Getting a pet from Kenya to France is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Allow around 20-26 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely.
A rabies …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Kenya to France
typically takes around 20-26 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
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 Kenya to France pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
3
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
4
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
5
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
6
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter France
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or at same time as rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Standard EU protocol. 21-day wait from first vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries. Not required for: Pets from EU and listed third countries (all P1 countries listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
No routine quarantine. Non-compliant animals may be quarantined or returned at owner's expense.
Import permit
No formal import permit. EU pet passport or AHC serves as documentation.
Health certificate
Required
Export permit (Kenya)
Not required
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
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
KENYA AIRWAYS
Kenya Airways
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: pets in pressurised hold via Kenya Airways Cargo. Connects Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta hub to European and African destinations. IATA-compliant crate required. Advance approval needed.
Cabin and Cargo
AIR FRANCE
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
EMIRATES
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
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
BRITISH
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
SINGAPORE
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
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
KLM
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
How France handles incoming pets
France has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
What experienced owners do
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Kenya to France pet transport
Allow at least 20 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.
No routine quarantine is required in France for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you 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 France. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, cats can be transported from Kenya to France. The same microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements apply as for dogs, though some rules (such as tapeworm treatment) apply to dogs only. Check the full requirements for cats with the destination authority.
Airline guides
Kenya Airways
Air France
Emirates
Lufthansa
British Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
KLM
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.