Pet Transport from Canada to Kenya

If you’re relocating from Canada to Kenya and taking your pet, the good news is thousands of families do this every year.

This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.

The paperwork is the hard part. Once everything is in order, the journey itself is well-managed.

Step-by-Step Process

Kenya Import Requirements

What Kenya requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from Canada

What you need from Canada before your pet can leave.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

• Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
• IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
• Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
• Rabies titre test laboratory fee
• Import permit application fee (Kenya)
• Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Important Warnings

What to know about the Canada to Kenya route

Compared to some international pet transport routes, Canada to Kenya is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

Nairobi is a major expat hub (UN agencies, NGOs, multinationals). Pet import is permitted with correct documentation. Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) is the competent authority.

Practical advice for shipping your pet from Canada

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.