Bringing a pet to Togo

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Togo is a rabies-endemic country where pet import rules are enforced by the Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche (Ministry of Agriculture). Togo applies a single set of requirements regardless of the origin country's rabies status — there is no formal tiered system like the EU Pet Travel Scheme, and no routine quarantine for dogs arriving with valid documentation. Requirements can be applied inconsistently at Lomé–Tokoin Airport, so carrying extra documentation is advisable.

Requirements for your pet

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

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-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved vet for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. An import permit, if requested, may cost ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Togolese Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche.

Togo may request an import permit at the point of entry even for free origins; obtaining one in advance through the Togolese Embassy is advisable. No quarantine is imposed if documents are in order.

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-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved vet for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. An import permit, if requested, may cost ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Togolese Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche.

Togo does not formally differentiate low-risk from free origins; the same documents are required. A rabies titer test is not routinely demanded, but some airlines may require it for transit.

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-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-approved vet for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 1 year, administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by a government veterinarian
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Owner's passport copy and travel itinerary

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50. An import permit, if requested, may cost ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Togolese Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche.

Togo does not impose additional requirements for high-risk origins beyond the standard set, but enforcement may be stricter. A rabies titer test is not officially required, though it is recommended if the dog is travelling from a country with unreliable rabies vaccination records.

Frequently asked questions

Togo does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet movement. In practice, bringing 1–2 dogs is treated as personal pets; bringing more than 3 may be considered commercial import and could require additional permits and inspections. Confirm with the Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche before travelling with multiple dogs.
No, a rabies titer test is not officially required by Togo for any origin country. However, if your dog is travelling from a high-risk rabies country, some airlines or transit countries may require a titer test. Check with your airline and any transit countries.
No, there is no routine quarantine for dogs entering Togo with a valid rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate. If documents are missing or expired, the animal may be detained at the owner's expense until requirements are met.
You need an international health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by a government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK). The certificate must be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.
No. Togo does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from its standard import requirements. All dogs, regardless of function, must have a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate, and a microchip. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin by airlines, but import rules remain the same.
Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and the vaccination must be valid for at least 1 year. The vaccine must be administered when the dog is at least 12 weeks old. A rabies vaccination certificate is required.
An import permit is not always required, but it is recommended to obtain one in advance from the Togolese Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche to avoid delays at the airport. Some travellers report being asked for a permit upon arrival, so it is best to have one.

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

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for the US, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

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 and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or clear identification matching the health certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, possible courier/endorsement fees ~$50–100. No titer test or import permit required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Togo's Direction de l'Élevage.

Togo does not publish a formal tiered system; these requirements reflect standard West African import practice. A health certificate and valid rabies vaccination are the core documents. No quarantine on arrival for cats from low-risk origins. Cats are not subject to the same strict rules as dogs in many West African countries, but rabies vaccination is still enforced. Verify with the Direction de l'Élevage in Lomé 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 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

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 and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or clear identification matching the health certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, possible courier/endorsement fees ~$50–100. No titer test or import permit required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Togo's Direction de l'Élevage.

Same core requirements as the free tier: rabies vaccination and a government-endorsed health certificate. Togo does not require a rabies titer test for cats from low-risk countries. No quarantine on arrival. Confirm with the Direction de l'Élevage in Lomé before travel.

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

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel and not expired
  • FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (titre ≥ 0.5 IU/ml, blood drawn ≥ 30 days after vaccination, test completed ≥ 90 days before travel)
  • Import permit issued by Togo's Direction de l'Élevage (apply in advance; allow 2–4 weeks for processing)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip or clear identification matching the health certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only; verify locally. Microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, rabies vaccination ~$20–50, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fee ~$50–150 (varies), courier/endorsement fees ~$50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Togo's Direction de l'Élevage.

Togo requires an import permit and a rabies titer test for cats from high-risk rabies countries. The permit must be obtained before travel from the Direction de l'Élevage in Lomé. No quarantine on arrival if all documents are in order, but the animal may be held at the port of entry if paperwork is incomplete. Verify current requirements with the Direction de l'Élevage before travel.

