Official Import Rules
Official dog and pet import requirements for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (capital: Kinshasa; entry airport: N'djili International) have not been officially communicated to USDA APHIS or other international authorities, and cannot be confirmed from any official government source. USDA APHIS lists no verified dog import requirements for the DRC. Travellers should contact the DRC Ministry of Agriculture directly (agriculture.gouv.cd) or the nearest DRC embassy before travel to obtain current requirements. Note: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) is a separate country from the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville); requirements differ and these countries must not be confused.
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
Quarantine requirements are unconfirmed — no standardized requirements have been officially communicated. Incomplete documentation may result in delays or quarantine at the discretion of local authorities.
City & Housing Notes
Kinshasa is the capital and primary expat hub. Lubumbashi is the second-largest city with a mining-focused expat community. Goma in the east has humanitarian organization presence. Veterinary services are very limited throughout.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Very limited companion animal veterinary care. Some clinics operate in Kinshasa. Bring all medications and supplies. Jack's Pet Clinic in Kinshasa has been noted by some expats.
Leaving Congo (Democratic Republic) With Your Dog
Exit requirements depend on destination. Obtaining veterinary documentation within DRC can be challenging — plan ahead and allow extra time.
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
Is DRC safe for pet relocation?
Parts of DRC face significant security challenges. Kinshasa and Lubumbashi are relatively stable. If relocating for humanitarian or mining sector work, your employer should provide guidance on pet logistics.
Which airlines transport pets to DRC?
Brussels Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines serve Kinshasa and accept cargo pets. Options are limited — book well in advance and confirm pet cargo availability.
Is pet food available in Kinshasa?
Some imported pet food is available in Kinshasa supermarkets (Peloustore, City Market) but selection is limited and expensive. Consider importing a supply.
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.