Official Import Rules
Kenya requires an ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), and a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate signed no more than 5 days before the date of departure from the country of origin. An import permit from the Director of Veterinary Services (DVS) is required — apply at least 3 weeks before travel. Internal and external parasite treatment must be completed no more than 48 hours before the pet's flight. Dogs must enter Kenya as manifest air cargo only (with an airway bill) — in-cabin travel is not permitted. Arrival through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) Nairobi under permit VS01.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
No major national breed ban found
Still check airline policies, local rules, insurance requirements and any transit-country restrictions before booking.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Notes
Nairobi (Karen, Lavington, Westlands), Mombasa, and Naivasha are popular expat areas. Kenya has a well-established expat community, especially in Nairobi's leafy suburbs. Good vet care available in Nairobi.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Good veterinary care in Nairobi with several expat-oriented clinics. The University of Nairobi's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine provides services. Outside Nairobi, vet care is limited. Tick-borne diseases are a major concern.
Leaving Kenya With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from a DVS-approved vet and an export permit. Processing takes 3–5 working days. Apply at the DVS office in Nairobi.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nairobi good for dogs?
The leafy suburbs of Karen, Lavington, and Muthaiga are excellent for dogs. Many expat homes have secure gardens. Good vet clinics are available.
Are there wildlife concerns?
In suburban Nairobi, not significantly. However, tick-borne diseases are prevalent. Use preventive treatments consistently. In rural areas, larger wildlife can be a concern for outdoor dogs.
Is vet care affordable?
Moderate. A vet visit costs KES 2,000–5,000 (~$15–38). Nairobi has several well-equipped clinics.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.