In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United States to Morocco
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
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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
A move from United States to Morocco with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Expect about 6-10 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. There is no routine quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order.
Read on for the requirements, timing and carrier options for this route.
Step by step
The United States to Morocco process
1
Before vaccinations.
ISO microchip implanted
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
2
At least 21 days before travel.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination. Verify ONSSA requirement for US pets first.
Titre test if required by ONSSA
Responsible: Approved laboratory
4
At least 4 weeks before travel.
Apply for ONSSA import permit
Responsible: Owner or agent
5
After permit confirmed.
Book cabin or cargo transport
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
6
Within 14 days of travel (Morocco accepts 14-day validity).
USDA health certificate
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet, then USDA APHIS endorsement
7
On arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V or other entry airport.
ONSSA inspection on arrival in Morocco
Responsible: ONSSA Veterinary Services
Checklist
Morocco: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age 12 weeks. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
May be required for US pets depending on ONSSA's country classification. The USA is not classified as a rabies-free country, which means a titre test is likely. Verify with ONSSA before starting preparations.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets. Veterinary inspection on arrival.
Import permit
Required. Apply to ONSSA (Office National de Securite Sanitaire des produits Alimentaires) at least 4 weeks before travel.
Health certificate
USDA-endorsed health certificate. Valid 14 days from issue for Morocco entry.
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, rabies vaccination, titre test result (if required), and any treatments.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Cargo airline fee: $800 to $2,000 from US hub to Casablanca depending on routing and crate size
2
Cabin pet fee (Royal Air Maroc): confirm current pricing
3
USDA health certificate plus endorsement: $200 to $450
4
Titre test if required: $150 to $350
5
ONSSA import permit fee: confirm with ONSSA
6
Pet transport agent fee (optional): $400 to $1,500
7
IATA-compliant travel crate: $60 to $400
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Verify the titre test requirement with ONSSA for US pets. The USA is not rabies-free, so a titre test is likely to be required.
⚠ ONSSA bans the import of Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, and Dogo Argentinos. Verify breed status before applying.
⚠ The health certificate has a 14-day validity window for Morocco. This gives slightly more scheduling flexibility than some destinations.
⚠ ONSSA permit is mandatory. Apply 4 weeks before travel.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Royal Air Maroc
New York JFK and Washington Dulles to Casablanca Mohammed V. Morocco's national carrier. Accepts small pets in the cabin and larger pets in cargo.
Cargo and Cabin
Delta Air Lines
Via Atlanta or New York to Casablanca. Cargo pet transport. Confirm live animal acceptance on the specific routing.
Cargo Only
Air France / Iberia
Via Paris CDG or Madrid. Both accept pets. Connection adds transit time but can be a practical option.
Cargo and Cabin
What Morocco requires
The path into Morocco is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Avoiding the common mistakes
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
ONSSA’s classification of the USA as a non-rabies-free country means a titre test is likely required for US pets. Verify the current requirement directly with ONSSA before starting preparations. If a titre test is needed, the blood draw must be at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Royal Air Maroc operates direct flights from New York JFK and Washington Dulles to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport and accepts pets in both the cabin (small pets) and cargo. Delta offers connections via Atlanta or European hubs. Air France and Iberia are alternatives via Paris and Madrid respectively. Royal Air Maroc is the most direct and practical option for US to Morocco pet transport.
ONSSA prohibits the import of Pit Bull Terrier types, Rottweilers, and Dogo Argentinos. These are confirmed breed restrictions. If your dog is one of these types or resembles them closely, contact ONSSA before applying for an import permit. No exemptions are routinely granted. For all other breeds, no specific national ban applies at the current time.
Morocco accepts health certificates with a validity of up to 14 days from the date of issue. This is more flexible than countries that require 10-day validity. It gives slightly more room when scheduling the USDA-accredited vet appointment and USDA APHIS endorsement. Plan for USDA endorsement to take 2-10 business days, then travel within the 14-day window.
Airline guides
Royal Air Maroc
Delta Air Lines
Air France / Iberia
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.