Africa
Pet travel to Nairobi
Kenya Veterinary Board clearance and import permit management.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB) import permit
- 2
ISO-compliant microchip
- 3
Rabies vaccination current and documented
- 4
Health certificate issued within 7 days of travel and endorsed by government veterinarian
- 5
Proof of freedom from infectious diseases for the country of origin
These are the official entry rules for Kenya.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for Kenya.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport processes live-animal imports through the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). KVB permits require 2–4 weeks. We manage bilingual documentation and coordinate directly with KEPHIS for airport clearance.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Nairobi.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Nairobi.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Nairobi.
JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International, NBO) processes live-animal imports through KEPHIS. KVB permits require 2–4 weeks advance processing. We manage bilingual documentation and coordinate directly with KEPHIS for arrival slot pre-registration.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
21–45 days
Ready to travel to Nairobi?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Nairobi.
Joy Palace
Joy Palace is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats are also welcome.
Kifaru House
This 5-bedroom house in Nairobi is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats are also welcome.
Marksy 6 Apartment
Marksy 6 Apartment is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Boma Park Outdoor Event Space
Boma Park Outdoor Event Space is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Nairobi.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Nairobi. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Nairobi with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
Nairobi's matatu network is not suitable for pet travel. Uber, Little Cab, and InDriver operate widely and are pet-accepting at driver's discretion. We pre-book confirmed drivers.
Private Cars
Private cars are the only reliable option in Nairobi. Our vetted network includes safari-grade 4WDs for trips to Ngong Hills, the park perimeter, and Karen. Available 24/7.
On Foot
Karura Forest and the Ngong Hills ridge paths are the city's finest off-lead walks. We provide security briefings and guided walk arrangements for first-time visitors.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Nairobi, with your dog.
Every pet's travel style is different. Contact our team for customised local intelligence and pet-friendly recommendations for Nairobi.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
The Veterinary Centre Nairobi
Export Clinic
Karen Veterinary Clinic
Boarding & Daycare
Paws & Relax Boarding Nairobi
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Nairobi.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Nairobi.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Nairobi: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Nairobi and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Nairobi.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
