Bringing a pet to Madagascar

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Madagascar is a rabies-free island nation with strict pet-import rules. Dogs need an import permit from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires, a current rabies vaccination, a FAVN titer test for most origins, and a government-endorsed health certificate. There is no routine quarantine for dogs that meet all conditions, but incomplete paperwork can lead to refusal, return, or isolation at the owner's expense. Requirements vary by the rabies status of the origin country, so confirm details with the Malagasy veterinary authority before booking travel.

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 veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (Madagascar)
Rabies vaccination certificate (given at least 21 days before travel and valid for no more than 12 months)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 5 days of travel

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, plus cargo handling fees. No titer test is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malagasy veterinary authority.

Dogs from rabies-free origins still need an import permit and a health certificate. The dog must travel as manifest cargo. Rabies vaccination must be current (given at least 21 days before travel and not expired).

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)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (Madagascar)
Rabies vaccination certificate (given at least 21 days before travel and valid for no more than 12 months)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 5 days of travel

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–150, plus cargo handling fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Malagasy veterinary authority.

The FAVN titer test must be done at least 90 days before travel. If the titer is below 0.5 IU/ml, a booster vaccination and a new test are required, and the 90-day waiting period restarts. The dog must travel as manifest cargo.

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)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (Madagascar)
Rabies vaccination certificate (given at least 21 days before travel and valid for no more than 12 months)
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 5 days of travel

Rough budget

Same requirements as low-risk origins. The 90-day waiting period after the FAVN test is strictly enforced. Dogs from high-risk countries may face additional scrutiny at arrival, and the Malagasy authorities may require a longer quarantine if paperwork is incomplete.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Madagascar does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet imports, but the import permit is issued per animal. In practice, bringing more than 2–3 dogs on a single permit may trigger commercial import rules, which require additional veterinary inspections and business registration. Confirm the current limit with the Direction des Services Vétérinaires before applying.

Yes, for dogs from low-risk and high-risk rabies countries. The FAVN test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 90 days before travel and show a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Dogs from rabies-free countries are exempt from the titer test but still need a valid rabies vaccination and an import permit.

No, there is no routine quarantine if your dog meets all entry requirements: valid rabies vaccination, FAVN titer test (if applicable), import permit, and health certificate. However, if paperwork is incomplete or the dog shows signs of illness, it may be placed in isolation at the owner's expense or refused entry.

No. Madagascar does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All dogs must enter as manifest cargo, comply with the same vaccination, titer testing, permit, and health certificate rules, and cannot travel in the cabin or as checked baggage. Service dogs are not granted special cabin access.

The import permit application must be submitted to the Direction des Services Vétérinaires at least 30 days before travel. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but delays can occur. Apply early, as the permit is valid for a limited period (usually 60 days) and must be used within that window.

A current rabies vaccination is mandatory. It must be given at least 21 days before travel and be valid for no more than 12 months. Other core vaccines (distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis) are strongly recommended but not legally required. Your vet should also treat for internal and external parasites within 5 days of travel.

If the import permit, health certificate, or titer test results are missing or invalid, the dog may be refused entry and returned to the origin country at your expense, or placed in quarantine at a designated facility. Quarantine costs are typically $20–50 per day, and the duration depends on the missing documentation. Always carry originals and copies.

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 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 (at least 21 days old and not expired)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) Madagascar
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DSV Madagascar.

Import permit required before travel; typically valid 30 days. Cats must be at least 3 months old at import.

Apply / official cat 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

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (at least 21 days old and not expired)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) Madagascar
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Madagascar applies the same requirements to low-risk and free origins for cats; the import permit is mandatory for all.

Apply / official cat 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 (at least 21 days old and not expired)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (at least 0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) Madagascar
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No quarantine fee applies if documents are complete. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the DSV Madagascar.

Rabies titer test required; the 90-day wait before travel is mandatory. No quarantine if documents are complete, but the DSV may quarantine on arrival at the owner's expense if paperwork is incomplete.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Madagascar does not publish a specific limit. In practice, the DSV treats up to 5 cats per traveller as non-commercial if they are for personal companionship and not for sale or breeding. More than 5 may be classified as commercial, requiring additional veterinary inspections, a commercial import licence, and higher fees. Confirm with the DSV before travelling with multiple cats.

Yes. Madagascar grants no exemption for emotional support or service animals. Your cat must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, an import permit, and a health certificate; from a high-risk country, a rabies titer test is also required. Airline cabin rules are separate.

Yes. Madagascar considers the United States a high-risk country for rabies. Your cat must have a FAVN or RFFIT test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, at an approved laboratory. Without it, your cat may be quarantined or refused entry.

