Pets must be identified by a permanent mark, most commonly an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip. The microchip number must be recorded on both the veterinary health certificate and the import permit.

Required for all pets. For a primary vaccination, it must be given when the animal is at least 3 months old and between 6 and 12 months before travel. For a booster vaccination, it must be given within 12 months before travel, provided the previous vaccine was still valid at the time of booster. If the vaccine was given less than 6 months before arrival, an additional certificate from a government veterinary officer in the origin country may be required, confirming no rabies cases within 30 miles of the origin in the preceding 6 months.

A rabies antibody titer test is required. It must be performed at an OIE-recognised reference laboratory and show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be conducted between 3 and 24 months before shipment. Once completed with a passing result, it remains valid as long as subsequent rabies vaccinations are kept current without any lapse.

Dogs must be vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus type 2), parvovirus, and leptospirosis. All core vaccines must be current and recorded in the vaccination booklet with date, batch number, and veterinarian's signature and stamp.

Cats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus-1), calicivirus, and panleukopenia. All core vaccines must be current and recorded in the vaccination booklet with date, batch number, and veterinarian's signature and stamp.

Both internal (deworming) and external (flea, tick, and mite) parasite treatments are required. They must be administered by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days before entry into Kenya. The health certificate must record the product name (active ingredient), date of administration, dose given, and the veterinarian's stamp and signature.

An international veterinary health certificate is required, confirming the pet is clinically free from contagious or infectious disease and internal/external parasites within 48 hours before shipment. The certificate must also record microchip number, vaccination status, RNATT results, parasite treatment details, and a fit-to-fly declaration. It must be issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origin country and signed within 5 days before departure.

The health certificate must be endorsed by the official government veterinary authority of the origin country before travel. The original certificate must accompany the animal during transport and be presented on arrival in Kenya.

Mandatory for every consignment. Issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. Applications are submitted through the Kenya Single Window System (KenTrade / Simba System). Processing typically takes 2–3 working days. The permit is valid for 90 days and covers a single consignment only. It must accompany the animal on arrival and be presented to the airport state vet and Kenya Revenue Authority (Customs).

Pets must enter Kenya as manifest air cargo — in-cabin travel and checked baggage are not permitted for pet import purposes. An airway bill (AWB) is required. Pets must travel in IATA-approved carriers. Due to heat at Nairobi and Mombasa airports, airlines commonly restrict pet travel to early morning or late evening flights; confirm temperature requirements with your carrier before booking.