Pet travel route
Dog or cat from Kenya to Colombia: official requirements
Possible. With nothing done yet, start at least 3 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: rabies vaccination (first-time vaccinated pets: at least 21 days before shipment), dogs: current vaccination certificate (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza) and health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board and 4 more.
Rules checked up to 13 October 2026From 5 official pages
In short
- Dogs and cats differ on this route: choose Dog or Cat to see just yours.
- On this route: parasite treatment before travel.
- Coming back to Kenya? 2 steps have to happen before your pet leaves.
Limited official guidance. The authority for leaving Kenya publishes little for this route. Everything it does say is here, with its wording. Kenya's Directorate of Veterinary Services doesn't publish its export procedure for pets on its own website. We use KenTrade's InfoTrade description of the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), last updated in 2022. It gives no processing time, doesn't say how long before departure to apply, and lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. Confirm with the Directorate (infodvs@kilimo.go.ke) before you travel.
At a glance
How early to start (dogs)
3 weeks
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies vaccination (first-time vaccinated pets: at least 21 days before shipment) (a first rabies vaccination at least 21 days before shipment)
No official wait
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (dogs)
- Parasite treatment before travel
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
How early to start (cats)
3 weeks
if your pet has no microchip or rabies vaccination yet
Set by: Rabies vaccination (first-time vaccinated pets: at least 21 days before shipment) (a first rabies vaccination at least 21 days before shipment)
No official wait
if it is already microchipped and vaccinated
The least time the official waiting periods allow. Vet, lab and paperwork appointments come on top.
On this route (cats)
- Parasite treatment before travel
Part of this route is still under review, so we don’t say what it doesn’t need.
Rule-change alertsChecked daily
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Kenya → Colombia
What your pet needs
In the order you do them. Each step says whether Kenya (leaving) or Colombia (entering) asks for it.
Dogs
Taking a dog or cat out of Kenya (DVS international veterinary certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
Age ruleEntering Colombia
At least 15 weeks old on entry
Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Colombia.
Details and the official words
“La edad mínima para el ingreso de la mascota al país es de 15 semanas.”
VaccinationEntering Colombia
Rabies vaccination (first-time vaccinated pets: at least 21 days before shipment)
Your pet needs a current rabies vaccination on its vaccination certificate. If it is vaccinated against rabies for the first time, the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before shipment.
Details and the official words
“Para animales vacunados por primera vez contra la rabia esta deberá haber sido aplicada con una antelación mínimo de 21 días a la fecha de embarque.”
“Para mascotas vacunados por primera vez contra la rabia esta deberá haber sido aplicada con una antelación mínimo de 21 días a la fecha de embarque.”
VaccinationEntering Colombia
Dogs: current vaccination certificate (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza)
Bring the original and a copy of a current vaccination certificate with the product name, batch number, date given and revaccination or validity date, covering rabies, distemper (Carré), canine hepatitis, leptospirosis (canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae), parvovirus, coronavirus and parainfluenza. If the origin country doesn't give a vaccine, an official certificate saying so lets the pet in without home quarantine (except for rabies).
Details and the official words
“Enfermedad de Carré (Distemper), Hepatitis canina, Leptospirosis (canícola e icterohemorragiae), Parvovirus, Coronavirus y Parainfluenza.”
“Perros: Rabia, Enfermedad de Carré (Distemper), hepatitis canina, leptospirosis (canícola e icterohemorragiae), Parvovirus, Coronavirus, Parainfluenza.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving Kenya
Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board
A vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board examines your pet and issues a veterinary health certificate. You upload a copy of it, with a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate, when you apply for the export certificate.
Details and the official words
“Issued by registered veterinarians with Kenya Veterinary Board.”
TreatmentEntering Colombia
Internal and external parasite treatment within 60 days before shipment
Your pet is treated against internal and external parasites in the 60 days before shipment, with a product authorised in the country of origin, and the certificate names the product, the active ingredient and the date.
