Bringing a Pet to NG

Can You Bring Your Pet to Nigeria?

Yes, both dogs and cats are allowed to be imported into Nigeria. However, the process requires careful planning, proper documentation, and advance coordination with Nigerian authorities. Nigeria's import regulations are strict and can vary by state, so starting early is essential.

The Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) oversees all pet imports. You'll need an import permit, health certificates, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and veterinary inspection at arrival. With full compliance, quarantine can be waived entirely.

Step-by-Step Timeline: Working Backwards from Departure

4–6 Weeks Before Travel: Apply for Import Permit

Contact the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services to request an import permit. Allow at least 30 days for processing. You'll need:

• Your pet's microchip number (if already microchipped)
• Proof of rabies vaccination (or planned vaccination date)
• Your destination address in Nigeria
• Passport or travel document copy

Tip: Apply even earlier if possible—some countries require 60+ days. NAQS processing times can be unpredictable, so build in extra buffer time.

5–6 Weeks Before Travel: Schedule Veterinary Appointments

Book appointments with an accredited veterinarian in your home country. You'll need multiple visits:

1. Microchipping appointment (if not already done)
2. Rabies vaccination appointment (must occur after microchipping)
3. Health certificate appointment (within 10 days of travel)

Schedule these 5–7 days apart to allow proper timing between procedures.

5–6 Weeks Before Travel: Microchip Your Pet

Microchipping is mandatory. Your pet must receive a microchip before rabies vaccination. This is a non-negotiable requirement and follows international standards.

Record the microchip number and keep proof of implantation. You'll need this for the import permit and health certificate.

4–5 Weeks Before Travel: Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the first rabies vaccination. After vaccination:

• Wait at least 21 days before travel (primary waiting period)
• The vaccine must be no older than 12 months at the time of arrival
• Booster vaccinations are required (confirm schedule with your vet)

Important: The 21-day waiting period is strict. Plan your vaccination date so you don't arrive in Nigeria before this period has elapsed.

1–2 Weeks Before Travel: Obtain Health Certificate

Schedule a final veterinary examination. Your vet will issue an official health certificate that must:

• Be issued by an accredited veterinarian
• Be valid for 10 days from issue date
• Include your pet's microchip number
• Confirm rabies vaccination status
• Be an original document (photocopies not accepted)
• Be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for United States, APHA for UK, CFIA for Canada)

Timing is critical: Schedule this appointment for 1–2 weeks before departure so the certificate is fresh upon arrival.

1 Week Before Travel: Confirm Arrival Details

• Confirm your import permit has been approved by NAQS
• Verify your flight details and airline pet policies
• Arrange ground transportation from the airport (Lagos or Abuja)
• Notify your airline of your pet's arrival

Day of Travel: Port of Entry Requirements

Pets can only enter Nigeria through approved ports: Lagos or Abuja. Upon arrival:

• Present your import permit
• Present the original health certificate
• Present proof of microchipping
• Your pet will undergo veterinary inspection at the port

If all documentation is in order, quarantine is typically waived (0 days). Non-compliant pets may face quarantine at an approved facility, though duration varies by state.

Key Requirements Summary

For Dogs

• Microchip: Required, must precede vaccination
• Rabies Vaccination: Required; minimum age 12 weeks; 21-day waiting period; valid for 12 months
• Health Certificate: Required; issued by accredited vet; valid 10 days; original only; government-endorsed
• Import Permit: Required from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (30-day lead time)
• Breed Restrictions: Nigeria has breed restrictions; confirm your dog's breed is permitted before importing
• Port of Entry: Lagos or Abuja only
• Quarantine: Waived if compliant; may apply if non-compliant

For Cats

• Microchip: Required, must precede vaccination
• Rabies Vaccination: Required; minimum age 12 weeks; 21-day waiting period; valid for 12 months
• Health Certificate: Required; issued by accredited vet; valid 10 days; original only; government-endorsed
• Import Permit: Required from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (30-day lead time)
• Breed Restrictions: No breed restrictions for cats
• Port of Entry: Lagos or Abuja only
• Quarantine: Waived if compliant; may apply if non-compliant

Documents Checklist

Before departure, ensure you have originals of:

• ☐ Import permit from Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services
• ☐ Original health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
• ☐ Proof of microchip implantation (with microchip number)
• ☐ Rabies vaccination certificate (showing date and validity)
• ☐ Airline pet travel documentation
• ☐ Your passport and pet's identification
• ☐ Contact details for NAQS and your destination vet in Nigeria

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vaccinating before microchipping: Microchip must come first. Vaccination before microchipping will not be accepted.
• Traveling before the 21-day waiting period: Arriving in Nigeria before 21 days have passed since rabies vaccination will result in denial of entry or quarantine.
• Using a photocopy of the health certificate: Only original documents are accepted. Bring the original issued by your vet.
• Applying for the permit too late: Allow 30+ days for NAQS processing. Last-minute applications often fail.
• Forgetting government endorsement: The health certificate must be endorsed by your country's veterinary authority, not just your vet.
• Arriving at the wrong port: Only Lagos and Abuja are approved. Arriving elsewhere will cause delays and complications.
• Not confirming breed restrictions: For dogs, verify your breed is permitted before investing in the import process.

Important Notes on Quarantine and Regulations

Nigeria's pet import regulations can be inconsistent and subject to change. Quarantine duration and procedures vary by state. If all documentation is complete and your pet is compliant, quarantine is typically waived. However, non-compliant pets may be quarantined at an approved facility.

Tapeworm treatment requirements should be confirmed directly with NAQS—the data is still being verified for Nigeria specifically.

Contact NAQS early and often. Regulations can shift, and local procedures may differ from national guidelines. Building a relationship with NAQS staff will help ensure smooth processing.

Next Steps

Start by contacting the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services at least 6 weeks before your planned travel date. Simultaneously, book a veterinary appointment to discuss microchipping and vaccination timing. The earlier you begin, the more buffer you'll have for unexpected delays.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to streamline the process and ensure nothing is missed.

This guide is based on data auto-verified from official government sources as of April 2026. Regulations change frequently—always confirm current requirements with the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services and your veterinarian before traveling.

Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 11, 2026

Microchip

A microchip is required for bringing a pet into NG. Make sure it's implanted before your pet's rabies vaccination, as many countries won't accept the vaccine otherwise.

Rabies Vaccination

A current rabies vaccination is mandatory for entering NG with a pet. Plan ahead — there may be a waiting period after vaccination before travel is allowed.

Health Certificate

You'll need an official health certificate from a licensed veterinarian to bring your pet to NG. Schedule your vet appointment close to your departure date, as these certificates have a limited validity window.

Titer Test (FAVN)

NG does not require a rabies titer test for pet entry.

Quarantine

NG enforces a quarantine period for arriving pets. Factor this into your travel plans and budget, as it affects both your pet's comfort and your logistics.

Import Permit

An import permit must be obtained in advance from NG's authorities before your pet can enter. Processing can take several weeks, so apply early.

Breed Restrictions

NG restricts or bans certain dog breeds. If you own a breed commonly classified as dangerous, verify the rules before traveling.