Official Import Rules
Nigeria requires an ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), a government-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from NAQS (Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service) — apply 2–3 weeks before travel. Internal and external parasite treatment required. Arrival through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe (ABV) Abuja.
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
Lagos (Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki) and Abuja have vet facilities. Lagos has a growing pet culture among the middle and upper classes. Several international-standard vet clinics operate in Ikoyi and Victoria Island.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Variable quality. Lagos has the best options with several modern clinics. Abuja also has decent facilities. Outside these cities, vet care is very basic. Rabies is endemic — vaccination essential.
Leaving Nigeria With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from a NAQS-approved vet and an export permit. Processing takes 3–5 working days. A pet relocation agent is strongly recommended for Nigerian customs processes.
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 Lagos good for dogs?
The upscale areas of Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki have good vet clinics and a growing pet culture. Many expat homes have enclosed compounds suitable for dogs.
Is rabies a concern?
Yes. Rabies is endemic in Nigeria. Keep vaccinations strictly current and avoid contact with stray animals.
Do I need a pet relocation agent?
Strongly recommended. Nigerian customs processes can be complex, and a local agent familiar with NAQS procedures will smooth the process significantly.
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.