Pet travel and export paperwork
The most avoidable veterinary problem we see is a family with flights booked and a pet that cannot legally travel for another three months. Start this early.
- Typical visit
- Several appointments over weeks or months
- Home visit
- Clinic only
- Suitable for
- Dogs and cats
Three documents sit at the base of every pet export from Kenya: a current rabies certificate, a veterinary health certificate issued close to travel, and an export permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services.
On top of that, individual destinations add their own requirements. The one that catches families out is the rabies antibody titre test, required by the EU, the UK and others. The blood sample must be taken a set period after vaccination, sent to an approved laboratory, and then a waiting period of up to three months begins. It cannot be shortened, appealed or backdated, and no vet can sign around it.
We see this go wrong the same way every time: the move gets confirmed, flights are booked, and only then does anyone ask about the dog. At that point the arithmetic is fixed and the answer is that the dog follows in ten weeks.
If there is any real chance you will relocate, come and talk to us early. The worst case is that you have paid for a rabies vaccination your pet was legally required to have anyway.
What is included
- Rabies vaccination and a certificate that will be accepted
- Veterinary health certificate issued in the window your destination requires
- Guidance on the Directorate of Veterinary Services export permit
- An honest timeline for your specific destination before you book flights
What this costs in Kenya
| Treatment | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rabies vaccination, 1 year | KES 800–KES 1,500 | The foundation of every export file |
| Routine consultation | KES 1,000–KES 3,000 |
Indicative market ranges for Kenya, reviewed 2026-08-29. This is not a quotation. Prices vary with your pet’s weight, the brand of vaccine or drug used, and whether the visit is at a clinic or at your home. Ask for a figure before treatment starts, any vet should give you one. Titre testing, permits and government fees are charged at cost and vary by destination. We will give you a written estimate for your specific route before you commit.
Common questions
How long does it take?
A straightforward destination can be weeks. The EU and UK require a rabies antibody titre test taken a set period after vaccination, followed by a waiting period that can run to three months. That waiting period cannot be shortened or backdated.
When should I start?
The day the move becomes likely, not the day it becomes certain. Starting early costs you a vaccination you probably needed anyway. Starting late costs you the flights.
Read the full guide first
Book a vet in Nairobi
Clinic appointments, or a vet at your door across Nairobi. Tell us what is wrong and we will say how soon your pet needs to be seen.