Bringing a pet to Nigeria

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Nigeria enforces strict, origin-dependent import requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Because rules vary by the animal's rabies-risk category, you must check the specific requirements for your pet's country of origin. There is no mandatory quarantine for compliant imports, but expect thorough document checks and possible delays at the port of entry.

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 (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine batch number and date)
  • Health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Import permit issued by the Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–150, rabies vaccine ~$20–50. Confirm current fees with the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture.

Apply for the import permit at least 2–4 weeks before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Nigeria.

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 (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine batch number and date)
  • Health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Import permit issued by the Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–150, rabies vaccine ~$20–50. Confirm current fees with the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture.

Apply for the import permit at least 2–4 weeks before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Nigeria.

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 (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (showing vaccine batch number and date)
  • Health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of arrival
  • Import permit issued by the Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–150, rabies vaccine ~$20–50. Confirm current fees with the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture.

Apply for the import permit at least 2–4 weeks before travel. The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Nigeria.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, an import permit from the Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services is required for all dogs. Apply at least 2–4 weeks before travel. The permit is valid for a single entry and must be presented upon arrival.
Nigeria does not set a strict numeric limit for non-commercial imports, but bringing more than 2–3 dogs may trigger commercial rules. Contact the Ministry of Agriculture before travel if you plan to bring more than 2 dogs.
No. All dogs must meet the same requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and import permit. No exemptions are recognised.
Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination, and at least 21 days must have passed between the vaccination date and arrival in Nigeria. A booster is acceptable if given within the vaccine's validity period.
Most airlines allow small dogs (typically under 8 kg including carrier) in the cabin, but this depends on the airline's policy. Larger dogs must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Confirm with your airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Your dog may be refused entry, placed in quarantine at your expense, or returned to the origin country. No permit is issued on arrival.
No, Nigeria does not require quarantine for dogs with all documentation in order. Dogs without proper paperwork may be quarantined at the owner's expense.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • 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 Nigerian Veterinary Council.

No import permit needed for cats from rabies-free origins. No quarantine on arrival.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • 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 Nigerian Veterinary Council.

No import permit needed for cats from low-risk origins. No quarantine on arrival.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • ISO 11784/11785 microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip)
  • FAVN titer test certificate (≥0.5 IU/mL, from OIE-approved lab)
  • Import permit from the Nigerian Veterinary Council
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Vaccination record (FVRCP recommended but not mandatory)

Rough budget

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

Import permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Veterinary Council (NVC) before travel. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order. The FAVN test must be done at an OIE-approved lab; results are valid for 12 months from blood draw date.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Nigeria does not set a strict numeric limit for non-commercial pet imports, but customs officials typically expect no more than 2-3 cats per person. If you bring more than 5, you may be treated as a commercial importer, requiring additional permits and possible customs duties. Confirm with the Nigerian Veterinary Council before travel.
Yes. For cats originating from high-risk rabies countries, a FAVN titer test is mandatory. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 30 days before travel. The result must show a titre of at least 0.5 IU/mL from an OIE-approved laboratory.
No. Nigeria does not recognise emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import rules. All cats, regardless of role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements.
The official health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in Nigeria. It must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
Most airlines allow cats in-cabin or as checked baggage depending on the cat's size and the airline's policy. For in-cabin, the cat and carrier must fit under the seat (typically max 8 kg total). Checked baggage is allowed for larger cats. Always confirm with the airline at least 48 hours before departure, as carrier policies vary.
No. Cats from low-risk origins (including the US and UK) do not require an import permit. Only cats from high-risk rabies countries need a permit from the Nigerian Veterinary Council. However, you still need a valid health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate.
The cat will likely be refused entry or placed in quarantine until a compliant ISO 11784/11785 microchip can be implanted and all vaccinations and tests are completed. This can take weeks and incur significant costs. Always ensure your cat has an ISO microchip before travel.

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

Documents checklist

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

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nigerian Veterinary Council.

Nigeria does not publish formal ferret import regulations. Requirements are based on general veterinary practice and common international standards. Confirm with the Nigerian Veterinary Council or Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development before travel.

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

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nigerian Veterinary Council.

No additional requirements for low-risk origins beyond the free tier.

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 (issued at least 21 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip documentation (ISO 11784/11785)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, from OIE-approved lab)
  • Import permit from Nigerian Veterinary Council (apply at least 30 days before travel)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fees vary. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Nigerian Veterinary Council.

For high-risk origins, an import permit is required. Quarantine is not mandated by law but may be imposed at the port of entry at the discretion of the veterinary officer if documentation is incomplete or the animal appears ill.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. The vaccine must be given after a microchip is implanted. Minimum age for vaccination is 12 weeks.
Yes, if your ferret originates from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa). The FAVN test must be done at an OIE-approved lab at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must show ≥0.5 IU/mL.
Nigeria does not publish a specific limit for ferrets. As a general rule for non-commercial pet movement, keep it to 5 or fewer animals. If you bring more, customs may treat it as a commercial import requiring additional permits and possible quarantine.
Only if the ferret originates from a high-risk rabies country. For free and low-risk origins, no import permit is needed. For high-risk origins, apply to the Nigerian Veterinary Council at least 30 days before travel.
No mandatory quarantine for ferrets from any origin. However, if your ferret arrives without proper documentation or appears ill, the veterinary officer at the port of entry may order quarantine at your expense for up to 30 days.
No. Nigeria does not recognise emotional support animals as a separate category. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit requirements.
A standard international health certificate issued by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA-accredited vet in the US, DEFRA-endorsed vet in the UK) within 10 days of travel. The certificate must state the ferret is healthy, free from infectious disease, and has been vaccinated against rabies.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel. A valid rabies titer test is required for pets from high-risk countries. Ensure your pet's health certificate is endorsed by the veterinary authority of the origin country and issued within 14 days of departure.

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.