Importing pets into Ghana: 2026 Guide (Vets, Costs, Buying)

Importing pets into Ghana is legal, but it is regulated. If you are relocating, retiring, studying, or doing long-term business in Ghana, you need to follow the Veterinary Services Directorate rules carefully. The most common mistakes happen when people assume that a general airline pet policy is enough, or they arrive with copies instead of originals, or they skip the dog blood tests and only bring a rabies certificate.

This guide is built for real-world use. It covers importing pets into Ghana step by step, and it also covers what to do if you are not importing at all and you want to buy or adopt a pet locally. You will find exact vaccine requirements, typical processing timelines, what happens at Kotoka International Airport, where to find veterinary care in Accra and Kumasi, where pets are commonly sold or adopted, where to buy food and supplies, and how local rabies control rules can affect pet owners.

If your goal is a smooth arrival, the best strategy is simple: start early, keep documents organized, use originals, and establish a vet relationship in Ghana before you land. That is the difference between a routine clearance and a stressful port-of-entry problem.

Official requirements for importing pets into Ghana

Importing pets into Ghana is governed by the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The rules are strict because Ghana is considered rabies endemic, and the government focuses on documented vaccination status and traceable pet identification. In practical terms, Ghana expects you to show a clear chain of compliance: microchip, vaccinations, health certificate, import permit, and for dogs, negative blood tests.

1) Import permit

You must obtain a veterinary import permit from VSD before travel. Processing is commonly described as about 72 working hours once a complete application is submitted, but do not build your plan around the fastest case. In real life, your timeline also includes lab turnaround times, endorsement steps (if required by your origin country), and any back-and-forth if a document is missing a detail.

VSD contact commonly used for permit inquiries:

Email: vsd@mofa.gov.gh

2) ISO microchip

Ghana expects an ISO standard 15 digit microchip (ISO 11784 or ISO 11785). The microchip number must appear on your paperwork. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, it is safer to carry a scanner that can read it, because if a chip cannot be verified quickly, it creates delays and unnecessary suspicion during inspection.

3) Rabies vaccination timing

Rabies vaccination is not optional. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before arrival. Your certificate must show the vaccine date and validity. A common window cited is 30 to 180 days before arrival. If you are traveling with a puppy or kitten, the rabies timeline becomes the limiting factor because the animal cannot be vaccinated too early and still meet the 30-day rule.

4) Core vaccines for dogs and cats

Ghana expects dogs and cats to be protected against common diseases beyond rabies. These are generally described as core vaccines, and each should be valid through your travel date. Records should show dates clearly.

5) Blood tests for dogs only

This is where many travelers get caught off guard. For dogs, Ghana requires negative lab test results within about 31 days before import for a specific list of diseases. These are typically required as original lab reports, not photocopies.

• Brucella canis
• Trypanosoma evansi
• Babesia gibsoni
• Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm)
• Leishmania

Cats generally do not require this blood test set for import under the same standard guidance, but cats still must meet microchip, rabies, core vaccines, and health certificate requirements.

6) International health certificate and endorsement

You need an official international health certificate signed by a licensed vet in your origin country. The certificate should identify the pet clearly, including breed, age, sex, color, and microchip number. It should also state the animal is healthy and free of contagious disease. Depending on your origin country, the certificate may need endorsement by the relevant authority (for example, USDA endorsement for the United States).

Importing pets into Ghana checklist

Use this checklist as your working plan. If you follow it in order, you reduce the chances of last-minute surprises.

1. Microchip: Implant an ISO compliant microchip and record the number.
2. Core vaccines: Complete core vaccines for your pet type.
3. Rabies: Administer rabies vaccine at least 30 days before travel.
4. Dogs only blood tests: Complete required tests within 31 days and keep original reports.
5. Parasite treatment: Treat for internal parasites and tick or flea prevention before travel and document it.
6. Health certificate: Have an accredited vet complete an international health certificate within 10 days of travel.
7. Endorsement: If your country requires endorsement (such as USDA), complete that step early.
8. Apply for permit: Submit documents to VSD and obtain the Ghana import permit.
9. Book pet travel: Confirm airline booking, cargo or cabin rules, and crate requirements.
10. Arrival folder: Prepare a folder with original documents and copies.

Arrival process at Kotoka International Airport

Pet arrivals are cleared in Accra through Kotoka International Airport. Expect an inspection step. You should present your import permit, original endorsed health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, the rest of the vaccination records, and dog blood test lab reports (if importing a dog).

If your documents are complete and the pet appears healthy, clearance is typically straightforward. If there are problems, outcomes can include quarantine (if available), refusal of entry, or other enforcement actions. The practical takeaway is that document quality matters as much as the vaccines themselves.

Airline rules, crates, and sedation

Airline policies vary. Some airlines allow small pets in cabin under strict weight and carrier rules, but many pets travel as manifest cargo. Always notify the airline well in advance that you are traveling with a pet, because airlines can limit the number of animals per flight.

Crates should be IATA compliant. Use a sturdy hard plastic or metal crate with secure latches, ventilation, and enough space for the pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Label the crate clearly with your name and contact information. Attach a water dish and absorbent bedding.

