Republic of Kenya Pet Import Requirements & Vet Timeline
Official pet import rules for bringing a dog or cat into Republic of Kenya under DVS (Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development). Review the rule table below or pick your origin country, airline, breed, and flight date in the calculator to generate your exact paperwork schedule.
Official Kenya Pet Import Rules at a Glance
Summary of DVS (Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development) entry rules for accompanied dogs and cats.
| Import Biosecurity Authority | DVS (Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development) |
|---|---|
| Outbound Export Authority | DVS Kenya |
| ISO Microchip Standard | ISO 11784/11785 15-digit (must be implanted on or before rabies vaccination) |
| Primary Rabies Vaccine Wait | Minimum 30 days before arrival |
| Rabies Blood Titer Test (FAVN / RNATT) | Not required when arriving with a valid rabies vaccination administered on or after ISO microchipping (30-day primary wait). |
| Dog Tapeworm (Echinococcus) Treatment | Required for dogs: Praziquantel administered strictly 24–240 hours before landing |
| Health Certificate & Endorsement Window | Kenya Form RES 49 Veterinary Import Permit & Certificate — endorsed within 5 days before departure |
| Advance Import Permit | Required (apply at least 20 days before travel) |
| Permitted Aircraft Arrival Mode | Passenger Cabin, Checked Excess Baggage (AVIH), or Manifest Cargo |
| Post-Arrival Quarantine | 0 days (immediate clearance when all pre-arrival rules are met) |
Calculate Your Kenya Pet Travel Timeline
Pre-set for arrival in Republic of Kenya. Change your origin country, airline, breed, or departure date below to see your custom schedule.
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Min: 31d • Ideal: 45d
Feasible Timeline: 75 days available (31 days strict minimum)
Starting today gives you sufficient runway to complete Kenya's veterinary sequence, government endorsement via USDA APHIS (VEHCS), and Delta Air Lines pet booking.
Based on 30 kg weight and Delta Air Lines rules, your Golden Retriever must travel on an airway bill via Delta Cargo Variation Live (IATA Series 500 (102 x 69 x 76 cm)) from USA to Kenya.
🌡️ Seasonal Temperature Advisory (January): Cargo embargo when forecasted ground temperature is above 27°C (80°F) or below 7°C (45°F) without acclimation certificate.
Step-by-Step Vet & Travel Schedule
Counting backward from USA (US) Kenya (KE) arrival.
📅 On or before Tue, Dec 15, 2026
Implant or scan-verify a non-encrypted ISO 11784/11785 15-digit. Any rabies vaccination administered BEFORE the microchip implantation date is legally invalid for Kenya.
⚠️ Ensure the exact 15-digit barcode sticker is affixed to all vaccination and health certificates.
📅 No later than Wed, Dec 16, 2026
Administer WHO/WOAH-approved inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine (pet must be >= 12 weeks old). Triggers 30-day primary immunity wait required by DVS (Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development).
⚠️ Record vaccine manufacturer, product name, batch/lot number, administration date, and valid-until date.
Unlock Full Compliance Packet ($29)
See your exact hour-by-hour tapeworm treatment window, USDA APHIS (VEHCS) endorsement cutoff, Printable Vet Sign-Off PDF, and Apple/Google .ics Calendar Sync with 48-hour alerts.
Includes formal veterinary sign-off boxes, vaccine batch slots, and customs entry instructions.
- Exact 24–120h tapeworm and parasite treatment times
- Printable Vet Sign-Off & 15-Digit Microchip PDF Packet
- One-click .ics Calendar Sync with 48h advance reminders
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Confirm requirements with a government-accredited vet before travel.
Arriving in Republic of Kenya: Airport & Customs Checklist
- Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) or Mombasa (MBA) entry; advance DVS Import Permit Form RES 49 mandatory prior to embarkation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bringing a Pet to Republic of Kenya
How far in advance should I start preparing to bring a dog or cat to Republic of Kenya?
DVS (Directorate of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development) recommends starting at least 45 days before travel. Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit implanted on or before its rabies vaccination, followed by a 30-day primary rabies immunity wait.
Does Republic of Kenya require a rabies antibody blood test (FAVN / RNATT)?
Not required when arriving with a valid rabies vaccination administered on or after ISO microchipping (30-day primary wait).
Can my dog or cat fly in the passenger cabin into Republic of Kenya?
Yes — Republic of Kenya allows pets to arrive in the passenger cabin, checked hold (AVIH), or manifest cargo, subject to your airline's weight cap (typically 8 kg including carrier for cabin) and breed rules.
When must the veterinary health certificate be endorsed before flying to Republic of Kenya?
Your government-accredited veterinarian must issue "Kenya Form RES 49 Veterinary Import Permit & Certificate" and obtain official export authority endorsement within 5 days before departure. Dogs must also receive a Praziquantel tapeworm treatment strictly 24 to 240 hours before landing.
Popular Flight Routes into Republic of Kenya
- 🇺🇸 Fly a Dog from USA to Kenya on Delta Air Lines
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- 🇦🇪 Fly a Dog from UAE to Kenya on Delta Air Lines
- 🇩🇪 Fly a Dog from Germany to Kenya on Delta Air Lines
- 🇫🇷 Fly a Dog from France to Kenya on Delta Air Lines
- 🇨🇦 Fly a Dog from Canada to Kenya on Delta Air Lines
- 🇦🇺 Fly a Dog from Australia to Kenya on Delta Air Lines
- 🇯🇵 Fly a Dog from Japan to Kenya on Delta Air Lines