Bringing a pet to Senegal

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Senegal is a rabies-endemic country with a strictly enforced but relatively straightforward pet import regime. All dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip, and an official veterinary health certificate. Senegal does not maintain a formal quarantine system for pet dogs. The Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) under the Ministry of Agriculture is the competent authority. Core requirements apply to all dogs regardless of origin, though a rabies titer test may be requested at the DSV's discretion for dogs from certain high-risk origins.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 travel
International veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Senegalese Direction des Services Vétérinaires.

No quarantine for dogs from free-tier origins. Ensure the health certificate is stamped by the origin country's official veterinary authority.

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 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 travel
International veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

No quarantine for dogs from low-risk origins. Same core requirements as free-tier origins.

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 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 travel
International veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. A FAVN titer test, if requested, may cost ~$100-250. No import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Senegalese Direction des Services Vétérinaires.

No mandatory quarantine for dogs from high-risk origins, but a titer test may be requested. Senegal does not publish a formal high-risk list; requirements are applied at the discretion of the DSV.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

No, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is not a standard requirement for dogs entering Senegal. However, if your dog is travelling from a country where rabies is endemic or poorly controlled, Senegalese veterinary authorities may request a titer test at their discretion. To avoid surprises, contact the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) in Dakar before travel if you are coming from a high-risk country.

No, Senegal does not impose quarantine on dogs entering the country, regardless of origin. Your dog can enter without isolation as long as it has a valid rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.

Senegal does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet dogs. In practice, travellers typically bring one or two pets without issue. If you are bringing more than three dogs, you should contact the DSV in advance, as larger numbers may be considered commercial and subject to additional import regulations.

Yes. Senegal does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from import requirements. All dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Airlines may have separate policies for service dogs in the cabin, but the country's import rules apply equally.

A puppy must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a rabies vaccination, and then must wait 21 days after the vaccination before travel. So the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). Puppies younger than this cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement and should not be brought into Senegal.

The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the competent authority in your origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS in the US, DEFRA in the UK). The certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Senegal and should be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

Senegal does not maintain a national breed ban list for dogs. However, some airlines may refuse to transport brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as bulldogs or pugs due to respiratory risks, especially on long-haul flights. Check with your airline before booking.

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

Microchip

Not required

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, or equivalent national 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
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import declaration form (obtainable from Senegalese customs or the Directorate of Veterinary Services)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip (optional) ~$30–50; health certificate ~$100–200; rabies vaccination ~$20–50; import declaration fee at Dakar airport ~$20–50. No titre test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Senegalese Directorate of Veterinary Services.

Senegal does not require a microchip for cats from free-tier countries. If the cat is not microchipped, the rabies vaccination certificate must clearly identify the animal by breed, sex, and age. A rabies titre test is not required. No quarantine on arrival. The health certificate must be issued in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. Cats under 3 months old may be exempt from rabies vaccination but require a health certificate; confirm with the airline and Senegalese authorities.

Apply / official cat import page

Microchip

Not required

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, or equivalent national 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
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import declaration form (obtainable from Senegalese customs or the Directorate of Veterinary Services)

Rough budget

Same requirements as free-tier origin countries. Senegal does not require a microchip for cats from low-risk countries. A rabies titre test is not required. No quarantine on arrival. The health certificate must be issued in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. Cats under 3 months old may be exempt from rabies vaccination but require a health certificate; confirm with the airline and Senegalese authorities.

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 of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, or equivalent national 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 rabies titre test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an approved laboratory
Import permit issued by the Senegalese Directorate of Veterinary Services (Direction des Services Vétérinaires)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Import declaration form (obtainable from Senegalese customs or the Directorate of Veterinary Services)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50; rabies vaccination ~$20–50; FAVN titre test ~$100–250 (plus shipping to approved lab); import permit fee ~$50–100; health certificate ~$100–200; import declaration fee at Dakar airport ~$20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Senegalese Directorate of Veterinary Services.

Cats from high-risk countries must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785), vaccinated against rabies, and have a passing FAVN titre test. An import permit must be obtained in advance from the Senegalese Directorate of Veterinary Services. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order. The health certificate must be issued in French or accompanied by a certified French translation. Cats under 3 months old may be exempt from rabies vaccination but require a health certificate; however, the import permit and titre test requirements may still apply—confirm with Senegalese authorities.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the origin country. If your cat is coming from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, Russia, Thailand), a FAVN test is required. The test must be done at an approved laboratory at least 90 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml. For cats from low-risk or free countries (e.g., EU, US, UK, Japan, Australia), no titre test is required.

