Bringing a pet to Zimbabwe

Last reviewed July 3, 2026

Zimbabwe maintains moderately strict import requirements for pets, with rules that vary depending on the rabies-risk classification of the country of origin. While quarantine is not routine for pets from low-risk countries, animals from high-risk areas may face mandatory isolation upon arrival. Owners should expect to provide proof of rabies vaccination, a valid health certificate, and in some cases a rabies titer test, with processing times that can take several weeks.

Requirements for your pet

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

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 showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Veterinary export certificate (if required by origin country)

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 Department of Veterinary Services.

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 showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Veterinary export certificate (if required by origin country)

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 Department of Veterinary Services.

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 showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival
  • Veterinary export certificate (if required by origin country)

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 Department of Veterinary Services.

Frequently asked questions

No, Zimbabwe does not require a rabies titer (FAVN) test for dogs from any origin country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel is sufficient.
No quarantine is required for dogs entering Zimbabwe if all documentation (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate) is in order. Dogs without proper paperwork may be quarantined at the owner's expense or denied entry.
Zimbabwe does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet movement, but bringing more than 2 dogs may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Department of Veterinary Services if you plan to bring more than 2 animals.
No, Zimbabwe does not exempt emotional support or service dogs from standard import requirements. All dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a health certificate regardless of their role.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the dog's arrival in Zimbabwe. It must be signed by an official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian.
Zimbabwe requires ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchips. If your dog has a non-ISO chip, you must bring your own compatible scanner or have the dog re-microchipped with an ISO chip before travel.
Dogs without proof of rabies vaccination may be denied entry, quarantined at the owner's expense, or in some cases, vaccinated on arrival and held for 30 days. Ensure all documents are complete before travel.

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

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 showing cat was at least 12 weeks old at vaccination and vaccination date at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the origin country
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

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 Department of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe.

No import permit or titer test required for cats from rabies-free origins.

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 showing cat was at least 12 weeks old at vaccination and vaccination date at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the origin country
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)

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 Department of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe.

No import permit or titer test required for cats from low-risk origins.

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 or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing cat was at least 12 weeks old at vaccination and vaccination date at least 21 days before travel
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by an official government veterinarian of the origin country
  • Microchip certificate or proof of implantation (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
  • FAVN titer test certificate showing titre ≥ 0.5 IU/mL, with test date at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 30 days before travel
  • Import permit from Department of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe

Rough budget

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

Cats from high-risk origins must have a valid import permit and a negative FAVN titer test. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

If your cat is from a high-risk rabies country (e.g., most of Africa, Asia, or South America), a FAVN titer test is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 30 days before travel, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL. Cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries do not need a titer test.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the cat's arrival in Zimbabwe. It must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA in the US, DEFRA in the UK).
An import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services is required only for cats arriving from high-risk rabies countries. Cats from rabies-free or low-risk countries do not need an import permit.
Zimbabwe does not specify a strict limit for non-commercial pet imports, but bringing more than 2 cats may trigger commercial import rules. Check with the Department of Veterinary Services if you plan to bring more than 2 cats.
No. Zimbabwe does not recognise emotional support or service animals as exempt from standard import requirements. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test and import permit rules.
The cat must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of rabies vaccination, and at least 21 days must have passed since the vaccination before travel. If the vaccination is overdue (e.g., booster not given on time), the cat may need to be revaccinated and wait another 21 days. For high-risk origins, the FAVN test timing also depends on the vaccination date.
Cabin travel depends on the airline's policy and the cat's size (carrier must fit under the seat). Most airlines allow cats in cabin if the combined weight of cat and carrier is under 8 kg. Check with your airline for specific rules. Brachycephalic breeds (e.g., Persians) may face restrictions in cargo but are usually allowed in cabin if the carrier fits.

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

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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip, with 21-day wait completed)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority
  • Proof of origin from rabies-free country (if requested)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No import permit or titer test required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Department of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe.

Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination.

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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip, with 21-day wait completed)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority
  • Proof of origin from low-risk country (if requested)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, health certificate ~$100-200. No import permit or titer test required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Department of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe.

Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination.

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 exporting country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • ISO microchip certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, administered after microchip, with 21-day wait completed)
  • FAVN titer test result (≥0.5 IU/mL, from OIE-approved lab, test performed at least 90 days before travel)
  • Import permit from Zimbabwe Department of Veterinary Services (apply at least 30 days before travel)
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by exporting country's veterinary authority

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — verify locally: microchip ~$30-50, rabies vaccine ~$20-50, FAVN titer test ~$100-250, import permit ~$50-100, health certificate ~$100-200. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Department of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe.

Import permit application must be submitted to the Department of Veterinary Services at least 30 days before travel. No quarantine imposed upon arrival if all documentation is in order.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Ferrets arriving from high-risk rabies countries must have a FAVN titer test performed at least 90 days before travel, showing a titre of at least 0.5 IU/mL. The sample must be sent to an OIE-approved laboratory. The test result must accompany the pet.
Zimbabwe does not have a published cap for non-commercial pet ferrets. However, if you bring more than 5 animals, customs may treat the shipment as commercial, requiring additional permits and fees. For clarity, contact the Department of Veterinary Services before travel.
No. Zimbabwe does not recognise emotional support or service animal status for ferrets. All ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if from a high-risk country) titer test and import permit requirements. No exemptions apply.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of the date of arrival in Zimbabwe. It must be signed by an official government veterinarian of the exporting country.
No. Zimbabwe does not impose quarantine on ferrets arriving from any origin tier, provided all required documentation (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and for high-risk origins: FAVN titer test and import permit) is in order.
No. Rabies vaccination is required for entry, and the minimum age for rabies vaccination is 12 weeks. Ferrets must be at least 12 weeks old on the day of vaccination, and the 21-day waiting period after vaccination must be completed before travel.
Apply to the Department of Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe. Submit the application at least 30 days before travel. The permit fee is typically around $50-100. Contact the department directly for the current application form and fee schedule.

Good to know

All pets entering Zimbabwe must be identified by a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant) and have an official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian in the country of origin. The certificate must be endorsed by the relevant veterinary authority and presented to Zimbabwean authorities at the port of entry.

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