Pet Microchip

Botswana does not require that your pet be identified with a pet microchip, but it is strongly recommended that you microchip your pet whenever traveling internationally as it is the best form of identification available today.

The microchip should be implanted by your veterinarian, veterinary hospital or trained nurse. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet's information in the manufacturer database.

If your pet does not have a registered microchip, make sure your pets are wearing tags that identify them and have contact information for the owner.

Vaccinations

Your pet must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering the Botswana. This country does not recognize multi year rabies vaccinations.

Dogs should be vaccinated for: Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parovirus and Parainfluenza. Cats should be vaccinated for: Rabies, Feline panleukopenia (Distemper): Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Leukemia.

Rabies Titer Test

A rabies titer test is not required to enter Botswana from any country.

Pet Health Certificate

All pet dogs and cats entering Botswana must have a pet health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the origination country. After issuance, the governing authority responsible for the import and export of live animals in the origination country should endorse the forms, although it is not required. Endorsement may be required as a result of export requirements of the origination country.

The certificate should be completed as close to the departure date as possible not more than 30 days prior to travel.

Import Permit

Botswana requires an application for import for entry unless your dog or cat is entering from the following SADC member states: Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, or Zimbabwe. Visitors should apply well ahead of their visit for a permit to bring their pet into Botswana if it is necessary.

Parasite Treatment

A parasite treatment is not required prior to entering Botswana; however, is strongly recommended due to availability of these products in the country.

Entering Botswana by Air

Pets must enter Botswana via Sir Seretse Khama International Airport near Gabarone. Dogs and cats can arrive in the cabin, as checked baggage or air cargo.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the entry airport. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens under 3 months old are permitted to enter if proof can be provided that the mother (dam) was vaccinated against at least one month but not more than 12 months prior to giving birth, and there have been no outbreaks of rabies in the area where the puppy or kitten is entering from.

Banned Breeds

Botswana does not publish a list of banned breeds. Dog owners are responsible for their pet''s behavior.

Other Animals

Birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to requirements of rabies vaccination, but may have to meet other requirements and should have a health certificate to enter Botswana. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

CITES

If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations.

Need More Assistance?

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.

Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com. We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 2:00 PM EST.

 

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