Moving to Kenya with a pet
Pets are considered an important part of the family, and many expats wish to bring their cat or dog with them when relocating to Kenya. Provided your pet is healthy and meets all of the Kenyan requirements, they are able to move to Kenya with no quarantine period required. Below is an introduction to moving to Kenya with your pet.
Requirements
Expats are able to relocate with their cat or dog, as long as the animal is in good health and meets all the requirements set out by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, who oversee personal pets entering the country. As long as pets meet the below requirements, they are not required to undergo a quarantine period after arrival in Kenya.
Kenya requires pets to be microchipped with an ISO compliant chip. However, this may be waived if your pet has lived in a rabies-free country for the past six months or longer. Additional requirements include:
- An import permit from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries is required to bring your pet into the country. This must be applied for and received in advance of your pet's travel.
- Your pet must have a health certificate from an authorised veterinarian stating the pet is of good health, and they must also complete the 'Veterinary Certificate for Kenya'.
- Your pet must have proof of vaccination against rabies, dated between 6-12 months prior to moving to the country. If your pet has had the vaccination within six months of travel, you must also obtain a letter from your veterinarian, stating that rabies is not present within the region where the pet has been living.
- All pets must receive a treatment to prevent tapeworm and ticks within 48 hours of entering the country.
- Additional requirements may apply, including restrictions on pets other than dogs and cats. Consult your local embassy for more detailed information.
Good to know: Puppies and kittens under the age of three months can only enter the country if you have proof that the mother of the animals received a vaccination against rabies within 12 months of giving birth.
Air travel
Pets are required to enter Kenya via air and must travel as air cargo, not within the cabin. All travel should be within a pet crate that is approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Air travel can be very stressful for animals, so purchase your crate well in advance from your home, so your pet has time to get acclimatised.
Once your pet arrives in Kenya, all required documentation will be reviewed, and your pet may be examined by a local veterinarian if deemed necessary. Several expats report that the arrival process can be confusing. To simplify the process, many expats use the assistance of an international pet relocation agency, such as PetRelocation. Although a third party adds to the cost of the move, it provides peace of mind that experienced professionals are looking after the relocation process, which can be a stressful time for pet owners.
Good to know: Exact requirements differ by airline, so contact your airline well in advance of travel so you're aware of the requirements for pet travel.
Additional considerations
Before deciding to relocate your pet, give serious thought to the wellbeing of your cat or dog. Although pets are a valued member of the family, long-distance travel and separation from family on the plane can be hard, especially on older animals. The climate in Kenya can be extremely hot, which can also be a shock to animals used to a cooler climate. Additional health risks include diseases potentially not present in your home country, as well as different insects and wildlife. Ensure your pet always has access to shade and a cool place to rest, and a clean water supply.
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