed Zimbabwen format, signed and stamped by a state veterinarian of the exporting country.
• Include all required test results, vaccination details, and treatments as per Zimbabwe's import requirements.

Requirements for the Health Certificate

• Internal and External Parasite Treatment:
• Administered within 21 days prior to departure.
• Documented with details of the product, dosage, and administration date.
• Vaccinations:

• Must comply with Zimbabwe's regulations
• Laboratory Test Results:

• Copies of all required laboratory test results must be attached to the health certificate.
• Quarantine Notice:

• Animals may be subject to 30 days quarantine upon arrival, as per Zimbabwe's regulations.
• Veterinary Declaration:

• Certify the animal is free from contagious and in fectious diseases and is fit for travel.

Who Must Perform It

• The health certificate must be:
• Completed by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin.
• Endorsed and signed by the state veterinarian (a government authority) of the country of origin.

Government Endorsement

• Yes, the certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinary authority in the exporting country to confirm compliance with Zimbabwe's import regulations.

Form or Template Availability

• Zimbabwe has a specific template for the health certificate. Unfortunately, I do not have a direct link or copy of the template to share. However, it can typically be obtained from:
• The state veterinary department in the exporting country.

The Zimbabwean Directorate of Veterinary Services or its of ficial website.

Import permit is mandatory requirement for all pets entering Zimbabwe

NA

Quarantine

• Quarantine Notice:

• Animals may be subject to 30 days quarantine upon arrival, as per Zimbabwe's regulations.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Zimbabwe does not have any published breed restrictions. Regarding age requirements, pets under 12 weeks old are considered to have rabies protection and may be imported if the dam was vaccinated at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before giving birth. However, imported puppies under 12 weeks old must be vaccinated once they reach 12 weeks of age, and proof of vaccination must be provided to the State Veterinarian.

Customs, agents, and airports

A customs broker is required for Zimbabwe.

A destination agent is required for Zimbabwe.

HRE

Airports listed on this destination file: HRE.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Permits:

• Import and Export of Appendix I Species: Requires both import and export permits.
• Export of Appendix II Species: Requires an export permit.
• Export of Appendix III Species: Requires an export permit.Application Process:
• Applicants must complete the relevant application forms provided by the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
• Supporting documents, such as in voices from the receiving country, may be required.

General Requirements for Other Pets

• Import Permit:
• An import permit is required for all animals, in cluding exotic pets such as birds, reptiles, rodents, and other species. The permit must be obtained from the Zimbabwean Directorate of Veterinary Services before travel.

• Health Certificate:
• A veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin and endorsed by the state veterinary authority is mandatory.
• The certificate must in clude in formation about the species, health status, vaccinations, and tests conducted.
• Quarantine:

• Some pets, especially exotic species, may be subject to quarantine upon arrival to ensure they do not carry diseases that could affect local wildlife or livestock.
• CITES Permits (if applicable):

• For species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), both an export permit from the country of origin and an import permit from Zimbabwe are required.
• Vaccinations and Tests:

• The required vaccinations and tests vary by species. For example:
• Birds: Must be tested for avian diseases like Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease.
• Rodents: May require tests for zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis.
• Reptiles: Specific health screenings may be required based on the species.

Species-Specific Restrictions

• Birds:
• Importing birds may require additional clearance due to the risk of avian diseases.
• Some species may be prohibited to protect local ecosystems.
• Exotic and Wild Animals:

• Strict regulations govern the import of wild or exotic species to prevent biodiversity issues.
• A special permit and documentation proving legal ownership may be required.
• Marine Animals (e.g., fish):

• Importing marine life requires compliance with Zimbabwe’s environmental laws and biosecurity measures.

Documentation Checklist

• Import permit from the Zimbabwean Directorate of Veterinary Services.
• Veterinary health certificate signed by an authorized veterinarian.
• Laboratory test results (if applicable).
• CITES permits for protected species.

An import license should be obtained from the Director of Animal Health. The permit will be valid for 6 months from the date of issue. A licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Zimbabwe prior to travel. The permit must be obtained from the Director of Veterinary Services, P O Box CY 66, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe – telephone + (263) (4) 791 355, fax + (263) (4) 720 879.

Official contacts

*Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development*

• *Addresses:*
• *Postal Address: P.O. Box CY 66, Causeway, Harare, Zimbabwe*
• *Physical Address: 1 Liberation Legacy Way, Ngungunyana Building, Harare, Zimbabwe*
• *Phone Numbers:*

• *General: +263 (242) 791516*
• *Head Office: +263 (242) 706081-9*
• *Veterinary Services: +263 (242) 706235 / 706603 / 706604*
• *Email:permsec@agric.gov.zwWebsite:*

*Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development*

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 2026-02-19.

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