Nigeria Pet Import Requirements

Rabies vaccination is mandatory for all pets imported into Nigeria. Only WHO-approved inactivated (killed virus) rabies vaccines are accepted—live or modified live vaccines are not permitted. The vaccine must be administered at least 30 days prior to entry, and pets must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. Additionally, the pet must be microchipped before the rabies vaccine is given. Vaccination must be recorded on an official certificate indicating the date of vaccination, vaccine manufacturer, batch number, expiry date, and must be signed and stamped by a licensed veterinarian. While a rabies titer test is generally not required, it is a mandatory requirement for pets originating from the United States or the United Kingdom, with a minimum acceptable titre level of 0.5 IU/ml. As a result, the minimum age of entry for pets from the US and UK is 5 months, taking into account the vaccination and serology testing timeline.

Pre-Entry Tests Required for Pets Entering Nigeria
1. Rabies Serology (Antibody Titre Test):

• Required only for pets entering from the United Kingdom and the United States.
• Must show a titre level of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.
• Can be done any time after 30 days of rabies vaccination.
• No waiting period is required after receiving the result.
• The test result remains valid for the life of the pet, as long as rabies vaccination is kept current and not allowed to lapse.

Pets meeting all entry conditions will not be quarantined.
No pre-arrival home quarantine is required.
Quarantine at arrival only applies to pets that are non-compliant, ill, or high-risk.

Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (SOP) ensures that all imports of live animals into Nigeria must be subject to quarantine inspection and certificate at designated quarantine stations before release into national herd. The Competent Authority of the importing country may require the placing of animals which do not comply with any of the above-mentioned condition in a quarantine station located on its territory the conditions of stay in quarantine are laid down by the legislation of the importing country. If so required, the certificate should be written in the language of the importing country. In such circumstances, it should also be written in a language understood by the certifying veterinarian.

Breed and Import Restrictions for Nigeria

1. Breed Restrictions:
Currently, Nigeria does not publish a banned or restricted breed list for pet importation. All common domestic dog and cat breeds are allowed, provided they meet health and identification requirements.

2. Import Restrictions:
Pets must have:

• Valid rabies vaccination (and serology if coming from certain countries like the UK or USA)
• Microchip identification
• A valid veterinary health certificate
• An import permit or written permission (as shown in the document)

3. Climate Restrictions (Temperature Embargoes):
Nigeria itself does not impose seasonal climate-based restrictions, the airlines transporting pets do. 

 Note:   Parrots and other exotic animals are prohibited.

TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY AND PEST CONTROL SERVICES DVPCS