Frequently asked questions

Togo does not publish a specific numeric limit for non-commercial pet cats in its veterinary 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 the Direction de l'Élevage in Lomé before travelling with multiple cats.
It depends on the rabies-risk status of the origin country. From low-risk or free origins (e.g., EU, US, UK, Japan), no import permit is required — a rabies vaccination certificate and a government-endorsed health certificate are sufficient. From high-risk rabies countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa and South Asia), an import permit from Togo's Direction de l'Élevage is required. Apply at least 2–4 weeks in advance.
Yes, if your cat is travelling from a high-risk rabies country. The FAVN or RFFIT test must be done at an approved laboratory, with blood drawn at least 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination. The result must show at least 0.5 IU/ml and is valid for 12 months. The test must be completed at least 90 days before travel. No titer test is required for cats from low-risk or free origins.
No. Togo does not impose quarantine on cats arriving with valid documentation (rabies vaccination, health certificate, and — for high-risk origins — import permit and titer test). If paperwork is incomplete, the animal may be held at the port of entry until the situation is resolved, but this is not a routine quarantine.
No. Togo does not exempt emotional support or service animals from standard veterinary import requirements. Your cat — whether a pet, service animal, or emotional support animal — must meet the same rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) import permit and titer test rules. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the country's import rules apply equally.
You need an international health certificate issued by a government-endorsed veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet in the US) within 10 days of arrival in Togo. The certificate must confirm the cat is healthy, free of infectious diseases, and has a valid rabies vaccination. It must be endorsed by the origin country's veterinary authority. After 10 days, the certificate expires and a new one is needed.
No. Togo does not impose breed-specific bans or restrictions on cats. All domestic cat breeds are allowed, provided they meet the standard health and vaccination requirements. Some airlines may have their own restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds for cargo, but this is an airline policy, not a Togo import rule.

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

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-accredited vet for US-origin pets, or EU official veterinarian for EU-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by the Togolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (Direction de l'Élevage)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Togolese Direction de l'Élevage.

Ferrets are considered exotic pets in Togo. An import permit from the Direction de l'Élevage is mandatory for all ferrets regardless of origin. The permit application typically requires a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate. Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. Ferrets must travel as cargo or in-cabin if the airline permits; check with the airline for specific pet policies.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin pets, or EU official veterinarian for EU-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by the Togolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (Direction de l'Élevage)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Togolese Direction de l'Élevage.

Same requirements as for free-tier origins. Ferrets are considered exotic pets in Togo. An import permit from the Direction de l'Élevage is mandatory for all ferrets regardless of origin. The permit application typically requires a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate. Allow 2-4 weeks for processing. Ferrets must travel as cargo or in-cabin if the airline permits; check with the airline for specific pet policies.

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 (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin pets, or EU official veterinarian for EU-origin pets) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (titer ≥ 0.5 IU/ml)
  • International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Import permit issued by the Togolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (Direction de l'Élevage)
  • Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~$30-50, health certificate ~$100-200, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit fee ~$50-150, rabies vaccination ~$20-50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Togolese Direction de l'Élevage.

Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test. The titer test must be done at least 90 days before travel. An import permit from the Direction de l'Élevage is mandatory. Allow 2-4 weeks for permit processing. Ferrets must travel as cargo or in-cabin if the airline permits; check with the airline for specific pet policies.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are considered exotic pets and are subject to strict import requirements. You must obtain an import permit from the Togolese Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (Direction de l'Élevage) before travel. A rabies vaccination certificate, international health certificate, and microchip are also required. Ferrets from high-risk rabies countries must also have a FAVN titer test.
Togo does not explicitly specify a maximum number for non-commercial pet ferrets, but typically a limit of 2-3 pets per traveller is applied. If you are bringing more, you may be subject to commercial import regulations, which require additional permits and inspections. Contact the Direction de l'Élevage in advance to confirm.
No. Togo does not grant exemptions for emotional support or service animals. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: import permit, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and microchip. Service animals may be allowed in the cabin if the airline permits, but import regulations remain the same.
If your ferret is travelling from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, Middle East, South America), a FAVN rabies titer test is required. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. The result must show a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at an OIE/WHO-approved laboratory.
The import permit application process typically takes 2-4 weeks. You should apply well in advance of your travel date. The permit is issued by the Direction de l'Élevage under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. You will need to provide a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate.
No, there is no quarantine requirement for ferrets entering Togo if all import conditions are met. However, if your ferret arrives without the required documents or if the authorities suspect a health risk, it may be quarantined at your expense or refused entry.
Not all airlines allow ferrets. Air France, Brussels Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines typically allow ferrets in the cabin or as checked baggage on flights to Lomé, but you must check with the airline directly as policies vary. Some airlines require ferrets to travel as cargo. Always confirm with the airline before booking.

Good to know

Togo does not publish detailed, tiered pet-import regulations online. The requirements below reflect standard practice at Lomé–Tokoin Airport (the main entry point) and are based on the country's general animal-health law and rabies-endemic status. Enforcement can vary. Contact the Togolese Embassy or Consulate in your origin country and the Direction de l'Élevage et de la Pêche in Lomé at least 4–6 weeks before travel to confirm current requirements. All documents should be in French or accompanied by a certified French translation.

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