Only for cats from high-risk countries. Senegal requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip for cats originating from high-risk rabies countries. For cats from free or low-risk countries, a microchip is not mandatory, but the rabies vaccination certificate must clearly identify the animal by breed, sex, and age.

Senegal generally allows up to 5 pets per traveller under non-commercial rules. If you are bringing more than 5 cats or dogs, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional permits and veterinary inspections. Confirm with the Senegalese Directorate of Veterinary Services before travel.

No. Senegal does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All cats, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, if applicable, microchip, titre test, and import permit. Airlines may have their own policies, but the destination country's rules apply.

The international health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Senegal. It must be issued by an official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US) and be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

No. Senegal does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with valid documentation. If your cat meets all entry requirements (rabies vaccination, health certificate, and, for high-risk origins, microchip, titre test, and import permit), it can enter without quarantine.

Yes, but only if your cat is coming from a high-risk rabies country. The import permit must be obtained in advance from the Senegalese Directorate of Veterinary Services (Direction des Services Vétérinaires). For cats from free or low-risk countries, no import permit is required.

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

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 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 travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccination $20–50. No titer test or import permit is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Senegalese veterinary authority (Direction des Services Vétérinaires).

Senegal does not publish a formal tiered system for ferrets. In practice, the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) treats ferrets as 'other carnivores' and requires a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Ferrets are not specifically listed in Senegal's animal import regulations, so they may be subject to discretionary inspection. Confirm with the DSV in Dakar 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 veterinarian or accredited 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 travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Senegal does not differentiate between low-risk and free origins for ferrets. A rabies titer test is not required by Senegal, but some airlines may require it for ferrets shipped as cargo. Check with your airline.

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 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 travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, done at least 90 days before travel)
Import permit issued by Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) Senegal
International health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip $30–50, health certificate $100–200, rabies vaccination $20–50, FAVN titer test $100–250, import permit fee $50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Senegalese veterinary authority (Direction des Services Vétérinaires).

Senegal does not publish a formal high-risk list for ferrets, but in practice, animals from countries with high rabies prevalence (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East) may be required to have a titer test and an import permit. The DSV may also require pre-import approval. Start the process at least 4 months before travel. Quarantine is not routinely imposed but may be at the discretion of the DSV.

Frequently asked questions

Senegal does not explicitly ban ferrets, but they are not a common pet and are not specifically covered in the animal import regulations. In practice, the Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) treats ferrets as 'other carnivores' and requires a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Contact the DSV in Dakar well in advance to confirm current requirements, as rules can change and are applied at the discretion of the inspecting officer.

Yes. Senegal requires proof of a valid rabies vaccination for all carnivores, including ferrets. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel and be current at the time of entry. The vaccine must be given when the ferret is at least 12 weeks old. A rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian is required.

For ferrets coming from low-risk or free countries, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is not required. For ferrets from high-risk rabies countries (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East), Senegal may require a FAVN test with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done at least 90 days before travel. This is not explicitly written in the regulations but is enforced in practice. Confirm with the DSV before travel.

Senegal does not specify a maximum number of pets for non-commercial import. However, if you are bringing more than 5 animals, they may be considered a commercial import and require additional permits and inspections. For ferrets, check with the DSV in advance if you plan to bring more than one or two.

No. Senegal does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from animal import regulations. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and any applicable titer test or import permit. Airlines may also have their own policies, but the country's import rules apply to all animals.

The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival in Senegal. It must be issued by an official government veterinarian or an accredited veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's competent authority. The certificate should state that the ferret is healthy and free from infectious diseases, and include the rabies vaccination details.

Senegal does not routinely impose quarantine on ferrets with valid documentation. However, if the animal arrives without proper paperwork or shows signs of illness, the DSV may order quarantine at the owner's expense. Quarantine conditions and duration would be determined by the DSV on a case-by-case basis. It is not a standard requirement for compliant imports.

Good to know

Senegal requires all dogs to be accompanied by an international veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The country does not maintain a formal quarantine system for pet dogs. The Direction des Services Vétérinaires (DSV) under the Ministry of Agriculture is the competent authority. Airlines may impose additional requirements (e.g., acclimation, crate standards) that are not part of Senegal's import 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 Senegal, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).