Mayotte is calling and the water is unreal, but before Sam and I booked a single flight we locked down the import permit. That's the piece people skip, and it's the one Mayotte actually requires. Get that permit sorted and the whole trip opens up. Nala already knows the drill, and she is very ready for warm turquoise water and long trail mornings.

Bringing a pet to Mayotte requires three documents in the right order: a microchip, a rabies vaccine within the destination's wait window, and a government-endorsed health certificate. The table below lays out exactly what's required, what's not, and where each rule comes from.

How Mayotte handles your pet

Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Hover the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.

Cabin policy

Minimum age16 weeks“protective immunity, the introduction into France of dogs, cats and ferrets of less than 16 weeks of age, even vaccinated against rabies, is not authorized.”

Hold & cargo policy

Cargo: Heat embargo6°C“ts written proof that these animals are registered to participate in one of the above events or to an association organizing these events, and the animals must be older than 6 months.”

Health & documents

Health certificate required Yes“- The animals must be accompagnied by a health certificate .”

Other rules

Pets accepted Accepted“Pour entrer en France en provenance d’un pays hors de l’Union européenne avec son animal de compagnie, il importe de respecter certaines règles, qui peuvent varier suivant l’animal et le pays d’origine.”

Timing chain

Day -90 microchip implant · Day -21 rabies vaccine deadline · Day -10 health certificate issued · Day 0 arrive at customs

The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given. That order is fixed for Mayotte. Chip the dog first, then schedule the rabies shot on a later date. A vaccine recorded on or before the microchip date will be rejected. Book the chip appointment now, confirm the number is logged, then set the rabies vaccination for a following day.
Category 1 attack dogs are banned from import, including transit toward another destination. This restriction blocks entry entirely for those breeds. Confirm the dog does not fall into category 1 before booking any travel. A category 1 classification cannot be waived for a stopover or connection. Verify the breed status early, because no permit or vaccination record overrides this prohibition.

Frequently asked

Does my pet need a microchip for Mayotte?
Yes. Mayotte requires an ISO-standard microchip, and it must be fitted before the rabies vaccination to be valid.
How long before travel must the rabies vaccine be given for Mayotte?
The rabies vaccine must take effect at least 21 days before entry, and can be given from 12 weeks of age. Travelling before that window makes the vaccination invalid at the border.
Is there quarantine for pets entering Mayotte?
No. Pets that meet Mayotte's entry rules — microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and paperwork — enter without quarantine.
What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
What happens if I forget a document?
At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The import permit carries a 30-day lead time tied to the rabies vaccination. Count 30 days after the vaccination date before the process completes. Vaccinate the dog, mark the date, then start the permit clock from that day. Booking travel inside that 30-day window means the permit will not be ready. Set the vaccination date at least 30 days ahead of departure.
Mayotte with a dog is completely doable once the permit, microchip, and rabies timing line up in the right order. That sequencing is where trips get delayed, so don't wing it. Build your personalized plan with Pawgo's plan-builder, drop in your dates and your dog's details, and let it map every deadline for your actual trip. Then go chase that turquoise water.
Get YOUR personalized plan for Mayotte →

Glossary

ISO chip
ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
FAVN
Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
Brachycephalic
Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
AVIH
Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.