Moving abroad can also mean international relocation for your pet. What are the conditions for your four-legged friend to join you in Mauritius?
Obtaining permits to bring your pet to Mauritius
The first step to importing a pet to Mauritius is to obtain approval from the Mauritian Veterinary Committee, a process that typically takes about 15 days. The import permit application should be submitted between 3 and 6 months before the planned arrival, specifying the reason for your relocation.
However, this initial approval does not constitute the official permit for the animal's transfer. A veterinarian must conduct a blood test to check rabies antibody levels within 30 days following vaccination. A sterilization certificate will also be required. Additionally, a second blood test will be carried out 45 days before arrival to detect diseases such as ehrlichiosis and brucellosis. Finally, a health certificate must be issued 3 to 4 days before departure and validated by the departmental veterinary services. Ensure you have all necessary documents during travel.
Certain conditions have been tightened, such as the minimum age (7 months for puppies and kittens). Authorities maintain strict compliance regarding vaccines, rabies titration tests, and the list of prohibited breeds.
Rabies vaccination
All animals must be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination should be administered between 60 days and 1 year before entry, with boosters given between 30 days and 1 year before arrival. Dogs must also receive vaccines against distemper, leptospirosis, and canine parvovirus, while cats need to be vaccinated against feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline herpesvirus.
Rabies screening test
A rabies screening test must be conducted by an accredited veterinarian between 30 days and 6 months before entry. A signed letter from your veterinarian, confirming that all regulations have been complied with, is mandatory.
Important:
Your pet must be equipped with a 15-digit ISO microchip. It must also be treated for external parasites and examined for internal and external parasites before departure.
Obtaining the import permit for your pets
Once all veterinary results are obtained, you can apply for the import permit from the Mauritian Veterinary Services located in Réduit. This application generally takes 2 working days and incurs a processing fee of Rs 1,000. You will also need to provide details of your pet's arrival (date, time, flight number) at least 2 to 3 days before its arrival.
Upon arrival, your pet will be taken care of at the airport in your presence. You must present all original documents. If any documents are missing, your pet may be sent back to its country of origin or, in some cases, euthanized.
Good to know:
Certain dog breeds are subject to strict regulations, including registration requirements and restrictions. Breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute, Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, Dobermann, Kangal, Mastino Napolitano, Presa Canario, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Rottweiler are affected.
Some breeds, such as the American Pit-Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, are completely banned.
Pet quarantine in Mauritius
Animals must enter Mauritius via the airport, either in the cabin, in the hold, or as air freight, and only on a direct flight. Pre-notification of arrival is mandatory, as is a declaration made by a freight forwarder for dogs and cats arriving as air freight. You must inform the Mauritian veterinary officer of the time and place of arrival at least 3 days in advance.
Dogs are subject to a quarantine of 5 to 30 days, depending on their country of origin. Animals coming from Europe, for example, are quarantined for 5 days, with the possibility for the owner to visit them twice a day.
Check with the importer or veterinarian for updated quarantine, food, accommodation, and registration fees, as well as visiting arrangements during quarantine. Rules may vary depending on the animal's country of origin and the updating of official texts. It is recommended to confirm with the Mauritian Veterinary Service before departure.
Registration after quarantine
At the end of the quarantine, you will need to register your pet with the MSAW (Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare) in Rose Hill, for a fee of 500 Rs. Proof of payment must also be submitted to the Réduit services. Quarantine fees amount to Rs 15 per day. Once the payment is finalized and the registration is completed, you can retrieve your pet and take it home.
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