Sedation is strongly discouraged for air travel due to respiratory risk. In practice, sedation can also trigger airline refusals. A better approach is crate training weeks before travel and keeping the pet calm through familiar bedding and a stable routine.

Buying pets in Ghana

If you are not importing, buying pets in Ghana is common, but the market is informal. There is no large national breeder registry. Pets are most commonly obtained through rescues, individual breeders, veterinary clinics that rehome animals, pet shops that sell puppies or kittens, and online marketplaces.

The safest approach is to treat the purchase like a health and documentation transaction. You are not only paying for the animal. You are paying for proof of vaccination, proof of deworming, a healthy start, and a verified source.

Where to adopt or rescue

Pet shops and service businesses

Local buying due diligence

• Health records: Request vaccination card and deworming records. Rabies proof matters most.
• Microchip: If the pet is microchipped, scan it at a vet to confirm the number.
• Parent check: If possible, see the mother of puppies or kittens and observe overall condition.
• Age: Avoid pets younger than 8 weeks. Very young animals are higher risk.
• Vet exam: Take the pet to a vet before finalizing payment when possible.
• Receipt: Get a written receipt noting date, price, and pet identification details.

Veterinary clinics in Ghana

Veterinary care in Ghana is strongest in major cities. Accra has the widest range of services, and Kumasi has important options including a teaching hospital. For routine care, you can typically access exams, vaccinations, spay or neuter procedures, basic diagnostics, and treatment for common illnesses. For complex specialty care, Accra usually offers more choices.

Accra veterinary clinics

Kumasi veterinary clinics

Pet food and supplies in Ghana

In Accra and Kumasi, you can find major international brands such as Royal Canin, Purina, Pedigree, Whiskas, and other widely used products. Supplies such as leashes, toys, medication, tick prevention, cages, and grooming tools are also available. Selection is best in Accra, especially near well-developed shopping areas and larger veterinary practices.

The main practical difference compared to the United States or United Kingdom is price and consistency. Imported food often costs more. Availability can shift due to import cycles, so it is smart to keep a backup supply if your pet requires a specific diet. If you are switching brands, do it gradually and track stool quality and appetite, especially during heat-heavy months.

If you have an exotic pet or you want aquarium supplies, specialized shops exist, but do not assume all products are available on demand. Plan ahead.

Typical vet costs and monthly budgeting

Veterinary pricing in Ghana varies widely by clinic, city, and the size of the animal. Routine services can be quite affordable compared to the United States, but complex procedures or specialized diagnostics can become more expensive, especially when supplies or medications are imported.

Currency note: The USD, GBP, and RMB conversions below are approximate and will fluctuate. Conversions use mid-market reference rates of
1 GHS = 0.09095 USD, 0.06663 GBP, 0.6279 RMB.
See live reference rates here:
GHS to USD,
GHS to GBP,
GHS to RMB.

Monthly budgeting depends heavily on food brand and whether you use grooming, boarding, or training services. A locally sourced diet and basic routine care can be moderate, while premium imported diets and frequent services push monthly costs higher. If you are importing a pet with medical needs or a specialized diet, budget extra.

Rabies, leash rules, and local by-laws

Ghana is rabies endemic, and rabies control is treated as a serious public health matter. Annual vaccination is strongly encouraged, and in practice, many local authorities treat it as mandatory. Some municipal assemblies can impound unvaccinated dogs, and enforcement efforts can intensify during public health campaigns.

Leash rules and waste rules are often governed at the municipal level. In Accra, dogs are generally expected not to roam freely, and owners are expected to prevent nuisance conditions such as uncontrolled barking or public waste. Even where enforcement feels inconsistent, the legal and social expectation is that responsible owners restrain pets and clean up after them.

Dog bites should be treated as emergencies. Clean the wound immediately and seek medical care promptly if vaccination status is unknown. Responsible owners reduce risk through vaccination, training, and supervision.

FAQs

Is importing pets into Ghana difficult?

It is not difficult if you plan early and follow the document chain. Most problems come from timing mistakes, missing dog blood tests, or arriving without original documents.

Do cats need the dog blood tests?

The specialized blood test list is generally required for dogs. Cats still need microchip, rabies, core vaccines, and a valid health certificate and permit.

Is quarantine required?

Quarantine is generally not required if all requirements are met and the pet is healthy on arrival. If documents are missing or requirements are not satisfied, enforcement actions can include quarantine or refusal of entry.

Are there official pet stores in Ghana?

Ghana has pet shops, but there is no large national chain system like some countries. Many shops sell supplies, and some sell puppies or kittens. The key is to verify records and insist on a vet check.

What is the safest way to buy a pet locally?

Adoption through a rescue or a purchase guided by a veterinary clinic is usually the safest path. Always demand paperwork and schedule a vet exam before finalizing payment when possible.

Sources and official links

• Veterinary Services Directorate: Import Requirements
• IATA Pet Travel Guidance
• Veterinary Services in Accra (directory)
• Pet Shops in Accra (directory)
• Sancore Animal Rescue (Accra)

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