Details and the official words
“Que el o los animales haya(n) recibido un tratamiento antiparasitario interno y externo, dentro de los 60 días previos al embarque”
“Que la mascota ha recibido un tratamiento antiparasitario interno y externo, dentro de los 60 días previos al viaje, indicando: nombre del producto, principio activo y la fecha de administración del mismo.”
PaperworkKenya and Colombia
Original health certificate from the official authority, dated within 10 days of entry
Bring the original health certificate issued or endorsed by the official health authority of the country of origin, with stamp and signature, dated no more than 10 calendar days before the animals enter Colombia. It states the species, breed, sex, age, coat colour, microchip (if any), the parasite treatment, and that the animal is fit to travel.
Details and the official words
International veterinary certificate (VS16) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services: Apply online on KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) for the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), issued per consignment. You need a Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) number and copies of the vet's health certificate, the vaccination certificate and the import permit from the destination country; for the European Union, also a copy of the EU health certificate. Pay the processing fee (up to KES 500 per pet) by M-PESA or at the bank, then receive the certificate on the platform.
Processing fee: KES 0 to 500 per pet (KenTrade's estimate). M-PESA paybill 522522, account 1106972791.
InfoTrade lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. If your destination doesn't issue one (EU countries and the UK, for example), ask DVS what to upload instead.
“Original del Certificado Sanitario: Expedido o avalado por la entidad sanitaria oficial del país de origen (con sello y firma original o electrónica) con fecha de expedición no mayor a diez (10) días calendario previo al ingreso de las mascotas”
“Presentar original del certificado sanitario, expedido o avalado por la entidad sanitaria oficial del país de origen con sello y firma original o electrónica para los países que cuenten con este sistema, con fecha de expedición no mayor a diez (10) días calendario previos al ingreso de los animales a Colombia”
“The certificate is processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), and is issued per consignment.”
“Unique consignment reference (UCR) number”
“From the country of destination.”
“EU export health certificate (copy)”
“For MPESA payments, the paybill number is 522522 and the account number is 1106972791.”
“KES 0 - KES 500 per pet”
PaperworkEntering Colombia
Online request for the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) in ICA's SISPAP, paid before arrival
Before you arrive, register as an ICA user, then request the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) in ICA's SISPAP system with your details and your pet's, and pay online. Print the request and the payment receipt: you show them on arrival. One request per species (a dog and a cat need two); up to 10 animals of the same species fit in one request. If you can't do it online, it can be done at the ICA office where you arrive, paying by debit or credit card only (no cash).
Details and the official words
“Con el usuario y contraseña asignado, ingresar al SISPAP (Sistema de Información sanitaria para importación y exportación de productos agrícolas y pecuarios) y realizar la solicitud del certificado de inspección Sanitaria – CIS”
“Imprimir la solicitud del certificado de inspección Sanitaria – CIS y el comprobante de pago, los cuales deberán presentar al momento del ingreso al país.”
“En caso de viajar con 2 o más mascotas de la misma especie (perro o gato) podrá realizar una sola solicitud (hasta 10 animales por solicitud).”
“No se recibe dinero en efectivo.”
Travel day and arrival
On arrivalEntering Colombia
Inspection and Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) at the entry point
On arrival, go with your pet to the ICA office at the airport, port or border post. ICA checks the printed request and payment receipt, the original health certificate and the vaccination certificate, inspects your pet, and issues the CIS if everything is in order.
Details and the official words
“Cuando entra al país deberá dirigirse con la mascota a la oficina del ICA del aeropuerto, puerto o paso de frontera por el cual ingresa, para adelantar la emisión del Certificado de Inspección Sanitaria – CIS”
“Si la inspección documental y física son satisfactorias, se emitirá el Certificado de Inspección Sanitaria (CIS)”
“Para realizar el proceso anterior, el interesado deberá pagar previamente la tarifa vigente establecida por el ICA por concepto de inspección y emisión del CIS”
Good to know
- Dogs and cats do not need an import document (DZI) from ICA, but at the entry point they get a documents check, a physical inspection and an ICA Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS).