The DSV typically issues import permits within 5 to 10 working days after a complete application, including proof of rabies vaccination, microchip number, and travel details. The permit is usually valid for 30 days from issue, so apply no earlier than one month before travel. Fees are generally around $50-150.

No quarantine is required if your cat arrives with a complete and valid set of documents: microchip, rabies vaccination, import permit, health certificate, and, for high-risk origins, a passing rabies titer test. If any document is missing or expired, the DSV may quarantine your cat at your expense for up to 30 days or until the issue is resolved.

Your cat must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at import. This aligns with the minimum age for rabies vaccination. Younger cats cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement and will not be allowed entry.

Airlines flying to Madagascar (e.g., Air France, Ethiopian Airlines) generally allow small cats in the cabin if they meet weight and carrier size limits, typically up to 8 kg including the carrier. This is airline policy, not a Madagascar government rule. The cat must still have all veterinary documents. Check with your airline well in advance, as cabin space is limited.

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 veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the central veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires, Ministry of Agriculture, Madagascar
Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo applied before vaccination)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$50–150, courier/endorsement fees ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Direction des Services Vétérinaires.

Madagascar treats ferrets as 'carnivores other than dogs and cats' under its animal health code. An import permit must be obtained BEFORE travel; the permit is usually valid 30–60 days and must accompany the animal. Ferrets are not on the EU Pet Travel Scheme list, so even from a rabies-free territory the permit and health certificate are mandatory.

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 of the origin country, endorsed by the central veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires, Ministry of Agriculture, Madagascar
Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo applied before vaccination)

Rough budget

Same core requirements as the free tier. Madagascar does not maintain a reduced-requirement list for low-risk origins for ferrets; the import permit and health certificate are always required. No rabies titer test is demanded for ferrets from low-risk countries.

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 of the origin country, endorsed by the central veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid at least 21 days, not more than 12 months old)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result ≥0.5 IU/ml, from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires, Ministry of Agriculture, Madagascar
Proof of ISO microchip (or legible tattoo applied before vaccination)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–150, courier/endorsement fees ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Direction des Services Vétérinaires.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries face the strictest regime: a positive FAVN titer test is mandatory and must be timed so the result is at least 90 days old at arrival. Madagascar may impose quarantine on arrival at the owner's expense if paperwork is incomplete or the titer is borderline; confirm with the Direction des Services Vétérinaires before booking.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not treated as pets under the simplified dog/cat rules. They fall under 'other carnivores' in Madagascar's animal health code, so you need an import permit from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (Ministry of Agriculture) before travel, plus a rabies vaccination certificate and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival. Without the permit, the animal can be refused entry or quarantined at your expense.

Madagascar's non-commercial pet movement is generally capped at 5 animals per traveller. Bringing 6 or more ferrets in one consignment is treated as a commercial import, which requires additional veterinary import authorisation, possible CITES-style documentation, and a higher permit fee. If you plan to move more than 5, contact the Direction des Services Vétérinaires in Antananarivo in advance.

No. Madagascar does not recognise emotional-support animals as a separate category, and there is no exemption from the import permit, rabies vaccination, or health certificate requirements for ferrets. A service ferret still needs the same paperwork as any other ferret. Airlines may also refuse ferrets in the cabin, so check with your carrier separately.

It depends on where you are travelling from. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (e.g. most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, Russia, Thailand) must have a FAVN or RFFIT test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Ferrets from low-risk or rabies-free origins do not need the titer test for Madagascar.

Start at least 4 months ahead if you are coming from a high-risk rabies country: 21 days for the rabies vaccine to take effect, 30 days before the titer blood draw, then 90 days before travel for the titer result. From low-risk or free origins, 6–8 weeks is usually enough: vaccination at least 21 days before travel, health certificate within 10 days of departure, and the import permit issued 30–60 days before arrival.

Yes. An ISO 11784/11785 microchip (or a legible tattoo applied before rabies vaccination) is required so the vaccination certificate and health certificate can be linked to the animal. If your ferret was vaccinated before being microchipped, Madagascar may require re-vaccination after the chip is implanted.

The Direction des Services Vétérinaires can refuse entry, order quarantine at the owner's expense (typically 30 days or more), or require re-export. There is no on-arrival vaccination or titer service at Ivato International Airport. Carry the original import permit, rabies certificate, titer result (if applicable), and health certificate in your hand luggage — copies are not accepted.

Good to know

Madagascar requires an import permit for all dogs, issued by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) before travel. Rabies vaccination and a FAVN titer test are required for dogs from low-risk and high-risk origins; dogs from rabies-free origins are exempt from the titer test but still need a valid rabies vaccination and permit. Dogs must arrive as manifest cargo on the same flight as the owner or a designated representative; in-cabin or checked-baggage transport is not permitted. A health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel is mandatory.

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).