Bringing a pet to Cape Verde

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Cape Verde is a rabies-free island nation with no routine quarantine for compliant dogs. Entry rules do not vary by origin country's rabies status. Owners need a microchip, a current rabies vaccination, an official veterinary health certificate, and advance import authorization from DGASP. Veterinary inspection capacity at ports is limited, so paperwork must be complete before arrival.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Cape Verde.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved LVI for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

DGASP import authorization (advance approval letter)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, health certificate ~$100–200, DGASP import authorization fee ~$30–80, courier/administrative costs ~$50–100. Total typically $200–450. No titer test is required, so do not budget for one. Confirm current fees with DGASP and your vet.

The 21-day wait after rabies vaccination applies even for puppies first vaccinated at 12 weeks, so a puppy cannot enter before 15 weeks of age. No titer test is required.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved LVI for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

DGASP import authorization (advance approval letter)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Same requirements as the free tier — Cape Verde does not differentiate by origin rabies status. No titer test. The 21-day post-vaccination wait means a puppy first vaccinated at 12 weeks cannot enter before 15 weeks of age.

Apply / official dog import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved LVI for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

DGASP import authorization (advance approval letter)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, health certificate ~$100–200, DGASP import authorization fee ~$30–80, courier/administrative costs ~$50–100. Total typically $200–450. No titer test is required by Cape Verde, so do not budget for one unless your airline demands it. Confirm current fees with DGASP and your vet.

Cape Verde applies the same rules to high-risk-origin dogs as to low-risk and free origins — no additional titer test, no quarantine. Airlines flying from high-risk countries may impose their own stricter rules (e.g. titer test or crate requirements), so check with the carrier. The 21-day post-vaccination wait still applies.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Cape Verde does not publish a specific numeric cap for non-commercial pet movement in its veterinary regulations. In practice, the DGASP import authorization is issued per animal, and bringing more than 2–3 dogs on a single itinerary may trigger scrutiny and a requirement to demonstrate non-commercial intent (e.g. personal pets, not breeding or resale). If you are moving with more than 3 dogs, contact DGASP in advance — they may require a commercial import licence and additional health certifications. Airlines also cap in-cabin and checked pets per passenger (typically 1–2), so the practical limit is often set by the carrier.

No. Cape Verde does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from veterinary import requirements. A service dog still needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), an official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and a DGASP import authorization. The only difference is that airlines may allow a service dog in the cabin where a pet dog would have to travel as cargo — but that is an airline policy, not a Cape Verde government exemption. Arriving without the veterinary paperwork risks refusal of entry for the animal.

No. Cape Verde does not operate a quarantine facility for pet dogs. If your dog arrives with a valid microchip, current rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days before travel), an official health certificate issued within 10 days, and a DGASP import authorization, it is cleared at the port of entry without quarantine. If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may be held at the owner's expense pending resolution, returned to origin, or in rare cases euthanised — but that is a compliance failure, not routine quarantine.

No. Cape Verde does not require a rabies antibody titer test (FAVN or similar) for dogs entering from any country, including high-risk rabies countries. The requirement is a current rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before arrival. Some airlines flying from high-risk countries may ask for a titer test as a carrier condition, so check with your airline separately — but the Cape Verde government does not demand it.

You apply to the Direção Geral de Agricultura, Silvicultura e Pecuária (DGASP) under Cape Verde's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The application typically requires: a copy of the dog's rabies vaccination certificate, microchip number, health certificate (or a commitment to present one on arrival), your passport copy, and travel dates. Processing usually takes 5–15 working days, so apply at least 3–4 weeks before travel. There is a fee (roughly $30–80, verify current amount). Contact the Cape Verde embassy or consulate in your country, or DGASP directly, for the current form and payment method — the process is not fully online.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Cape Verde. If it is older, the certificate is invalid and the dog may be refused entry or held at your expense until a new certificate can be arranged — which is difficult at the border. Plan your vet visit so the certificate is issued no more than 10 days before you land in Praia, Sal, or Boa Vista. If your journey involves a long layover, count from the date of the certificate to the date you actually arrive in Cape Verde, not the date you leave home.

Yes, but inter-island ferry and domestic air operators set their own pet policies. The national veterinary rules do not require additional documents for inter-island movement once the dog has entered Cape Verde legally. However, ferries (e.g. between Praia and Fogo or São Vicente) often require dogs to stay on deck or in a vehicle, and some inter-island flights (e.g. Cabo Verde Airlines) allow small dogs in the cabin only if they fit in a carrier under the seat. Check directly with the operator before booking — there is no central Cape Verde government rule for inter-island pet transport.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Cape Verde.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Cape Verde's Directorate of Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock (DRAFS).

