In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United States to Ghana
typically takes around 10-14 weeks.
Expect 7 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
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Regulations verified
Written and reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
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Overview
Relocating a pet from United States to Ghana follows a clear path once you understand what Ghana asks for. This route takes some organising, and roughly 10-14 weeks of preparation is about right. A 7 day quarantine stay applies once your pet arrives.
A rabies titre test may apply depending on where your pet is coming from, so check the requirements below. Follow the sequence below and keep a buffer for anything that slips.
Step by step
The United States to Ghana process
1
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
2
Primary vaccination. Titre test blood draw at least 30 days after vaccination.
Rabies vaccination completed
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
3
At least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination.
Titre test blood draw
Responsible: Approved laboratory
4
At least 6 weeks before travel.
Apply for Ghana VSD import permit
Responsible: Owner or agent
5
After permit confirmed. Delta is primary option from the US.
Book cargo transport
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
6
Within 10 days of travel.
USDA health certificate
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS endorsement
7
Begins on arrival at Kotoka International Airport.
Required. Minimum age 12 weeks. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required for most countries including the USA. Rabies antibody titre test (minimum 0.5 IU/ml). Blood drawn at least 30 days after most recent rabies vaccination.
Quarantine
Required. 7 days at a government quarantine facility managed by Ghana's Veterinary Services Directorate.
Import permit
Required. Issued by Ghana's Veterinary Services Directorate. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
No formal US export permit. USDA endorsement serves as export documentation.
Health certificate
USDA-accredited veterinarian health certificate, endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. Must list microchip, vaccinations, titre test result, and all treatments.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Cargo airline fee: $1,100 to $2,400 from US hub to Accra depending on routing and crate size
2
USDA health certificate plus endorsement: $200 to $450
3
Titre test: $150 to $350
4
Ghana VSD import permit fee: confirm with Veterinary Services Directorate
5
7-day quarantine costs: confirm current rates with VSD
6
Pet transport agent fee: $500 to $1,800
7
IATA-compliant travel crate: $60 to $400
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ A titre test is required. The USA is not rabies-free, so expect this to apply. Allow 6-10 weeks for the vaccination and titre test process.
⚠ 7-day mandatory quarantine on arrival. Budget for this and plan your arrival schedule.
⚠ Apply for the VSD permit at least 6 weeks before travel. Do not book cargo without it.
⚠ Delta's direct Atlanta to Accra service is the most practical US option for this route.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Delta Air Lines
Direct Accra (Kotoka International Airport) from Atlanta. Primary US carrier for Ghana. Pet cargo via Delta Cargo. Advance booking required.
Cargo Only
British Airways
Via London Heathrow to Accra. Cargo pet transport. Connection adds transit time.
Cargo Only
Ethiopian Airlines
Via Addis Ababa to Accra. Handles live animal cargo. Connections from multiple US cities.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Ghana
Ghana has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
How to keep this move on track
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Delta Air Lines operates a direct nonstop service from Atlanta to Accra’s Kotoka International Airport and accepts pet cargo through Delta Cargo. This is the most direct US to Ghana routing. From other US cities, connections through Atlanta or via European carriers such as British Airways or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa are alternatives. Always confirm live animal acceptance directly with the cargo team before booking.
The titre test blood draw must be at least 30 days after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination. Laboratory results take 2-3 weeks. Combined with the vaccination timing, you should allow at least 6-8 weeks just for the vaccination and titre test steps before you have the documentation needed for the VSD permit application.
7 days at a government quarantine facility managed by Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate, starting on arrival at Kotoka International Airport. The quarantine cannot be shortened or waived for any country of origin. The owner pays all facility fees for the full period. Build this into your relocation schedule; you cannot collect your pet on the day they arrive.
Apply to Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate with your pet’s microchip details, vaccination history, titre test result, and planned travel date and entry airport. Apply at least 6 weeks before travel. Confirm current permit fees and processing times with VSD directly. The permit must be confirmed before booking cargo. Travelling without a permit risks your pet being refused entry or held indefinitely.
Airline guides
Delta Air Lines
British Airways
Ethiopian Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.