Bringing a Pet to Nigeria: Federal Department of Livestock Requirements

Nigeria is home to a significant expat community, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Bringing a pet to Nigeria requires an import permit, a multi-vaccination schedule, and patience with the arrival process. Working with an IPATA-accredited agent with West Africa experience is strongly recommended.

Import permit

An import permit from the Federal Department of Livestock and Animal Services (FDLAS), under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, is required before travel. Apply through the ministry’s veterinary services division. The permit specifies the animal species, breed, number, and valid travel window. Processing can take several weeks – apply as early as possible.

Health certificate

An official health certificate from the origin country’s government veterinary authority is required. For UK pets, APHA endorsement is needed. For US pets, USDA APHIS endorsement. The certificate must confirm the microchip number, rabies and other vaccination records, parasite treatments, and clinical fitness.

Microchip

ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.

Vaccinations

Nigeria requires evidence of the following vaccinations:

  • Dogs: rabies, distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, and bordetella (kennel cough)
  • Cats: rabies and cat flu (herpes + calicivirus) vaccine

All vaccinations must be current at time of travel.

Parasite treatments

Evidence of internal and external parasite treatment (deworming, tick/flea treatment) is typically required and should be documented on the health certificate.

Arriving at Lagos

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) handles the majority of live animal imports. Nigerian Customs and the Federal Department of Livestock both have a role in clearance. The process can be lengthy – have all documents organised and an agent who can meet the shipment at the airport.

Practical note

Nigeria’s bureaucratic processes are complex. Having an IPATA-accredited local agent arrange the clearance at the Nigerian end is not just recommended – it is practically essential for a smooth arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pets entering Nigeria need: an import permit from the Federal Department of Livestock, a health certificate endorsed by the origin country’s government veterinary authority, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, and other required vaccinations (distemper, parvo, hepatitis for dogs; cat flu for cats). Additional parasite treatments are often required.

Nigeria does not operate a standard quarantine facility. However, documentation is inspected at the border and animals may be held pending clearance. In practice, the process at Lagos and Abuja airports can be lengthy without an experienced local agent.

Yes. An import permit from the Federal Department of Livestock and Animal Services (FDLAS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is required before the animal travels.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos is the most commonly used and has the most established veterinary inspection process. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (ABV) in Abuja also handles live animal imports.

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