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Quick answer: to relocate a pet within Kenya, plan the journey around your pet’s routine, use a secure, ventilated travel crate and keep your pet away from the packing and loading on moving day. To move a pet abroad, start three to six months ahead: check the destination country’s import rules, get the required vaccinations (especially rabies) and microchip, obtain an export health certificate from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, and book an airline-approved crate and flight. Rules vary a lot by country, so confirm them with your vet and the destination authorities early.
Moving a pet within Kenya
- Keep your pet away from the chaos. On moving day, leave pets with a friend, a pet sitter or a boarding kennel, or keep them in a quiet, closed room with water and their bed.
- Use a proper travel crate. A secure, ventilated crate is safer than a loose pet in the car, especially on long drives to Mombasa, Kisumu or Nakuru.
- Plan the journey. Feed a light meal a few hours before travel, take water, and stop for breaks on long trips. Never leave a pet in a parked car.
- Pets never travel in the moving truck. The cargo area is not safe for animals; they should travel with you.
- Pet-proof the new home first. Check fences, gates, balconies and windows before letting pets explore.
- Keep routines. Use the same bowls, bedding and feeding times to help your pet settle, and update the address on their tag and microchip record.
Moving a pet abroad from Kenya
1. Check the destination’s rules
Every country sets its own import requirements. Common ones are an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination given a set time before travel, a rabies antibody blood test for some countries, parasite treatment and an import permit. Some countries require quarantine on arrival. Check the official government website of the destination country or its embassy in Nairobi.
2. Visit your vet early
Your vet will check your pet’s health, microchip and vaccinations, and advise on timings. Some tests have to be done months before travel, so start as early as you can.
3. Get the export documents
Pets leaving Kenya need an export health certificate and permit issued through the Directorate of Veterinary Services, based on your vet’s examination and vaccination records. Ask your vet or a pet relocation agent about current procedures and fees.
4. Book the flight and crate
Most pets fly as checked baggage or as cargo, depending on the airline, their size and the destination. The crate must meet airline (IATA) standards: big enough for your pet to stand, turn and lie down, well ventilated and secure. Let your pet get used to the crate for a few weeks before the flight.
5. On travel day
- Give a light meal a few hours before the flight and make sure water is available in the crate.
- Put a familiar blanket or toy in the crate.
- Do not sedate your pet unless your vet advises it.
- Carry copies of all documents and keep the originals with you.
Pet relocation checklist
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3 to 6 months before | Check destination rules, visit the vet, confirm microchip and vaccinations |
| 1 to 2 months before | Book flight and crate, start crate training, arrange any blood tests |
| 2 to 4 weeks before | Apply for the export health certificate and permits |
| Moving week | Arrange a pet sitter or boarding for packing and loading days |
| Arrival | Collect your pet, check them over, and register with a local vet |
Frequently asked questions
Pets should not travel in a moving truck. Move pets in your own car or with a specialist pet transporter, and use an airline-approved crate for flights.
Usually a microchip, up-to-date vaccinations including rabies, and an export health certificate and permit from the Directorate of Veterinary Services. The destination country may require more.
Start three to six months before you travel, because some vaccinations and blood tests must be done months in advance.
Keep your pet in a quiet, closed room or with a sitter while the movers work, stick to normal feeding times and keep familiar bedding and toys close by.
Moving with pets?
Nairobi Movers handles your household so you can focus on your pets. See our house moving checklist for a local move, or our international moving guide if you are relocating abroad. Call 0724 225 178 or WhatsApp us for a free survey.
