Bringing a pet to Nauru

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Nauru is a small, isolated island nation with extremely limited veterinary infrastructure and no publicly accessible, consolidated pet-import regulation. Imports are handled case-by-case by the Department of Agriculture and quarantine officers, and the default posture is restrictive: expect an advance permit, vaccination proof, microchip, and a health certificate. Rules are not uniformly codified, so origin-country rabies status may influence scrutiny, but no origin should assume friction-free entry.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Nauru has no published breed-specific ban for dogs. However, airlines serving Nauru (e.g. Nauru Airlines) may refuse brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and Persian cats on certain routes due to heat and cargo stress. Check with your carrier directly.

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Nauru Department of Agriculture (apply in advance)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate or vet record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip
Proof of origin / residency

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee varies (often $50–150), airline pet fee $100–300+ depending on carrier and route. No titer test is required in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

Even for low-rabies-risk origins, Nauru generally requires an advance import permit. There is no published fast-track for 'free' origins; treat this tier as the baseline and confirm with the Department of Agriculture whether any waiver applies.

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 competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Nauru Department of Agriculture (apply in advance)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate or vet record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip
Proof of origin / residency

Rough budget

Most travellers (US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia) fall into this tier. Nauru does not publish a titer-test requirement for these origins, but the Department of Agriculture may request additional proof of rabies vaccination history. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for permit processing.

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 endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Nauru Department of Agriculture (apply in advance)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Microchip certificate or vet record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip
Proof of origin / residency

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee varies (often $50–150), airline pet fee $100–300+ depending on carrier and route. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

For CDC high-risk dog-rabies countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), Nauru is likely to require a rabies titer test and may impose quarantine on arrival at the discretion of the quarantine officer. There is no published quarantine period, but be prepared for up to 30 days if officials deem it necessary. Start the process at least 3–4 months before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Contact the Nauru Department of Agriculture (or the quarantine desk at Nauru International Airport) directly by email or phone. There is no online application portal. Provide your dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination date, and intended travel dates. Allow at least 4–6 weeks for processing. The permit is typically issued as a letter or stamped form that you must carry with the original documents.

If you are travelling from a CDC high-risk dog-rabies country (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), yes — a FAVN test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml is likely required. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. For low-risk or free origins (US, UK, EU, Japan, Australia), a titer test is generally not required, but the Nauru Department of Agriculture may request one at its discretion.

There is no published mandatory quarantine period for dogs entering Nauru. However, the quarantine officer at the airport has discretionary power to detain or quarantine an animal if paperwork is incomplete or if the dog shows signs of illness. For high-risk origins, be prepared for up to 30 days of quarantine if officials deem it necessary. Confirm in writing with the Department of Agriculture before travel.

Nauru does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement. In practice, bringing more than one or two dogs may trigger commercial import rules and additional scrutiny. If you plan to bring multiple dogs, contact the Department of Agriculture in advance — they may require a commercial import licence and additional fees.

No. Nauru does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from its import requirements. All dogs entering Nauru must have an import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, and health certificate. There is no separate fast-track for assistance animals. If you rely on a service dog, start the permit process early and carry documentation of the dog's training, but expect the same veterinary rules to apply.

You need an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure by a government-endorsed veterinarian (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet in the US, or a DEFRA-approved vet in the UK). The certificate must state the dog is free from infectious diseases, has a valid rabies vaccination, and is fit to travel. Some origins may require additional statements about internal and external parasite treatment.

Nauru is served by a small number of carriers, primarily Nauru Airlines. Most airlines require dogs to travel as cargo in an IATA-approved crate, with advance booking and a health certificate. Brachycephalic breeds may be refused. Expect to pay $100–300+ depending on route and weight. Confirm directly with the airline at least 4 weeks before travel, as pet acceptance can change without notice.

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

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

Documents checklist

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

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Import permit fees, if required, vary. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

Nauru is rabies-free. Cats from rabies-free countries are subject to minimal requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate. No titer test or quarantine is required. An import permit may still be required; confirm with the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

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

Documents checklist

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

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Import permit fees, if required, vary. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

Cats from low-risk countries must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. No titer test or quarantine is required. An import permit may be required; verify with the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

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

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before arrival and valid at entry
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, completed at least 90 days before travel
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days before arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit issued by the Nauru Department of Agriculture

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

Cats from high-risk countries must have a rabies titer test (FAVN) showing ≥0.5 IU/ml at least 30 days after vaccination and completed at least 90 days before travel. An import permit is required. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. Cats must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.

