Bringing a pet to Zimbabwe

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Zimbabwe is rabies-endemic and requires a DVS import permit for every dog, whether commercial or non-commercial. Expect a government-endorsed health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination, and a FAVN/RFFIT titre test for all origins. Quarantine is not routine but can be ordered by the Director of Veterinary Services if paperwork or health status is questioned. Start 3–6 months ahead because permit processing and titre testing can take 8–12 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)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet endorsed by APHIS for the US, or an Official Veterinarian endorsed by APHA for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Zimbabwe does not maintain a national breed ban list for dogs. However, airlines serving Harare (e.g. Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways) restrict brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, etc.) in cargo, especially between May and September. Some carriers refuse them entirely. Check with the operating airline before booking — the restriction is carrier-driven, not Zimbabwean law.

Documents checklist

DVS import permit (original)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, in date)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titre test result ≥0.5 IU/ml
Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the government authority of the exporting country
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days of export
Microchip certificate / ISO 11784/11785 microchip number recorded on all documents
Air waybill / flight itinerary showing arrival at Harare (HRE) or Victoria Falls (VFA)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify current prices with a local vet and DVS Harare. Microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–40, FAVN titre test ~$100–250, official health certificate ~$100–200, DVS import permit fee ~$50–150, parasite treatment ~$20–50. Total typically $300–700 per dog before flights.

Zimbabwe does not waive the titre test or import permit for any origin. A dog under 3 months old cannot meet the rabies vaccination and titre requirements and is effectively barred.

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)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

DVS import permit (original)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, in date)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titre test result ≥0.5 IU/ml
Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the government authority of the exporting country
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days of export
Microchip certificate / ISO 11784/11785 microchip number recorded on all documents
Air waybill / flight itinerary showing arrival at Harare (HRE) or Victoria Falls (VFA)

Rough budget

The UK, US, and Australia are treated as low-risk, not free — the titre test and permit are still mandatory. Allow 8–12 weeks from first vet visit to arrival.

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)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

DVS import permit (original)
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, in date)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titre test result ≥0.5 IU/ml (possibly two tests for high-risk origins)
Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the government authority of the exporting country
Proof of internal and external parasite treatment within 14 days of export
Microchip certificate / ISO 11784/11785 microchip number recorded on all documents
Air waybill / flight itinerary showing arrival at Harare (HRE) or Victoria Falls (VFA)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify current prices with a local vet and DVS Harare. Microchip ~$30–50, rabies vaccination ~$20–40, FAVN titre test ~$100–250 (may be doubled if two tests required), official health certificate ~$100–200, DVS import permit fee ~$50–150, parasite treatment ~$20–50. Total typically $350–800 per dog before flights.

High-risk origins face the same core requirements but with closer DVS scrutiny. Quarantine is not routinely imposed but the Director of Veterinary Services can order it on arrival if the titre result is borderline, the health certificate is incomplete, or the dog shows signs of illness. Carry the original permit and titre result in hand luggage — copies are not accepted at Harare.

Apply / official dog import page

Frequently asked questions

Zimbabwe does not publish a fixed numeric cap for non-commercial pet movement, but the DVS import permit is issued per animal and the application asks for the number of animals. In practice, more than 3–5 dogs on a single permit triggers commercial import scrutiny, which requires additional veterinary inspection, a commercial import licence, and possibly a longer clearance at Harare. If you are moving a pack, apply for a commercial permit or split the shipment across separate permits.

No. Zimbabwe does not recognise an emotional-support or service-dog exemption from the DVS import permit, rabies vaccination, titre test, or health certificate requirements. A service dog still needs the full document set. Some airlines allow a service dog in the cabin, but that is an airline policy, not a Zimbabwean border exemption — DVS will still ask for the permit and health papers on arrival.

The DVS import permit typically takes 2–4 weeks to process after a complete application is received in Harare. It is valid for 30 days from the date of issue, so do not apply until your travel dates are fixed and your titre test result is in hand. If the permit expires before arrival, you must reapply and pay the fee again.

Yes. Zimbabwe requires a FAVN or RFFIT rabies antibody test showing ≥0.5 IU/ml for dogs from the UK, USA, and all other origins — there is no waiver for low-risk or EU-equivalent countries. The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, and the result is valid for the permit application. Budget 4–6 weeks for the laboratory turnaround.

Routine quarantine is not imposed for dogs with a valid DVS permit, current rabies vaccination, passing titre test, and endorsed health certificate. However, the Director of Veterinary Services can order quarantine at the government facility in Harare if documents are missing, the titre result is below 0.5 IU/ml, or the dog appears ill on arrival. Quarantine, if ordered, is at the owner's expense and can run 30 days or more.

The dog will be detained at the port of entry (Harare or Victoria Falls) and may be returned to the origin country at the owner's expense or placed in quarantine until a permit is obtained. Airlines are also liable and typically refuse boarding without the permit, so in practice you will not get on the plane. Always carry the original permit, not a photocopy.

Yes. Zimbabwe requires treatment for internal and external parasites within 14 days of export, and the treatment must be recorded on the official veterinary health certificate by the exporting government veterinarian. Typical products are praziquantel for tapeworms and an approved acaricide for ticks and fleas. Without this entry on the certificate, DVS can refuse clearance at Harare.

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 veterinarian or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Zimbabwe's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate from origin country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–150. No titer test or quarantine is required for this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Zimbabwe's Department of Veterinary Services.

Zimbabwe requires an import permit for all cats, regardless of origin. The permit must be obtained before travel. Cats from rabies-free countries are still subject to the same permit and health certificate requirements, but no titer test or quarantine is required. Ensure the microchip is implanted before rabies vaccination.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Zimbabwe's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate from origin country)

Rough budget

Same requirements as for rabies-free countries: import permit, rabies vaccination, microchip, and health certificate. No titer test or quarantine is required for cats from low-risk countries. The import permit application typically takes 5–10 working days.

