LK
Importing Your Pet to Sri Lanka
Moderate to importVerification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by Dr. Sarah Okafor, International Animal Health Consultant
The Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) controls pet imports into Sri Lanka, and you need an import permit from its Director General before your dog or cat arrives. DAPH’s 2026 requirements apply one set of rules to every dog and every cat, whatever the country of origin.
Each pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip, treatment for internal and external parasites and an international veterinary health certificate. Dogs must be up to date on rabies, distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and leptospirosis vaccinations; cats on rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1 and feline panleukopenia.
DAPH asks for no rabies titre test. Dogs need negative blood tests for leishmaniasis and heartworm, and cats need no blood tests at all.
On arrival, every imported dog and cat is subject to 30 days of home quarantine, according to DAPH’s guideline.
Import Requirements
Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 7 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.
Who is in charge
- Pet imports are controlled by the Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) under section 21 of the Animal Diseases Act No. 59 of 1992.
Applies to all animals, including dogs and cats.
Import - Department of Animal Production and Health, checked 1 October 2026
Where your pet travels from
| Group | What applies | Origins |
|---|---|---|
| All origins | One set of DAPH requirements (effective 1 January 2026) for all dogs and all cats; dogs from a country officially free of leishmaniasis or heartworm skip the test for that disease. Source | all countries |
- DAPH's 2026 dog requirements apply one set of rules to all dogs imported into Sri Lanka, whatever the origin; DAPH's 2026 cat requirements (https://daph.gov.lk/files/uploads/pdf_document/0-1767258721.pdf) say the same of all cats imported into Sri Lanka. The only origin-based difference: a dog from a country officially recognised as free of leishmaniasis or heartworm does not need the test for that disease.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026
Import permit
- An import permit from the DAPH Director General is required before any animal is brought into Sri Lanka. For dogs and cats DAPH directs applicants to an online Google Form, with enquiries to vraanim@gmail.com.
Import - Department of Animal Production and Health, checked 1 October 2026 - Per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive and linked as the detailed guideline from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1; undated, 2 pages): apply online only, at least two weeks before arrival, attaching vaccination records, laboratory test reports, the international veterinary health certificate (or a draft) and the microchip certificate. Handwritten or hand-delivered applications are not accepted.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026 - Per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive and linked as the detailed guideline from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1; undated, 2 pages): importing three or more animals also needs a permit from the Import and Export Control Department. The guideline advises applying for it at the same time as the DAPH application, via public.stratlinksl.imexport.gov.lk. The DAPH permit is still required.
Applies to dogs and cats, when three or more animals are imported.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026Official sources differ
UK APHA 6310NFG (revised December 2023, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65ae42720ff90c000f955f32/6310NFG.pdf) says all exporters of a pet dog or cat should obtain an Import Control License from the Controller General of the Department of Import and Export Control. DAPH's own guideline (importing authority, current) limits the separate Import and Export Control permit to three or more animals.
Microchip
- Dogs must carry an ISO-compliant microchip, and the chip number must be clearly stated in all relevant documents, including vaccination records and blood test reports.
Applies to dogs.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026 - Cats must carry an ISO-compliant microchip, and the chip number must be clearly stated in all relevant documents, including vaccination records and blood test reports.
Applies to cats.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Cats into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026
Rabies vaccination
- Dogs must be fully vaccinated and up to date against rabies (and distemper, parvovirus, infectious hepatitis and leptospirosis). DAPH states no minimum interval between vaccination and travel. For dogs under three months old, the requirements say the dam (mother) must be fully vaccinated against these diseases.
Applies to dogs.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026Official sources differ
UK APHA notes for guidance 6310NFG (revised December 2023, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65ae42720ff90c000f955f32/6310NFG.pdf) say that, if administered, rabies vaccination must be at least 30 days and not more than 6 months before export. DAPH's own 2026 requirements (importing authority, newer) set no interval; for UK exports the UK certificate wording may still apply. - Cats must be fully vaccinated and up to date against rabies (and feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1 and feline panleukopenia). No minimum interval before travel is stated. For cats under three months old, the requirements say the dam (mother) must be fully vaccinated against these diseases.
Applies to cats.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Cats into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026
Rabies titre test
- Not required: DAPH's complete 2026 blood test list for dogs is leishmaniasis, heartworm antigen and heartworm microfilaria only, so no rabies antibody titre test is required for dogs. DAPH's 2026 cat requirements (https://daph.gov.lk/files/uploads/pdf_document/0-1767258721.pdf), which apply to all cats imported into Sri Lanka, contain no blood test section at all, so none is required for cats either.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026
Health certificate
- An international veterinary health certificate must be issued by the exporting country's competent (government) veterinary authority within 10 days before export, and must confirm the animal is healthy and fit to travel, microchipped, vaccinated as required and (dogs) negative on the required tests. Submit it (or a draft) with the permit application; the original is presented on arrival. The quote is from the dog requirements; DAPH's 2026 cat requirements (https://daph.gov.lk/files/uploads/pdf_document/0-1767258721.pdf, section 6) set the same certificate rule for cats, without the test confirmation.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026Official sources differ
DAPH's guideline (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AOx4G5WN4cBgyOFpPXSC1WcRLt_iBPKf/view) says the certificate 'Must be issued within ten (10) days prior to arrival.' Arrange issue within 10 days of arrival to meet both.
