A move from Romania to Ethiopia with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Expect a long lead time of roughly 26-32 weeks; the waiting periods here cannot be rushed. Factor in 10 days of quarantine at the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Romania to Ethiopia
typically takes around 26-32 weeks.
Expect 10 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 Romania to Ethiopia 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
Apply for import permit from Ethiopia
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
5
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.
6
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
7
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
8
Quarantine on arrival (10 days)
Responsible: Ethiopia quarantine authority
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Ethiopia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
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. 10 days. Quarantine at designated facility.
Import permit
Required. Issued by: Ministry of Agriculture APHRD
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian, endorsed by national authority
Export permit (Romania)
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
Import permit application fee (Ethiopia)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Ethiopia entry requirements at a glance
Getting a pet into Ethiopia means meeting a demanding set of rules with no shortcuts. Start from the earliest deadline and work forward from there.
Getting the details right
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Romania to Ethiopia pet transport
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 Ethiopia. Your pet will stay for 10 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 Ethiopia. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from Ethiopia’s authority (Ministry of Agriculture APHRD). 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 Romania. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Ethiopia’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
Emirates
British Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Air France
KLM
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.