Bringing a pet to Madagascar

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Madagascar enforces strict, origin-dependent import requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets, with no uniform rules across species. Quarantine is not routine for compliant pets from low-risk countries, but high-risk origins may face lengthy isolation. Expect mandatory microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a government import permit; start preparations at least 4–6 months in advance.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Madagascar.

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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation

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 destination agency.

No additional requirements for free-origin countries.

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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation

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 destination agency.

No additional requirements for low-risk origin countries.

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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation

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 destination agency.

No additional requirements for high-risk origin countries.

Frequently asked questions

No, Madagascar does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any country. A rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
No, there is no mandatory quarantine for dogs arriving in Madagascar, regardless of the origin country's rabies status.
Madagascar does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 2-3 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock before travel.
No, Madagascar does not grant any exemptions for emotional support or service dogs. They must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements as any other pet dog.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your arrival in Madagascar. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
No, the minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks, and the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel. This means the puppy must be at least 15 weeks old at the time of entry.
No, an import permit is not required for dogs entering Madagascar. The key documents are a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Madagascar.

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 endorsed by the origin country's animal health authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Vaccination record (FVRCP recommended but not mandatory)

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 Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) in Madagascar.

No import permit required for cats from rabies-free origins. The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority in the origin country (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).

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 endorsed by the origin country's animal health authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Vaccination record (FVRCP recommended)

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 DSV.

Same as free tier. No additional requirements for low-risk origins. The health certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's animal health authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • FAVN test certificate (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV)
  • Vaccination record (FVRCP recommended)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN test ~$100-250, import permit fees ~$50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DSV.

Import permit must be obtained from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) in Antananarivo before travel. Allow at least 4-6 weeks for processing. The FAVN test must be performed at an OIE-approved laboratory.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Madagascar does not set a strict numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats. However, if you bring more than 5 cats, customs may treat the shipment as commercial, requiring additional permits and possible quarantine. Stick to 1-2 cats to avoid complications.
No. For cats from low-risk origins (US, EU, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.), a FAVN test is not required. Only cats from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) need a FAVN test with a result ≥0.5 IU/mL, done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 30 days before travel.
No quarantine is imposed for cats arriving from any origin, provided all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate, and for high-risk origins: FAVN test and import permit) is in order. If paperwork is missing, the cat may be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry.
For high-risk origins, the minimum age is 3 months (12 weeks) because rabies vaccination cannot be given earlier. For free and low-risk origins, there is no official minimum age, but the kitten must be weaned and healthy. The health certificate must still be issued within 10 days of travel. Check with your airline for their minimum age policy (usually 8-10 weeks).
No. Madagascar does not recognise emotional support animals or service cats under separate import rules. All cats must follow the same veterinary import requirements regardless of their role. No exemptions are granted for ESA or service animals.
The rabies vaccine must be valid (not expired) on the day of arrival in Madagascar. If the vaccine expires before travel, your cat must be revaccinated and the 21-day waiting period restarted. The health certificate must reflect the current valid vaccine.
Yes. For cats from high-risk rabies countries, an import permit from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) in Madagascar is mandatory. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before travel. The permit must accompany the cat and be presented at customs along with the FAVN test result.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Madagascar.

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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO chip implantation
  • Valid pet passport or equivalent official document

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 destination agency.

No quarantine for ferrets from rabies-free origins. All documents must be in French or accompanied by a certified translation.

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
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO chip implantation
  • Valid pet passport or equivalent official document

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 destination agency.

No quarantine for ferrets from low-risk origins. All documents must be in French or accompanied by a certified translation.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 30+ days before travel
Quarantine
30 days
Mandatory quarantine at a government-approved facility in Antananarivo. Owner pays all costs. Contact the Direction des Services Vétérinaires for current fees and space availability.
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO chip implantation
  • Import permit from Direction des Services Vétérinaires
  • Valid pet passport or equivalent official document

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-100, quarantine costs ~$200-500 depending on duration. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Quarantine is strictly enforced for high-risk origins. All documents must be in French or accompanied by a certified translation. Contact DSV well in advance to reserve quarantine space.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

No. The US is classified as low-risk, so a FAVN titer test is not required. Only ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) need a titer test with a result ≥0.5 IU/mL, performed at an OIE-approved lab at least 30 days after vaccination.
Madagascar does not publish a strict numerical limit for non-commercial pet imports, but generally up to 5 animals per person is accepted without triggering commercial rules. For more than 5, contact the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) for commercial import requirements.
No. Madagascar does not recognise emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and quarantine rules as pet ferrets.
The rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of entry and throughout any quarantine period. If it expires during quarantine, the animal may be held longer or revaccinated at the owner's expense. Ensure the vaccine is given at least 21 days before travel and has a validity of at least 1 year.
No. The minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks, and the 21-day waiting period after vaccination means the ferret must be at least 15 weeks old at the time of travel. No exceptions are made for younger animals.
All veterinary documents—rabies certificate, health certificate, microchip proof, and import permit—must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. Customs in Antananarivo may refuse entry if documents are only in English.
Most international flights to Madagascar arrive at Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo. Check with your airline for their specific ferret policies—some carriers ban ferrets in cabin or cargo. Air France and Ethiopian Airlines commonly accept ferrets as checked baggage with advance approval.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination. The rabies titer test is required for pets from high-risk countries, and the test must be done at an approved laboratory. Failure to meet any requirement can result in quarantine at the owner's expense or denial of entry.

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 Madagascar, 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 Madagascar's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.