Other vaccines and tests
- Dogs must test negative within one month of expected departure for leishmaniasis (PCR, ELISA or IFAT), heartworm antigen (PCR, ELISA or IFAT) and heartworm microfilaria (Knott's test, concentration or filtration method). Reports must show the microchip number.
Applies to dogs.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026Official sources differ
DAPH's guideline (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AOx4G5WN4cBgyOFpPXSC1WcRLt_iBPKf/view) says: 'Blood tests must be conducted within one (01) month prior to arrival, in accordance with the health requirements.' The signed requirements count the month from expected departure, the guideline from arrival. Test as close to departure as practical so the result is within one month of both. - A dog from a country officially recognised as free of one of the listed diseases does not need the test for that disease.
Applies to dogs from officially disease-free countries.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026 - Per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive and linked as the detailed guideline from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1; undated, 2 pages): the laboratory testing section is headed 'Laboratory Testing (Dogs Only)'. Test reports must include the microchip number and blood tests must be done within one month before arrival, in line with the health requirements. The guideline sets no laboratory tests for cats; cat vaccinations are in DAPH's 2026 cat requirements.
Applies to dogs (tests); the guideline lists no laboratory tests for cats.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026Official sources differ
DAPH's signed 2026 dog requirements (https://daph.gov.lk/files/uploads/pdf_document/0-1767258605.pdf) say the tests 'should be done within one month of expected departure'. The guideline counts the month before arrival. Test as close to departure as practical so the result is within one month of both.
Parasite treatment
- Dogs and cats must be treated for external and internal parasites, certified in writing by a registered vet. The signed DAPH requirements say within 14 days before departure (quoted dog requirements, section 5; the 2026 cat requirements, https://daph.gov.lk/files/uploads/pdf_document/0-1767258721.pdf, section 5, say the same for cats); DAPH's guideline says within 7 days before travel, so treating within 7 days satisfies both.
Applies to dogs (quoted dog requirements) and cats (same clause in DAPH's 2026 cat requirements, cited in the statement).
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026Official sources differ
DAPH's own guideline (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AOx4G5WN4cBgyOFpPXSC1WcRLt_iBPKf/view) says: 'Treatments must be administered within seven (07) days prior to travel and presented at quarantine inspection.' The Director General's signed requirements (effective 1 January 2026), which the guideline itself refers to as the official health requirements, say 14 days. Treat within 7 days to meet both.
Quarantine
- Per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive and linked as the detailed guideline from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1; undated, 2 pages): all imported dogs and cats are subject to 30 days of home quarantine, during which quarantine officers may inspect the animal; any illness must be reported immediately. The guideline also says additional quarantine may be imposed if deemed necessary.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026 - DAPH's general quarantine page states the legal basis: every imported animal is subject to at least 30 days' quarantine under section 28 of the Animal Diseases Act.
Applies to all imported animals.
Quarantine - Department of Animal Production and Health, checked 1 October 2026
Arrival points and notice
- Per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive and linked as the detailed guideline from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1; undated, 2 pages): inform the airport quarantine office (aqokatunayake@gmail.com) before departure, then declare the animal to Sri Lanka Customs / Quarantine on arrival and submit all required documents. The guideline does not name the airport or any other port of entry.
Applies to dogs and cats.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026 - Imported animals are inspected by animal quarantine officers at the port of entry, who recommend clearance to Customs if the animal and documents comply.
Applies to all imported animals.
Quarantine - Department of Animal Production and Health, checked 1 October 2026
Minimum age
- Dogs must be over 1.5 months (about six weeks) old at the time of import (requirements effective 1 January 2026).
Applies to dogs.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Dogs into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026 - Cats must be over 1.5 months (about six weeks) old at the time of import (requirements effective 1 January 2026).
Applies to cats.
Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Cats into Sri Lanka (effective 1 January 2026, scanned PDF), checked 1 October 2026
How many pets
- Per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive and linked as the detailed guideline from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1; undated, 2 pages): no maximum number of pets is stated, but importing three or more animals needs a permit from the Import and Export Control Department (apply via public.stratlinksl.imexport.gov.lk, advised at the same time as the DAPH application).
Applies to dogs and cats.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026Official sources differ
UK APHA 6310NFG (revised December 2023, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65ae42720ff90c000f955f32/6310NFG.pdf) says all exporters of a pet dog or cat should obtain an Import Control License from the Controller General of the Department of Import and Export Control. DAPH's own guideline (importing authority, current) limits the separate Import and Export Control permit to three or more animals.
