Bringing your dog or cat from Ireland to Zimbabwe takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Give yourself close to 26-32 weeks, as several stages run on fixed …
Rabies titre testRequired for: Most countries. Minimum: …
QuarantineMandatory quarantine. 7-14 days. …
Import permitRequired. Issued by: Department of …
Health certificateRequired. Issued by: Official …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Ireland to Zimbabwe
typically takes around 26-32 weeks.
Expect 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Zimbabwe
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
7
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
8
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (7-14 days)
Responsible: Zimbabwe quarantine authority
Checklist
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel
Rabies titre test
Required for: Most countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 7-14 days. Government quarantine facility, Harare.
Import permit
Required. Issued by: Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian, endorsed by national authority
Export permit
No export permit required for pet cats and dogs.
Health certificate
EU pets can use existing EU passport. Non-EU destinations require destination-country AHC.
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We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Ireland to Zimbabwe move gets missed.
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Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Costs
What this route typically costs
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 (Zimbabwe)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points
Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
What Zimbabwe requires
Entry to Zimbabwe is tightly controlled, and officials verify each requirement in turn. Treat it as a sequence where every step gates the next.
Avoiding the common mistakes
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
FAQ
Common questions
Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Zimbabwe. Your pet will stay for 7-14 days at the quarantine facility specified in the arrival instructions. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Zimbabwe. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from Zimbabwe’s authority (Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Ireland. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Zimbabwe’s authority for the exact format required.
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