Bringing a pet to Nigeria

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Nigeria requires an import permit, a valid rabies vaccination, and an international health certificate for all dogs, regardless of origin country. There is no routine quarantine for properly documented pets, but the permit process can take weeks, so apply early. Nigeria applies the same core requirements to pets from all origins; pets from high-risk countries may face extra scrutiny on arrival.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Nigeria does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines (e.g., Emirates, Qatar Airways) restrict brachycephalic breeds on certain routes. Check with your carrier. Additionally, Nigerian local authorities may have restrictions on aggressive breeds in certain states, but no federal ban exists.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Nigeria
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$100–300 (varies by agent and processing speed). No FAVN titer test is required for free-tier origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nigerian veterinary authority.

Even for free-tier origins, Nigeria requires an import permit. Apply at least 4 weeks in advance. The permit is typically valid for 30–60 days from issuance, so time your application accordingly.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Nigeria does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines (e.g., Emirates, Qatar Airways) restrict brachycephalic breeds on certain routes. Check with your carrier. Additionally, Nigerian local authorities may have restrictions on aggressive breeds in certain states, but no federal ban exists.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Nigeria
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$100–300 (varies by agent and processing speed). No FAVN titer test is required for low-risk origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nigerian veterinary authority.

Same requirements as free-tier origins. No additional titer test or quarantine for low-risk countries. Ensure the rabies vaccine is current and the certificate shows the vaccine batch number and date.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Nigeria does not have a nationwide breed ban for dogs. However, some airlines (e.g., Emirates, Qatar Airways) restrict brachycephalic breeds on certain routes. Check with your carrier. Additionally, Nigerian local authorities may have restrictions on aggressive breeds in certain states, but no federal ban exists.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and valid for at least 12 months
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Nigeria
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fee ~$100–300 (varies by agent and processing speed). No FAVN titer test is required for high-risk origins. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nigerian veterinary authority.

Nigeria does not currently require a rabies titer test even for high-risk origins, but the import permit and health certificate are strictly enforced. Pets from high-risk countries may be subject to additional inspection on arrival. No quarantine if documents are complete.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Nigeria does not specify a fixed number for non-commercial pet imports, but generally up to 2–3 pets per traveller are treated as personal pets. Bringing more than 3 may trigger commercial import rules, requiring additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services before travelling with multiple pets.
Yes. Nigeria does not exempt emotional support or service animals from import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have a valid rabies vaccination, an international health certificate, and an import permit. No special exemption exists.
No. Nigeria does not require a rabies titer test for dogs from any origin country. A current rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
The import permit is issued by the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services in Abuja. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but can be longer during busy periods. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel date. The permit is usually valid for 30–60 days.
No quarantine is imposed if your dog arrives with a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days, and a Nigerian import permit. If any document is missing or expired, the animal may be detained at the port of entry until the issue is resolved, which could take days.
Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be administered at least 21 days before travel. Nigeria does not officially require other vaccinations (e.g., distemper, parvovirus), but a comprehensive health certificate from your vet should confirm your dog is healthy and up-to-date on routine vaccines. Some airlines may require additional vaccines.
Yes. Nigeria does not require a rabies titer test even for dogs from high-risk countries. The same requirements apply: rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit. However, pets from high-risk countries may be inspected more thoroughly on arrival.

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

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 Accredited Veterinarian for US, or equivalent national veterinary service) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-40, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$100-200 (FMARD fee), broker/customs clearance at Lagos or Abuja airport ~$150-300. Confirm current prices with a local vet and FMARD before travel.

Nigeria requires an import permit even for free-tier origins. Cats must be declared at the port of entry (Lagos or Abuja). No quarantine if documents are in order, but veterinary inspection on arrival is mandatory.

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 endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS Accredited Veterinarian for US, or equivalent national veterinary service) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-40, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$100-200 (FMARD fee), broker/customs clearance at Lagos or Abuja airport ~$150-300. Confirm current prices with a local vet and FMARD before travel.

Same requirements as free tier. Nigeria does not differentiate between low-risk and free origins for cats. Import permit must be obtained before travel; processing can take 2-4 weeks.