Banned and restricted breeds
- No official page states a rule on this. We confirm it with you for each move.
How your pet may travel
- No official page states a rule on this. We confirm it with you for each move.
Official fees
- Per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive and linked as the detailed guideline from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1; undated, 2 pages): no fee is charged for issuing the import permit (the guideline's wording; it does not say whether this also covers the Import and Export Control Department permit needed for three or more animals), and a quarantine handling fee of LKR 950.00 is payable on arrival.
Applies to dogs and cats.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026 - Quarantine handling fee on arrival: LKR 950.00, per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive; undated, 2 pages).
Applies to dogs and cats.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026
Other conditions
- Per DAPH's 'Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines' (a Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive and linked as the detailed guideline from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1; undated, 2 pages): non-compliance may lead to the animal being returned, quarantined or other legal action.
Applies to dogs and cats.
Importing Dogs and Cats into Sri Lanka: Essential Guidelines (Department of Animal Production and Health document hosted on Google Drive, file name 'Second E Guidelines for Importing Dogs to Sri Lanka.pdf', 2 pages, undated; linked from daph.gov.lk/services/imp1), checked 7 October 2026 - Per UK APHA notes for guidance 6310NFG (revised December 2023), for dogs exported from the UK only: the dog must have lived in the UK for the whole of the 6 months before export. DAPH's own 2026 requirements state no residence period for any origin.
Applies to dogs from the UK.
6310NFG Export of dogs from United Kingdom to Sri Lanka, notes for guidance, checked 1 October 2026
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Blood tests and timing for Sri Lanka
DAPH’s full blood test list for dogs is leishmaniasis, heartworm antigen and heartworm microfilaria. Its 2026 cat requirements contain no blood tests, and neither set asks for a rabies titre test.
Dogs must test negative within one month of expected departure, and every report must show the microchip number. DAPH’s own guideline counts that month back from arrival instead, so test as close to departure as practical to meet both. A dog from a country officially recognised as free of leishmaniasis or heartworm does not need the test for that disease.
Parasite treatment has the same overlap. The signed requirements say within 14 days before departure and the guideline says within 7 days before travel, so treat within 7 days and have a registered vet certify it in writing.
DAPH states no minimum interval between rabies vaccination and travel. For dogs leaving the UK, APHA’s notes for guidance 6310NFG (revised December 2023) say the rabies vaccination, if given, must be at least 30 days and not more than 6 months before export.
Permit, arrival and home quarantine
Apply for the DAPH import permit online, at least two weeks before arrival. DAPH points dog and cat owners to an online Google Form and does not accept handwritten or hand-delivered applications. Attach the vaccination records, laboratory test reports, the international veterinary health certificate (or a draft) and the microchip certificate.
Bringing three or more animals? You also need a permit from the Import and Export Control Department, and DAPH’s guideline advises applying for it at the same time. DAPH charges no fee for issuing its import permit. A quarantine handling fee of LKR 950.00 is payable on arrival.
Tell the airport quarantine office before you leave (aqokatunayake@gmail.com), then declare your pet to Sri Lanka Customs and Quarantine on arrival and hand over the documents. Animal quarantine officers inspect animals at the port of entry and recommend clearance to Customs if the animal and its papers comply.
Quarantine is then 30 days at home. Officers may inspect your pet during that time, any illness must be reported straight away, and DAPH’s guideline says additional quarantine may be imposed if deemed necessary. Non-compliance can lead to the animal being returned, quarantined or other legal action.
Routes to Sri Lanka
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. DAPH’s guideline subjects every imported dog and cat to 30 days of home quarantine, and its quarantine page sets at least 30 days for every imported animal under section 28 of the Animal Diseases Act. Quarantine officers may inspect your pet during that period. A quarantine handling fee of LKR 950.00 is payable on arrival.
No. DAPH’s 2026 requirements include no rabies antibody titre test for dogs or cats. Dogs must test negative for leishmaniasis, heartworm antigen and heartworm microfilaria within one month of expected departure, and cats need no blood tests.
Yes. An import permit from the DAPH Director General is required before your pet is brought into Sri Lanka. Apply online at least two weeks before arrival; DAPH charges no fee for issuing it. Three or more animals also need a permit from the Import and Export Control Department.
Yes. Cats need an ISO-compliant microchip, up-to-date vaccinations against rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1 and feline panleukopenia, parasite treatment and an international veterinary health certificate. DAPH sets no laboratory tests for cats; the blood tests apply to dogs only.
Your pet needs an international veterinary health certificate issued by the competent veterinary authority of the exporting country within 10 days before export. It must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to travel, microchipped and vaccinated as required, and for dogs that the required tests were negative. DAPH’s guideline counts the 10 days before arrival instead, so arrange issue within 10 days of arrival to meet both. Send the certificate, or a draft, with the permit application and present the original on arrival.
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Sri Lanka
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Code: LK