- A pet without a valid official health certificate (but with current vaccinations), or arriving from a country where rabies vaccination is not done, must spend at least 15 days in quarantine at home under ICA's follow-up, at your cost. If you refuse, it is sent back at your cost.
- If rabies vaccination isn't done in your pet's country, bring the official veterinary service's certificate saying so: your pet then goes into home quarantine in Colombia and is vaccinated against rabies there by a registered vet. For the other vaccines, an official certificate that a vaccine isn't given in your country lets your pet in without home quarantine.
- If the inspection on arrival isn't satisfactory, ICA may hold your pet, put it into home quarantine, send it back or, depending on its health, put it down humanely, at your cost.
- If your pet will return to the EU or another country that asks for a rabies antibody blood test, ICA recommends doing the test before you travel to Colombia.
- Your pet must arrive without recent wounds or injuries in an acute phase.
- The Directorate of Veterinary Services issues the certificate only once the destination's conditions are met and your pet is healthy and free of disease, so find out your destination's requirements first.
Cats
Taking a dog or cat out of Kenya (DVS international veterinary certificate): we summarised this from a short or older official page and it is still under review, so it may be incomplete.
Get ready
Age ruleEntering Colombia
At least 15 weeks old on entry
Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Colombia.
Details and the official words
“La edad mínima para el ingreso de la mascota al país es de 15 semanas.”
VaccinationEntering Colombia
Rabies vaccination (first-time vaccinated pets: at least 21 days before shipment)
Your pet needs a current rabies vaccination on its vaccination certificate. If it is vaccinated against rabies for the first time, the vaccine must be given at least 21 days before shipment.
Details and the official words
“Para animales vacunados por primera vez contra la rabia esta deberá haber sido aplicada con una antelación mínimo de 21 días a la fecha de embarque.”
“Para mascotas vacunados por primera vez contra la rabia esta deberá haber sido aplicada con una antelación mínimo de 21 días a la fecha de embarque.”
VaccinationEntering Colombia
Cats: current vaccination certificate (panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus)
Bring the original and a copy of a current vaccination certificate with the product name, batch number, date given and revaccination or validity date, covering rabies, feline panleukopenia, feline viral rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus.
Details and the official words
“Para Gatos: Rabia Panleucopenia felina, Rino-Traqueítis viral felina y Calicivirus felino.”
“Gatos: Rabia, Panleucopenia felina, Rino-Traqueítis viral felina y Calicivirus felino.”
In the days before you travel
Vet examLeaving Kenya
Health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board
A vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board examines your pet and issues a veterinary health certificate. You upload a copy of it, with a copy of your pet's vaccination certificate, when you apply for the export certificate.
Details and the official words
“Issued by registered veterinarians with Kenya Veterinary Board.”
TreatmentEntering Colombia
Internal and external parasite treatment within 60 days before shipment
Your pet is treated against internal and external parasites in the 60 days before shipment, with a product authorised in the country of origin, and the certificate names the product, the active ingredient and the date.
Details and the official words
“Que el o los animales haya(n) recibido un tratamiento antiparasitario interno y externo, dentro de los 60 días previos al embarque”
“Que la mascota ha recibido un tratamiento antiparasitario interno y externo, dentro de los 60 días previos al viaje, indicando: nombre del producto, principio activo y la fecha de administración del mismo.”
PaperworkKenya and Colombia
Original health certificate from the official authority, dated within 10 days of entry
Bring the original health certificate issued or endorsed by the official health authority of the country of origin, with stamp and signature, dated no more than 10 calendar days before the animals enter Colombia. It states the species, breed, sex, age, coat colour, microchip (if any), the parasite treatment, and that the animal is fit to travel.
