Importing a pet into Kenya requires careful preparation and strict compliance with the country’s health and documentation laws. Whether you’re an expat moving to Kenya, a returning Kenyan relocating with your pets, or buying a dog or cat from abroad, this step-by-step guide will help you understand all requirements for importing pets into Kenya in 2025.
At Pet Pathways Logistics, we assist with every step — from permits and vaccinations to customs clearance and safe transport from the airport.
1. Confirm Your Pet is Allowed Into Kenya
Kenya allows the importation of dogs and cats, as long as they meet all health and vaccination requirements.
🔴 Banned Dog Breeds
Kenya restricts the import of some aggressive or dangerous breeds. Always confirm with:
- Kenya Veterinary Authority
- KEPHIS (Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service)
- Kenya Animal Health Act guidelines
Before making travel arrangements, verify that your dog’s breed is allowed.
2. Microchip Your Pet
Kenya requires all imported pets to have a ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip.
✔ Must be readable by an ISO-compliant scanner
✔ Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination
If your pet has a non-ISO chip, you can bring your own scanner or re-chip the pet.
3. Vaccinations Required to Import Pets Into Kenya
Kenya has strict vaccination rules to prevent disease spread.
Mandatory Vaccinations for Dogs
- Rabies (required)
- Must be administered at least 30 days and not more than 12 months before travel
- Distemper
- Parvovirus
- Leptospirosis
Mandatory Vaccinations for Cats
- Rabies (required)
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia
Your vet must provide an updated vaccination card with dates and batch numbers.
4. Apply for a Kenya Pet Import Permit
This is done through KEPHIS (Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service).
How to apply:
- Visit the KEPHIS website
- Submit copies of:
- Pet passport or vaccination record
- Microchip number
- Rabies certificate
- Pay the permit fee
The import permit is typically valid for 30 days.
5. Get a Veterinary Health Certificate (Within 10 Days of Travel)
A licensed veterinarian in the exporting country must issue a Health Certificate confirming:
- Your pet is healthy
- Free from infectious diseases
- Vaccinations are valid
- Fit to travel
This certificate must comply with Kenya’s requirements.
6. Book an Approved Airline for Pet Travel
Not all airlines carry pets. Kenya allows pets to arrive via:
- Kenya Airways
- Lufthansa
- KLM/Air France
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
Pets may travel:
✔ In-cabin
✔ As checked baggage
✔ As manifest cargo
This depends on the pet’s size, weight, and airline rules.
Tip: Always book early — pet slots on flights are limited.
7. Prepare an IATA-Approved Travel Crate
For safe and compliant transport, use an airline-approved (IATA) pet crate.
Your pet must comfortably:
- Stand
- Turn around
- Lie down
Label the crate with:
- Pet’s name
- Microchip number
- Your name & contacts
- Destination address
8. Arrival in Kenya: Customs & Veterinary Clearance
Upon arrival (Nairobi JKIA or Mombasa Airport):
- Present your Import Permit
- Show the Health Certificate
- Provide the Vaccination Records
- Declare your pet at customs
A Kenya government vet will examine the pet and confirm all documents.
Some pets may be taken for quarantine if documentation is incomplete, suspicious, or if the pet shows signs of illness.
9. Final Transport to Your Home
After clearance, you may:
- Pick the pet yourself
- Use a professional pet transport service for safe delivery
At Pet Pathways Logistics, we offer:
✔ Airport pickup
✔ Customs clearance handling
✔ Vet coordination
✔ Safe transport to your home anywhere in Kenya
Importing a Pet Into Kenya Checklist (2025)
- ISO-compliant microchip
- Rabies vaccination (30 days–12 months before travel)
- Additional core vaccinations
- Kenya Import Permit (KEPHIS)
- Veterinary Health Certificate (within 10 days of travel)
- Airline booking for pet travel
- IATA-approved crate
- Arrival vet check & customs clearance
Why Work With Pet Pathways Logistics?
Importing a pet alone can be stressful. Mistakes lead to delays, quarantine, or denied entry.
We help with:
- Import permit application
- Documentation guidance
- Approved airline arrangements
- Crate sizing and compliance
- Airport veterinary clearance
- Safe home delivery
Your pet travels safely, legally, and stress-free.
Ready to Import Your Pet Into Kenya?
Get professional assistance today.
Request a Quote: https://petpathwayslogistics.com
