Yes, it is possible. Moving to Mauritius with your pet requires following strict rules: import permit, international veterinary certificate, transport by cargo ship and quarantine upon arrival, with breed restrictions for certain dogs.
The most important thing is to plan ahead, because the rabies titer test requires a period of at least three months before the trip, and official guides ask not to embark the animal without a permit issued by the Division of Veterinary Services.
Import rules to know before leaving
THE official portal for veterinary imports in Mauritius reminds us that an import permit is required for live animals, including pets, and Air Mauritius and the transport of animals specifies that the necessary permits and certificates must be in order before departure.
In official dog and cat guides, arrival is described as... cargo manifest Not in the cabin, and not as excess baggage in the hold. Therefore, plan for the appropriate container, coordination with the freight forwarder, and the original documents.
The key idea is simple: no dog or cat should leave for Mauritius without a validated import permit.
Dogs banned from importation
Mauritian law prohibits the importation of several dog breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Blue Nose Pit Bull, Red Nose Pit Bull, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Boerboel. Details are available in the...’Animal Welfare Act 2013 and in the official guide for dogs.
- American Pit Bull Terrier.
- American Staffordshire Terrier.
- Staffordshire Terrier.
- Blue Nose Pit Bull.
- Red Nose Pit Bull.
- Japanese Tosa.
- Dogo Argentino.
- Fila Brasileiro.
- Boerboel.
If your dog belongs to one of these categories, check the file well before booking the flight.
Prepare the health and administrative file
To maintain an overview of the installation, the practical guides for expatriation can help to synchronize other procedures with the veterinary calendar.
For a cat
THE Official guide to importing a cat details the documents to gather before departure.
- A permit application submitted before departure.
- A cover letter, as well as a copy of your residence or occupation permit if you are an expatriate.
- The animal's complete vaccination record.
- The electronic chip number and the RNAT test, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
- A period of at least three months between the test sample being taken and the trip.
- A sterilization certificate, except for reproduction, with pedigree if the animal is intended for reproduction.
- Vaccines against feline enteritis, feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus, up to date within the window indicated by the guide.
- An IATA-compliant shipping crate.
For a dog
THE Official guide to importing a dog is more demanding and should be read very early.
- A permit application must be submitted at least three months before departure.
- A cover letter, a copy of your residence permit if you are an expatriate, and a copy of your passport or identity card.
- The complete vaccination record, the electronic chip and the RNATT with a threshold of 0.5 IU/ml.
- A period of at least three months between the sample being taken and the trip.
- Negative tests for Ehrlichia canis and Brucella canis.
- Vaccines against canine distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis and canine parvovirus.
- An IATA-compliant transport crate and, if the animal is intended for breeding, a pedigree and a valid breeder's permit.
Practical table of official steps and fees
| Stage | Cat | Dog | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import permit | Before departure. | At least 3 months before departure. | A permit is mandatory and also depends on quarantine availability. |
| Health tests | RNAT, with a delay of 3 months after the sample is taken. | RNATT, plus Ehrlichia canis and Brucella canis tests. | The official guides detail these exams and their thresholds. |
| Transportation | Cargo manifest only. | Cargo manifest only. | Neither cabin baggage nor checked baggage as excess. |
| Quarantine | Minimum 5 days at Reduced price. | Minimum 5 days at Reduced price. | The quarantine is supervised by the Division of Veterinary Services. |
| Official fees | Rs500 + Rs500 + Rs15/day. | Rs500 + Rs500 + Rs15/day. | The final budget then varies depending on transportation, analysis, and the logistics intermediary. |
Conditions are subject to change, so double-check just before departure. Official guides themselves state that requirements can change without notice.
What is the arrival process like in Mauritius?
After landing, logistics must be meticulously planned. Official guides recommend announcing the date and flight number in advance, and then arranging for the owner or broker to be present at the airport.
- Provide the date and flight number at least 4 days before arrival.
- Arrange for your representative or broker to be present at the airport.
- Present the original documents and, if requested, certified copies.
- The animal is then sent to quarantine in Réduit for at least 5 days.
- Collect the animal at the end of the quarantine period, or have it collected by a person authorized in writing.
If your move also includes visa, housing, or business creation, a page like support for expatriation to Mauritius can help you coordinate the rest of the case.
What budget should I plan for?
The official fees currently listed in the guides are Rs500 per animal for the permit, Rs500 for veterinary clearance, and Rs15 per day for the kennel/cattery. Additional costs include the cost of the cargo flight, examinations, crate, freight forwarder, and any necessary care during quarantine. For cats, the owner must also provide cat litter, while the dog guide also requires the owner to provide food.
In practice, the budget depends mainly on three factors: the distance between the country of departure and Mauritius, the number of tests required before boarding, and the actual duration of quarantine. Official rates therefore only cover a portion of the total cost.
FAQ about importing animals to Mauritius
What are the rules for importing pets to Mauritius?
For a dog or a cat, the basic requirements are always the same: import permit, international veterinary certificate, original documents, transport via cargo manifest, and quarantine in Réduit. Dogs are subject to additional checks, as certain breeds are prohibited from being imported. Mauritian authorities also require adherence to the health deadlines outlined in the official guide, including rabies testing and up-to-date vaccinations.
How to obtain an import permit for a dog or cat in Mauritius?
The permit must be obtained from the Division of Veterinary Services before departure. The application must include a separate form for each animal, along with supporting documents such as a letter of motivation, vaccination record, proof of identification, and, depending on the animal, residency or breeding documents. For dogs, the guide recommends starting the application at least three months before the trip. For cats, the processing time for the RNAT (National Register of Animals) must also be factored in, which necessitates a significant safety margin.
What documents do I need to prepare to move to Mauritius with my pet?
Prepare at a minimum the vaccination record, an international veterinary certificate, proof of microchip identification, a copy of your passport or identity card, and a sterilization certificate if the animal is not intended for breeding. The authorities may also request a letter of motivation and, for expatriates, a copy of their residence or work permit. For dogs, also include Ehrlichia canis and Brucella canis test results.
Is there a quarantine for dogs and cats upon arrival in Mauritius?
Yes. Official guidelines stipulate a minimum 5-day quarantine at the Réduit facility for both cats and dogs. Arrival must be reported a few days in advance, and the original documents must be presented during check-in. If your representative is not present, the animal may be returned at the owner's expense. In other words, quarantine is not a logistical detail, but a crucial step in the relocation process.
How much do the procedures and fees for importing an animal into Mauritius cost?
The official amounts listed in the guides are Rs500 per animal for the permit, Rs500 for veterinary clearance, and Rs15 per day for the kennel/cattery. Additional costs include cargo flights, IATA crate fees, veterinary examinations, any freight forwarder fees, and, depending on the case, quarantine care. The final budget therefore varies considerably from one case to another, even though the structure of the official fees remains fairly clear.
And now ?
If your departure project is underway, start by the Expat Mauritius homepage to maintain an overall view of the move and then take action with a well-prepared pet file.