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 or accredited private veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Zimbabwe's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS)
Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before travel
FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml, performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel)
International health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
Proof of origin (e.g., pet passport or export certificate from origin country)

Rough budget

Approximate costs only: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit ~$50–150, FAVN titer test ~$100–250. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order. Confirm current prices with a local vet and Zimbabwe's Department of Veterinary Services.

Cats from high-risk rabies countries must have a valid FAVN titer test in addition to the standard requirements. The titer test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. No quarantine is required if all documents are in order, but the animal may be subject to inspection on arrival. The import permit must be obtained in advance.

Apply / official cat import page

Frequently asked questions

Zimbabwe does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial pet import, but in practice, up to 5 cats per person are generally allowed under the non-commercial regime. If you bring more than 5, the shipment may be classified as commercial, triggering additional requirements such as a veterinary import permit for commercial purposes, possible quarantine, and higher fees. Confirm with Zimbabwe's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) before travelling with more than 5 cats.

No. Zimbabwe does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from its standard import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must have an import permit, a valid rabies vaccination, a microchip, and a health certificate. There is no separate lane or waiver for assistance animals. Plan for the same timeline and costs as any other pet.

The import permit application is processed by Zimbabwe's Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). In practice, it takes 5–10 working days, but allow at least 2–3 weeks to be safe, especially if you are applying from abroad. The permit is valid for a specific period (usually 30–60 days) and must be used within that window. Apply early and include a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate and microchip details.

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, South America), a FAVN test is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and show a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml. The test result is valid for 12 months. Cats from low-risk or rabies-free countries do not need a titer test.

No. Zimbabwe does not require quarantine for cats entering with a valid import permit, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate, and (if applicable) a passing FAVN titer test. However, if documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness on arrival, it may be detained or quarantined at the owner's expense. Ensure all paperwork is in order before travel.

The cat must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old at the time of rabies vaccination, and the vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before travel. Therefore, the minimum age at entry is 3 months + 21 days, i.e., approximately 15–16 weeks. Kittens younger than this cannot meet the rabies vaccination requirement and are not eligible for import.

Yes. If your cat is coming from a rabies-free country (e.g., Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, or other territories recognised as rabies-free by Zimbabwe's DVS), a FAVN titer test is not required. You still need an import permit, a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel), a microchip, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. The process is simpler and cheaper than for high-risk origins.

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 origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

Import permit issued by Zimbabwe Department of Veterinary Services
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with a local vet and the destination agency. Typical ranges: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, import permit fees vary by country. No rabies titer test is required for this tier.

Ferrets are classified as 'other carnivores' under Zimbabwe's Animal Health Act. An import permit from the Director of Veterinary Services is mandatory. Apply at least 30 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)

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

Import permit issued by Zimbabwe Department of Veterinary Services
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Zimbabwe does not differentiate between low-risk and free origins for ferrets; an import permit is always required. Apply at least 30 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

Import permit issued by Zimbabwe Department of Veterinary Services
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian
Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 12 months)
FAVN rabies titer test result from an OIE-approved laboratory
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Rough estimate only; verify current prices with a local vet and the destination agency. Typical ranges: microchip ~$30–50, health certificate ~$100–200, FAVN titer test ~$100–250, import permit fees vary by country.

For high-risk origins, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is required in addition to the import permit. The test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel. Zimbabwe may require additional health checks or treatments for ferrets from high-risk countries; confirm with the Department of Veterinary Services.

Apply / official ferret import page

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not classified as domestic pets under Zimbabwe's animal health regulations; they are treated as 'other carnivores'. You must obtain an import permit from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) before travel. The permit application must be submitted at least 30 days in advance and is subject to approval. Without a permit, entry will be denied.

Zimbabwe does not publish a specific limit for non-commercial ferret imports. In practice, the DVS assesses each permit application individually. If you are bringing more than 5 ferrets, the shipment may be considered commercial and require additional veterinary certification and possibly a commercial import licence. For 1–5 ferrets, a standard non-commercial permit is usually sufficient, but confirm with DVS.

It depends on the origin country. 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 test must be done at least 90 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, at an OIE-approved laboratory. For low-risk or free origins, no titer test is required.

No, there is no mandatory quarantine for ferrets entering Zimbabwe, provided all import requirements (permit, health certificate, vaccination, and titer test if applicable) are met. However, if documents are incomplete or the animal shows signs of illness, DVS may order quarantine at the owner's expense.

A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine must be given at least 21 days before travel and the certificate must be valid for at least 12 months. Other vaccinations (e.g., distemper) are not required by Zimbabwe but are recommended for the animal's health. The rabies certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian.

No. Zimbabwe does not recognise emotional support animals or service animals as exempt from import regulations. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same import requirements: import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination, and titer test if applicable. There is no exemption for service animals.

The Department of Veterinary Services typically takes 30 days to process an import permit application. You must submit the application at least 30 days before your planned travel date. The permit is valid for a specific period (usually 30–60 days) and must be used within that time. Apply early to avoid delays.

Good to know

The import permit is issued by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Harare. Apply on the DVS 'Application for Permit to Import Animals' form with a rabies vaccination certificate and FAVN/OIE rabies titre result. The permit is valid for 30 days from issue. Dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites within 14 days of export, and the health certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian in the exporting country. Direct flights to Harare (HRE) or Victoria Falls (VFA) are preferred; transit through another African country may require that country's own transit permit.

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).