Bringing a pet to Cape Verde

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Cape Verde's pet import rules are moderately strict and vary depending on the origin country's rabies-risk category. There is no mandatory quarantine for pets arriving from low-risk countries if all documentation is in order, but animals from higher-risk areas face stricter requirements, including possible isolation. Expect to provide proof of microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Microchip: ~$30–50; health certificate: ~$100–200; rabies vaccination: ~$20–50. Confirm with a local vet and Cape Verde's Direção Nacional de Veterinária.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Microchip: ~$30–50; health certificate: ~$100–200; rabies vaccination: ~$20–50. Confirm with a local vet and Cape Verde's Direção Nacional de Veterinária.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival)
  • Health certificate (issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Microchip: ~$30–50; health certificate: ~$100–200; rabies vaccination: ~$20–50. Confirm with a local vet and Cape Verde's Direção Nacional de Veterinária.

Frequently asked questions

No. Cape Verde does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any origin. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
No. Cape Verde does not impose quarantine on dogs entering the country, regardless of origin. Your dog can go straight home after arrival.
Cape Verde does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement. However, bringing more than 5 dogs may be treated as a commercial import, requiring additional permits. Check with the Direção Nacional de Veterinária (Praia) for clarification.
No. Cape Verde does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. They must still be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the dog's arrival in Cape Verde. It must be signed by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian.
No. Rabies vaccination is mandatory and cannot be given before 12 weeks of age. After vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travel, so the minimum age for entry is approximately 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days).
No. The Cape Verdean government does not ban or restrict any dog breeds. However, some airlines may have their own restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs — check with your carrier before booking.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at time of travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Direção Nacional de Agricultura, Silvicultura e Pecuária (DNAAP) in Cape Verde.

No import permit needed. Cat must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccine. No quarantine.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at time of travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DNAAP.

No import permit needed. Cat must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccine. No quarantine.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at time of travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Import permit from DNAAP

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and DNAAP.

Import permit required. FAVN titer test required. No quarantine. Cat must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccine.

Frequently asked questions

Cape Verde does not publish a strict numeric limit for non-commercial cat imports, but more than 5 cats per person is likely to be treated as commercial. Contact DNAAP in advance if bringing more than 2 cats.
No. Cape Verde requires an international health certificate issued by an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. An EU pet passport alone is not accepted.
No. Cape Verde does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import rules. All cats must meet microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements regardless of role.
The rabies vaccine must be valid at the time of travel. If the last vaccination was more than 12 months ago, a booster is required, followed by a 21-day wait before travel.
Most airlines allow cats in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat (typically max 8 kg including carrier). Checked baggage is also possible for larger cats. Confirm with your airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Yes. Cats from high-risk countries must have a FAVN titer test showing ≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel.
Apply to the Direção Nacional de Agricultura, Silvicultura e Pecuária (DNAAP) in Praia. Submit the application at least 30 days before travel. There is no online portal; contact them by phone or email.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at 12 weeks or older, and at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in US, DEFRA in UK)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cape Verde does not require a rabies titer test or import permit for ferrets from rabies-free origins.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at 12 weeks or older, and at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in US, DEFRA in UK)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cape Verde does not require a rabies titer test or import permit for ferrets from low-risk origins.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine given at 12 weeks or older, and at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in US, DEFRA in UK)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50. No import permit fee. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Cape Verde does not require a rabies titer test or import permit for ferrets from high-risk origins. No quarantine is imposed.

Frequently asked questions

No. Cape Verde does not require a rabies titer test for ferrets from any origin tier, including high-risk countries. Only a valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate are needed.
Cape Verde does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet ferret imports. However, as a general rule, bringing more than 5 animals may trigger commercial import rules. Confirm with the Direção Nacional de Agricultura, Silvicultura e Pecuária before travel.
No. Cape Verde does not recognize emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules regardless of their role.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of travel. It must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
No. Cape Verde does not require an import permit for ferrets from any origin tier. Only a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate are required.
No. Cape Verde does not impose quarantine on ferrets from any origin tier, including high-risk countries. The animal can be released upon arrival if documentation is in order.
No. The rabies vaccination must be given at 12 weeks of age or older, and the ferret must be at least 15 weeks old to travel (12 weeks minimum age for vaccination plus 21-day wait period).

Good to know

All pets must be identified by an ISO-compliant microchip before rabies vaccination. Ensure the microchip is implanted before the rabies shot, or the vaccination may not be recognized.

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).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Cape Verde's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.