Pet Transport from Vietnam to Ghana

The Vietnam to Ghana route is one many expats and returning families use each year with their pets.

This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 26 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. Ghana requires mandatory quarantine (7 days days) for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up.

Getting the timing right is critical. Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer.

Step-by-Step Process

Ghana Import Requirements

What Ghana requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from Vietnam

What you need from Vietnam before your pet can leave.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

• 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 (Ghana)
• Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
• Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Important Warnings

What to know about the Vietnam to Ghana route

This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. Ghana runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.

All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Ghana (at a government-designated facility) for 7 days days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.

Ghana regulated by the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD), Ministry of Food and Agriculture. Accra is the main entry point. Expat community in Accra/Kumasi. Export corridor to UK common.

Step-by-step: what to do first

Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.