Zimbabwe Pet Import Requirements

1.    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.
2.    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
1.    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.
2.    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 instead 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.

 

Tests Required Before Entry to Zimbabwe
1.    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 officially 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.

 

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

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.