Frequently asked questions

Nauru does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet cats. As a general rule in many countries, up to 5 pets per person may be imported under non-commercial rules. For more than 5, commercial import conditions likely apply. Confirm with the Nauru Department of Agriculture before travel.

Yes. Nauru does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of function, must comply with microchipping, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and any applicable titer test or permit rules.

It depends on the origin country. Cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries do not need a titer test. Cats from high-risk countries must have a FAVN test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and completed at least 90 days before travel.

The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before arrival. The vaccine must be current (not expired) at the time of entry. The cat must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.

No. Nauru does not require quarantine for cats that meet all import requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable). If documents are incomplete, quarantine or refusal of entry may occur.

The official veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days before arrival in Nauru. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority.

An import permit is required for cats from high-risk rabies countries. For cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries, a permit may or may not be required; check with the Nauru Department of Agriculture. It is advisable to obtain a permit in advance regardless.

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

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 national veterinary 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 not expired
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import declaration form (available from Nauru Department of Agriculture)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import declaration processing ~$20–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

Nauru has no published ferret-specific import protocol; ferrets are classified as 'other animals' under the Nauru Animal Importation Act. No quarantine facility exists for ferrets. If an animal arrives without complete documentation, it may be refused entry or held at the owner's expense.

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 national veterinary 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 not expired
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import declaration form (available from Nauru Department of Agriculture)

Rough budget

Nauru does not differentiate between low-risk and rabies-free origins for ferrets. No quarantine is imposed. Ensure the rabies vaccine was given at least 21 days before travel and the health certificate is dated within 10 days of arrival.

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 national veterinary 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 not expired
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory
Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Import permit issued by the Nauru Department of Agriculture (apply at least 30 days in advance)
Import declaration form

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit ~$50–150, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. No quarantine fee applies. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

Nauru requires an import permit for ferrets from high-risk rabies countries. The permit application must include the titer test result and vaccination records. No quarantine facility exists, so the animal must meet all requirements before arrival. If the titer test is below 0.5 IU/ml, revaccinate and retest after 30 days. Allow at least 3–4 months for the full process.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but Nauru has no published ferret-specific import protocol. Ferrets are treated as 'other animals' under the Animal Importation Act. You will need a rabies vaccination certificate, an official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, and a microchip. From high-risk rabies countries, an import permit and a FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) are also required. Contact the Nauru Department of Agriculture before travel to confirm current rules.

Nauru does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but the general non-commercial pet import policy allows up to 5 animals per traveller. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be classified as commercial, triggering additional permits, inspections, and fees. Confirm the current limit with the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

No. Nauru does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, microchip, and (if applicable) titer test and permit rules. There is no separate fast-track or exemption for assistance animals.

No. Nauru does not have a quarantine facility for ferrets and does not impose quarantine on ferrets that meet all entry requirements. However, if your ferret arrives without complete documentation, it may be refused entry or held at your expense until the situation is resolved.

You need a FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) or RFFIT test performed at an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory. The blood must be drawn at least 90 days after the rabies vaccination, and the result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test result is valid for 12 months from the date of blood draw. Plan for at least 3–4 months to complete this process.

You need: (1) a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel, (2) an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, (3) proof of an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and (4) an import declaration form. From high-risk rabies countries, you also need an import permit and a FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml).

ROUGH estimate only — verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, import declaration processing ~$20–50. If from a high-risk country, add FAVN titer test ~$100–250 and import permit ~$50–150. Total could range from ~$170 to ~$700 depending on origin and whether a titer test is required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nauru Department of Agriculture.

Good to know

Confirm requirements in writing directly with the Nauru Department of Agriculture (or the quarantine desk at Nauru International Airport, INU) before booking travel. Because the island is rabies-free with very limited veterinary capacity, officials may impose conditions beyond what is published. Check airline pet policies separately; Nauru is served by a small number of carriers with their own snub-nosed breed and crate rules.

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 Nauru, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).