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 endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS Accredited Veterinarian for US, or equivalent national veterinary service) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before travel
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days before travel
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Rough estimate only: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-40, FAVN titer test ~$150-300 (plus shipping to lab), health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$100-200 (FMARD fee), broker/customs clearance at Lagos or Abuja airport ~$150-300. Confirm current prices with a local vet and FMARD before travel.

High-risk origins (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East) require a FAVN titer test. The 90-day wait is strictly enforced. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are valid, but veterinary inspection is mandatory. Cats from high-risk countries may be subject to additional scrutiny or temporary detention if paperwork is incomplete.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Nigeria does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats in its import regulations. In practice, 1-2 cats per traveller are treated as personal pets. Bringing more than 3-5 cats may trigger commercial import rules, requiring additional permits and inspections. Confirm with FMARD before travelling with multiple cats.
No. Nigeria does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from its import requirements. All cats, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, and (if from a high-risk country) a FAVN titer test. Airlines may allow them in the cabin, but Nigerian customs and veterinary authorities apply the same rules.
No. The US and UK are considered low-risk for rabies by Nigeria. A FAVN titer test is only required for cats originating from high-risk countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East). For US/UK-origin cats, a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days old is sufficient.
FMARD typically takes 2-4 weeks to process an import permit. Apply at least 6-8 weeks before travel to allow time for the permit, health certificate, and any titer test (if required). The permit is valid for a specific date range, so time your application carefully.
Without a valid import permit, your cat may be denied entry, detained at the airport, or returned to the origin country at your expense. Nigerian customs and veterinary officials at Lagos or Abuja airports enforce this strictly. Always carry original documents, not copies.
Yes. Nigeria requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, so the vaccination certificate can be linked to the chip number. If your cat is not microchipped, get it done at least 21 days before travel.
No. Nigeria does not impose breed-specific bans or restrictions on cats. All domestic cat breeds are allowed, provided they meet the health and documentation requirements. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Persian) may face airline-specific restrictions, so check with your carrier.

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

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

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$100-300. A FAVN titer test is not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and FMARD.

Ferrets are not listed as prohibited under Nigeria's Animal Diseases (Control) Act, but import is at FMARD's discretion. An import permit is required for all ferrets regardless of origin. Rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel, and the ferret must be at least 3 months old at vaccination.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$100-300. A FAVN titer test is not required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and FMARD.

Nigeria does not differentiate ferret imports by the rabies-risk status of the origin country. An import permit is mandatory. Rabies vaccination must be current and given at least 21 days before travel.

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 · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit ~$100-300, FAVN titer test ~$100-250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and FMARD.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Import permit is mandatory. No quarantine is imposed on ferrets at arrival, but the animal may be subject to inspection.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Nigeria does not publish a specific limit for ferrets, but the general practice for non-commercial pet imports is a maximum of 5 animals per traveller. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be classified as commercial and require additional permits and inspections from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service. Confirm with FMARD before travel.
No. Nigeria does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from veterinary import requirements. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must have an import permit, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate. There is no waiver for assistance animals.
Yes, if your ferret is travelling from a country considered high-risk for rabies (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, South America). The FAVN test must show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. For low-risk or rabies-free countries, a titer test is not required.
The ferret must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel. So the minimum age at entry is 3 months + 21 days, i.e., about 15 weeks.
The veterinary health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Nigeria. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian of the origin country.
Yes. An import permit from Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) is required for all ferrets, regardless of the origin country's rabies status. Apply well in advance, as processing can take several weeks.
No. Nigeria does not impose quarantine on ferrets at arrival, provided all import documents are in order. However, the animal may be inspected by the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service at the port of entry.

Good to know

Nigeria requires an import permit for all pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) regardless of origin. The permit is issued by the Federal Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Abuja. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before travel. On arrival, pets are inspected by a government veterinarian at the port of entry. A valid rabies vaccination certificate and an international health certificate are mandatory. No quarantine is imposed if documents are in order, but animals may be detained if paperwork is incomplete.

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