Official Import Rules
Cape Verde requires a current rabies vaccination, a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from DGASP. Microchip recommended. Documents should be in Portuguese. Arrival through Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) on Sal or Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) on Santiago.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
No major national breed ban found
Still check airline policies, local rules, insurance requirements and any transit-country restrictions before booking.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Notes
Praia (Santiago) is the capital. Mindelo (São Vicente) is the cultural capital. Sal and Boa Vista are the tourist islands. Very limited pet infrastructure across all islands. Inter-island travel is by small plane or ferry.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Very limited vet care across all islands. Praia has the best options with a few basic clinics. On smaller islands, vet care may be unavailable. Bring medications. For serious issues, Lisbon is the referral destination.
Leaving Cape Verde With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from an approved vet. Documents in Portuguese. Processing takes 2–3 working days.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do documents need to be in Portuguese?
Yes. Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is Lusophone. Portuguese is the official language.
Can I travel between islands with a dog?
Yes, but inter-island flights (Binter Canarias/TACV) and ferries have their own pet policies. Check in advance.
Is vet care available on smaller islands?
Very limited or nonexistent. Praia has the best options. Plan accordingly if living on a smaller island.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.