Official Import Rules
- Senegal requires a current rabies vaccination, a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from the Direction des Services Vétérinaires.
- Microchip recommended.
- All documents must be in French or accompanied by certified French translations.
- Arrival through Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) Dakar.
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
Confirm airline pet acceptance, cabin or cargo availability, carrier rules, aircraft limits, and destination entry mode before booking.
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None if documentation complete
City & Housing Notes
Dakar (Plateau, Almadies, Ngor) is the main city. Senegal has a growing expat community, particularly in the Almadies and Ngor neighbourhoods. Basic vet care available. French is the official language.
Vets & Health After Arrival
Basic vet care in Dakar with a few adequate clinics. The École Inter-États des Sciences et Médecine Vétérinaires (EISMV) in Dakar is a major regional veterinary school. Outside Dakar, vet care is very limited. Rabies is present.
Leaving Senegal With Your Dog
Exit requires a health certificate from a DSV-approved vet. Documents must be in French. 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 French?
Yes. Senegal is Francophone — all veterinary documents must be in French or have certified French translations.
Is Dakar practical for dogs?
Yes. The Almadies and Ngor areas have good infrastructure and a growing expat community. Basic vet care is available.
Is the climate suitable for dogs?
Warm year-round. Indoor dogs with AC do well. The dry season (November–May) is more comfortable than the humid rainy season.
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.