Kenya Pet Import Requirements

• Rabies vaccination is required for pets entering Kenya, and the regulations are quite specific.
• Primary vaccination:
  • Must be given when the animal is at least 3 months old.
  • For entry, the vaccination must be done not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months before shipment.
• Booster vaccination:
  • Must be given not more than 12 months before shipment.
• Rabies Antibody Test (Titer/FAVN):
  • Must be carried out not less than 3 months and not more than 24 months before shipment.
  • The result must show a positive level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.

 Restrictions / Exceptions

• Puppies or kittens under 3 months may travel only if accompanied by the mother and relying on the mother’s valid vaccination record.
• If the pet has not been vaccinated or does not meet all requirements (vaccine timing or antibody test), the Kenyan authorities may impose quarantine of up to 6 months at the owner’s expense.

Required Test Before Entry

• Rabies Antibody Test (Titer / FAVN) is mandatory.
• It must demonstrate a protective antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• The test must be conducted by an approved laboratory (as per OIE/recognized reference labs).

Timeline Before Entry

• The test must be performed at least 3 months before shipment.
• However, there is no additional waiting period once the test is completed, as long as all subsequent rabies vaccinations have been given on time without any delays or lapses.

Pets entering Kenya with correct rabies vaccination, rabies antibody test, microchip, parasite treatments, and endorsed health certificate will not be quarantined. If any requirement is missing, Kenya may enforce quarantine of up to six months upon arrival. There is no requirement for pets to quarantine at home before entry.

Breed Restrictions

• Kenya does not list banned breeds in its veterinary import regulations.
• All dog and cat breeds are technically permitted, provided they comply with identification, vaccination, and health certification rules.
• However, individual airlines serving Kenya may impose restrictions on certain breeds (especially brachycephalic/short-nosed dogs and cats such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats) due to higher risks of respiratory distress during flights.

Import Restrictions

• Pets must enter as manifest cargo in the aircraft’s freight compartment, unless an airline allows in-cabin carriage (discretionary, but still subject to Kenyan animal holding station inspection).
• All pets must be accompanied by a valid import permit, an international veterinary health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, and rabies antibody test results.
• Pets that fail to meet vaccination or test requirements may be subject to up to 6 months quarantine at the owner’s expense.
• Pregnant females close to term or animals showing signs of contagious disease may be refused entry.

Climate / Temperature Restrictions

• Kenya’s veterinary rules themselves do not impose climate or seasonal restrictions.
• However, airlines and IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) enforce temperature embargoes for animal welfare:
  • Most carriers restrict pet travel when ground temperatures are above 28°C (82°F) or below 8°C (46°F) at any transit or arrival station.
  • Nairobi (NBO) and Mombasa (MBA) can experience high daytime heat, so airlines often require early morning or late evening departures/arrivals to stay within safe limits.

Some airlines also embargo pets entirely during the hottest months (e.g., Jan–Mar in coastal regions).

Pets must arrive accompanied by a valid import permit (VS01) and an endorsed international veterinary health certificate.

On landing, pets are offloaded to the Animal Holding Station at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) (or Moi International Airport, Mombasa – MBA).

 The Customs Veterinary Officer (DVS) inspects documents (import permit, health certificate, vaccination records, parasite treatments, microchip ID).

If all requirements are met, clearance is granted and pets are released to the consignee. If not, pets may be placed into quarantine (up to six months) at the owner’s cost.