Details and the official words
International veterinary certificate (VS16) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services: Apply online on KenTrade's Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP) for the international veterinary certificate for dogs and cats (VS16), issued per consignment. You need a Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) number and copies of the vet's health certificate, the vaccination certificate and the import permit from the destination country; for the European Union, also a copy of the EU health certificate. Pay the processing fee (up to KES 500 per pet) by M-PESA or at the bank, then receive the certificate on the platform.
Processing fee: KES 0 to 500 per pet (KenTrade's estimate). M-PESA paybill 522522, account 1106972791.
InfoTrade lists a copy of the destination's import permit for every export. If your destination doesn't issue one (EU countries and the UK, for example), ask DVS what to upload instead.
“Original del Certificado Sanitario: Expedido o avalado por la entidad sanitaria oficial del país de origen (con sello y firma original o electrónica) con fecha de expedición no mayor a diez (10) días calendario previo al ingreso de las mascotas”
“Presentar original del certificado sanitario, expedido o avalado por la entidad sanitaria oficial del país de origen con sello y firma original o electrónica para los países que cuenten con este sistema, con fecha de expedición no mayor a diez (10) días calendario previos al ingreso de los animales a Colombia”
“The certificate is processed through the Trade Facilitation Platform (TFP), and is issued per consignment.”
“Unique consignment reference (UCR) number”
“From the country of destination.”
“EU export health certificate (copy)”
“For MPESA payments, the paybill number is 522522 and the account number is 1106972791.”
“KES 0 - KES 500 per pet”
PaperworkEntering Colombia
Online request for the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) in ICA's SISPAP, paid before arrival
Before you arrive, register as an ICA user, then request the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) in ICA's SISPAP system with your details and your pet's, and pay online. Print the request and the payment receipt: you show them on arrival. One request per species (a dog and a cat need two); up to 10 animals of the same species fit in one request. If you can't do it online, it can be done at the ICA office where you arrive, paying by debit or credit card only (no cash).
Details and the official words
“Con el usuario y contraseña asignado, ingresar al SISPAP (Sistema de Información sanitaria para importación y exportación de productos agrícolas y pecuarios) y realizar la solicitud del certificado de inspección Sanitaria – CIS”
“Imprimir la solicitud del certificado de inspección Sanitaria – CIS y el comprobante de pago, los cuales deberán presentar al momento del ingreso al país.”
“En caso de viajar con 2 o más mascotas de la misma especie (perro o gato) podrá realizar una sola solicitud (hasta 10 animales por solicitud).”
“No se recibe dinero en efectivo.”
Travel day and arrival
On arrivalEntering Colombia
Inspection and Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) at the entry point
On arrival, go with your pet to the ICA office at the airport, port or border post. ICA checks the printed request and payment receipt, the original health certificate and the vaccination certificate, inspects your pet, and issues the CIS if everything is in order.
Details and the official words
“Cuando entra al país deberá dirigirse con la mascota a la oficina del ICA del aeropuerto, puerto o paso de frontera por el cual ingresa, para adelantar la emisión del Certificado de Inspección Sanitaria – CIS”
“Si la inspección documental y física son satisfactorias, se emitirá el Certificado de Inspección Sanitaria (CIS)”
“Para realizar el proceso anterior, el interesado deberá pagar previamente la tarifa vigente establecida por el ICA por concepto de inspección y emisión del CIS”
Good to know
- Dogs and cats do not need an import document (DZI) from ICA, but at the entry point they get a documents check, a physical inspection and an ICA Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS).
- A pet without a valid official health certificate (but with current vaccinations), or arriving from a country where rabies vaccination is not done, must spend at least 15 days in quarantine at home under ICA's follow-up, at your cost. If you refuse, it is sent back at your cost.