No rabies titer test or import permit required for cats from free-tier origins. No quarantine on arrival. Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DRAFS.

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No rabies titer test or import permit required. No quarantine on arrival.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, at least 3 months old before travel
Import permit issued by Cape Verde's Directorate of Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock (DRAFS)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DRAFS.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries require a rabies titer test and an import permit. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order. The import permit must be obtained before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Cape Verde generally allows up to 2 pets per traveller for non-commercial movement. If you are bringing more than 2 cats, you may need to follow commercial import procedures, which include additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Directorate of Agriculture, Forestry and Livestock (DRAFS) before travel.

Yes. Cape Verde does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of function, must meet the same rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements.

No. The United States is considered a low-risk country for rabies, so a titer test is not required. Your cat needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.

Cats must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to receive a rabies vaccination, and then must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months).

No. Cape Verde does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with valid documentation. If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may be quarantined or refused entry at the owner's expense.

Returning to the EU requires an EU pet passport or a health certificate, plus a rabies titer test if your cat was vaccinated in Cape Verde (since Cape Verde is high-risk for rabies). Returning to the US requires a CDC Dog Import Form (for dogs) and a health certificate; cats need a rabies vaccination certificate. Check with your destination country's authorities.

Airlines set their own cabin policies. Most allow cats in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier under the seat. Cape Verde's airports accept pets arriving in cabin or as checked baggage, but you must clear veterinary inspection on arrival. Confirm with your airline well in advance.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Cape Verde.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Microchip identification certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Cape Verde may charge an arrival inspection fee (~$20-50; verify locally). No titer test or import permit is required for this tier.

Ferrets are not listed as prohibited animals in Cape Verde, but import is subject to general veterinary health rules. No quarantine is imposed for pets from free-tier origins. The health certificate must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified translation. Cape Verde authorities may require advance notification to the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Praia.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Microchip identification certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No quarantine. Cape Verde does not require a rabies titer test for ferrets from low-risk countries. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current (not expired) at the time of travel. The health certificate must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified translation.

Apply / official ferret import page

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid at entry
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Microchip identification certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit issued by the Cape Verde Directorate of Veterinary Services

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150 (verify with Cape Verde authorities). No quarantine fee applies if documents are in order.

Import permit must be obtained in advance from the Cape Verde veterinary authorities. The titer test must be done at an approved laboratory and the result must be valid at the time of travel. No quarantine is imposed upon arrival if all documents are in order, but animals may be subject to inspection. Cape Verde may require additional treatments (e.g., internal and external parasite treatment) within a specified period before travel; verify with the competent authority.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, ferrets are not prohibited, but they are subject to general veterinary import rules. You will need a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and possibly an import permit depending on the rabies-risk status of the origin country. Cape Verde does not have a specific ferret ban, but always confirm with the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Praia before travel.

Cape Verde does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but generally non-commercial pet movements are limited to a small number (typically up to 5 animals) before commercial regulations apply. If you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, you may need to comply with commercial import rules, which include additional permits and inspections. Verify with Cape Verde customs and veterinary authorities.

No. Cape Verde does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, and permit requirements. Airlines may have separate policies for cabin travel, but the destination country's import rules apply equally.

It depends on the origin country's rabies risk. If you are travelling from a high-risk country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, or South America), a FAVN/RFFIT titer test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml is required. The test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 30 days before travel. For low-risk or free origins, no titer test is required.

The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel and must be current (not expired) at the time of entry. The vaccine must be given when the ferret is at least 12 weeks old. If the vaccine is expired, the animal may be denied entry or required to be revaccinated and wait 21 days.

The veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Cape Verde. It must be issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority. The certificate should be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified translation.

No, Cape Verde does not impose quarantine on ferrets if all import requirements are met. However, if documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness, it may be detained or refused entry. Ensure all paperwork is correct before travel.

Good to know

Cape Verde is officially rabies-free. The competent authority is the Direção Geral de Agricultura, Silvicultura e Pecuária (DGASP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. All dogs require an import authorization issued in advance by DGASP. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by an official government veterinarian in the origin country. Dogs arriving without valid documents may be refused entry, held at the owner's expense, or returned to origin. There is no post-arrival quarantine for compliant dogs. Inter-island travel does not require additional national veterinary documents, but air and ferry operators set their own pet policies.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Cape Verde, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).