Kenya
Pet Travel Policy Information
Pet Travel Requirements for Kenya
Pet Entry Requirements for Kenya
Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. Firstly, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Secondly, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database. Third, mostcountries require that pets be microchippedand compliant microchips may be difficult to find should your pet ever leave the country. The first step to importing a dog or cat to Kenya is to have your pet identified with a microchip in accordance with the procedures in the country of origin. The most accepted form of identification is a 15-digitthat meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785. If microchipped, all documents should reflect the microchip number. If you want to be sure that veterinary inspectors can read your pet’s microchip, you can provide athat will read the microchip. Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation on how to register it in the manufacturer’s or your government’s database. If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pet is wearing tags that identify them and have contact information for the owner.
Vaccinations
All cats and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated for rabies between 21 days and 12 months prior to entering Kenya. Multi-year rabies vaccinations are not recognized unless administered within 12 months of import. The administering veterinarian should issue, sign, and stamp: a rabies certificate orgovernment-issued vaccination booklet orEU Pet Passport Note: Rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitute for proof of rabies vaccination. Other Vaccinations Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, canine hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis. Cats must be vaccinated against feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia All vaccinations can be recorded on the international health certificate (step 5) at intervals required by the origination country.
Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It should be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. This test is not required to enter Kenya from any country; however, as Kenya is classified by the World Organization of Animal Health as a high-rabies risk country, this test is oftentimes required for a pet to return to the country of origin.
Parasite Treatments
Treatments for internal and external parasites should be administered within 48 hours of entering Kenya. Pets should always be inspected for external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, prior to any international travel.
Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate issued in the country of origin, including the following information: A licensed veterinarian in the origin country will complete the. An inspection within 48 hours of transport is also required. The health certificate must be endorsed by the agency in the origin country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.
Import Permit
An import permit from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is required in advance when entering Kenya with a personal pet. The permit can be applied for online..
Complete all 6 steps to enter Kenya with your pet
Requirements may change. Always verify with official sources before travel.
Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Kenya?
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet entering Kenya with their owners if pet import regulations detailed here are met. Home quarantine is required for unaccompanied pets entering as air cargo. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.
What Additional Information Do I Need for Kenya?
- Other Information:
Not specified
- Entering Kenya by Air:
Pets may enter Kenya via Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Pets must arrive as air cargo under an air waybill. Airline Captain Affidavit is required stating that your pet was on a direct flight to Kenya. In all cases, pets must travel in a pet crate that is in accordance with the policies set by the International Air Transport Association. The owner should be present at customs clearance. Upon arrival to Kenya, you will present the documents and the veterinary officer stationed at the entrance port will stamp them. Related:Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant? Importers should inform veterinary officials in advance. They will need to be available to check your pet and its pet passport documentation after landing. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any signs of contagious diseases when evaluated at the entry airport. Importers will need to pay for further veterinary testing if the health of your cat or dog is not acceptable. Whenever you accompany your pet to a foreign country like Kenya, it is always advisable to carry some form of identification indicating ownership of your pet.
- What is a Pet Passport?:
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that fulfill Kenya pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter Kenya will include proof of microchip, rabies and other vaccinations, an import permit, and a pet health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country.
- Find a Licensed Veterinarian:
Before beginning any pet export procedure, owners, agents, or anyone transporting a pet should ensure that their veterinarian is licensed by the governing authority in their country that is responsible for the movement of live animals. This veterinarian should administer all vaccinations and treatments, as well as issue all required documentation.
- Kenya Pet Import Requirements:
All steps required to conform to regulations to import a dog or cat to Kenya must be completed in the origination country. Steps 1-6 should be followed in the order given.
- Importing Other Animals to Kenya:
Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to the requirements of rabies vaccination; however, they will have to meet other requirements. They should have an import permit and health certificate to enter Kenya. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
- Breeds Banned from Import to Kenya:
Kenya does not publish a list of banned breeds. Importers are responsible for their pet’s behavior.
- Quarantine for Pets Entering Kenya:
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet entering Kenya with their owners if pet import regulations detailed here are met. Home quarantine is required for unaccompanied pets entering as air cargo. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.
- Importing Puppies and Kittens to Kenya:
Unvaccinated puppies and kittens less than three months of age can enter Kenya with proof of vaccination from their mother as long as the mother was vaccinated for rabies within 12 months of giving birth.
- Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements:
These rules apply to the transport of domestic dog and cats including assistance and service animals. Unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO KENYA below.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is important if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If so, you will have to submit additional permit applications. Over 180 nations participate in and enforce CITES rules and protections. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch the Species+ database Related:Read more about CITES
Related Resources
Traveler Tips & Experiences
Emily Parker
February 12, 2025
I visited Kenya last year with my French Bulldog and found the process straightforward and well-documented.
Michael Chen
January 3, 2025
Air travel to Kenya was a breeze and my cat had no issues. Highly recommend booking early!