- If rabies vaccination isn't done in your pet's country, bring the official veterinary service's certificate saying so: your pet then goes into home quarantine in Colombia and is vaccinated against rabies there by a registered vet. For the other vaccines, an official certificate that a vaccine isn't given in your country lets your pet in without home quarantine.
- If the inspection on arrival isn't satisfactory, ICA may hold your pet, put it into home quarantine, send it back or, depending on its health, put it down humanely, at your cost.
- If your pet will return to the EU or another country that asks for a rabies antibody blood test, ICA recommends doing the test before you travel to Colombia.
- Your pet must arrive without recent wounds or injuries in an acute phase.
- The Directorate of Veterinary Services issues the certificate only once the destination's conditions are met and your pet is healthy and free of disease, so find out your destination's requirements first.
Money
What it costs
Government fees exactly as the official pages state them, and what vets and labs in Kenya publish for the steps above. The two are never added together.
Government fees on this route
ICA Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS)Entering Colombia78,200 COP
One payment covers up to 5 animals of the same species (ICA tariff 2026, code 03039). A dog and a cat need separate requests.
“03039 Certificado de inspección importaciones - exportaciones: Perros, gatos y otros animales de 78,200 compañía en el hogar (Hasta 5 animales por especie).”
Resolución No. 00034487 (23/12/2025), Anexo 1: Tarifas ICA 2026 · as of 2026-01-01
Government fees in total: 78,200 COP (each currency separately)
May also apply, depending on your case
ICA supervision of a home quarantineEntering Colombia606,450 COP
Only if ICA orders quarantine because your pet doesn’t meet the entry rules (code 03120). The tariff doesn’t say whether it is per animal or per quarantine.
“03120 Supervisión a Cuarentenas de Mascotas Importadas (Perros y Gatos). 606,450”
Resolución No. 00034487 (23/12/2025), Anexo 1: Tarifas ICA 2026 · as of 2026-01-01
What vets and labs charge Not official figures
We have no published vet or lab prices for Kenya yet.
Prices that businesses publish on their own pages, quoted as we read them; yours can differ. Ranges are the lowest to highest of these examples, never our estimate. How we collect prices
Airline fees aren’t included: check your airline’s pet page.
Round trip
Coming back to Kenya
Do before your pet leaves Kenya
- Rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment
- Rabies blood test, 3 to 24 months before shipment
Their timing rules put them before the outbound trip, for a three-month stay.
The trip back asks for 9 steps: import permit (VS01) from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, microchip (or other permanent identification), rabies vaccination: first one at 3 months or older, at least 6 months before shipment and rabies vaccination within the last year and more.
Nearby routes
Other routes
Where this comes from
Official sources
- Ingreso de perros y gatos a Colombia (ICA)
- Resolución 100164 de 2021: requisitos sanitarios para el ingreso y salida del país de perros y gatos (ICA)
- Resolución No. 00034487 (23/12/2025), Anexo 1: Tarifas ICA 2026
- International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16): export procedure (InfoTrade Kenya, KenTrade)
- International veterinary certificate for dogs & cats (VS16), step 1: apply, generate an e-slip and pay (InfoTrade Kenya, last modified 15/03/2022)
Last checked against the official pages: 2026-10-13.
Questions owners ask
Does my dog or cat need a rabies blood test to go from Kenya to Colombia?
We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.
Do I need an import permit to bring my dog or cat into Colombia?
We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.
Will my dog or cat be quarantined in Colombia?
We couldn't find this in our summary of the rules, but that summary is short and still under review. Ask the official authority before you rely on it.
How early should I start preparing my pet for Kenya to Colombia?
With nothing done yet, start at least 3 weeks ahead for a dog. The main steps: rabies vaccination (first-time vaccinated pets: at least 21 days before shipment), dogs: current vaccination certificate (distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza) and health certificate from a vet registered with the Kenya Veterinary Board and 4 more.
Every rule here is quoted from the official page and checked word for word; not legal advice. How we verify · Report a mistake
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