
What is a Pet Passport?
We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents according to Benin pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. The pet passport will be comprised of proof of rabies and other vaccinations, and an international export health certificate. All Benin pet import requirements are detailed below.
Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats, including service and assistance dogs and cats. Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under these regulations.
Find a Licensed Veterinarian
Before beginning any pet export procedure, owners, agents, or anyone transporting a pet should ensure that their veterinarian is licensed by the governing authority in their country that is responsible for the movement of live animals. This veterinarian should administer all vaccinations and treatments, as well as issue all required documentation.
Quarantine for Pets Entering Benin
There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Benin if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.
Benin Pet Import Requirements
All steps required to conform to Benin pet import requirements must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.
Step 1: Pet Microchip
Having your pet identified with a microchip is important when traveling internationally for several reasons. First, a microchip will tie your pet to its documentation when entering a foreign country. Second, if, for any reason, your pet is separated from you during travel, the chances of reuniting with your pet significantly increase if you register your information in a microchip database. Third, most countries require that pets be microchipped and compliant microchips may be difficult to find should your pet ever leave the country.
All pet dogs and cats entering Benin should be identified with a microchip in accordance with the procedures in the country of origin. The most accepted form of identification is a 15-digit pet microchip that meets ISO (International Standards Organization) Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785.
All documents must reflect the microchip number. If your pet is microchipped and the pet’s microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, the importer can provide a microchip scanner that will read their pet’s microchip.
Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation on how to register it in the manufacturer’s or your government’s database.

Step 2: Vaccinations
All cats and dogs over three months of age must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to entering Benin. Multi-year rabies vaccinations are not accepted.
The administering veterinarian should issue, sign, and stamp:
- a rabies certificate or
- government-issued vaccination booklet or
- EU Pet Passport
Note: Rabies titer test results or veterinary exemption letters are no substitute for proof of rabies vaccination.
Other Vaccinations
Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis.
Cats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia.
All vaccinations should be recorded on the international health certificate (step 5) at intervals required by the origination country.

Step 3: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test
A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It must be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) tests are recommended as they are accepted by every country that requires the test.
Although this test is not required to enter Benin, pets traveling internationally from countries with a high risk of rabies should be accompanied by the results of this test.
Step 4: Parasite Treatments
Parasite treatments for internal and external parasites are recommended prior to entering Benin with products approved in the country of origin. The administering veterinarian can record these treatments on the health certificate or issue a record of treatment. Pets should always be inspected for external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, prior to any international travel.
Step 5: Health Certificate
All countries worldwide require an original health certificate issued in the country of origin, including the following information:
- owner’s information
- origination and destination details and
- details of your pet and
- vaccinations and treatments,
- veterinary attestations regarding symptoms of contagious diseases at the time of export.
Further, your veterinarian must certify that your pet is healthy enough to travel and is not from a region that is subject to rabies restrictions. The health certificate must clearly identify your pet. Depending on the country of origin, additional details and treatments must be listed.
A licensed veterinarian in your country must complete the Pet Health Certificate for Benin shortly prior to travel. Consulate endorsement is required.
Most countries, including Benin, require that this certificate be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals in the country of origin.

Step 6: Import Permit
An import permit is not required for pet dogs and cats entering Benin with their owners.
More Information
Breeds Banned from Import to Benin
Benin does not publish a list of banned breeds. Importers are responsible for their pet’s behavior.

Entering Benin by Air
Pets must enter Benin by air at the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. Pets can enter Benin in the cabin, as checked baggage or as air cargo, according to airline pet policies. The owner should be present at customs clearance.
In all cases, pets must travel in a pet carrier or pet crate that is in accordance with the International Air Transport Association.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA compliant?
Importers should inform veterinary officials in advance, as they will need to be available to check your pet and its pet passport documentation after landing.
All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any signs of illness that can be transmitted to humans when evaluated at the entry airport. Importers will need to pay for further veterinary testing at this time if the health of your cat or dog is not acceptable.

Importing Other Animals to Benin
All pets other than cats and dogs (ferrets, rabbits, amphibians, reptiles, etc.) will need an import permit and health certificate to enter Benin. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) prohibits the trade of some species of animals, including pets. This is important if you have a pet that isn’t a dog or cat, and it’s crucial if it’s a turtle or a parrot. If so, you will have to submit additional permit applications.
Over 180 nations participate in and enforce CITES rules and protections.
Related: Search the CITES database or Search the Species+ database
Related: Read more about CITES

Need More Pet Import Requirements and Forms for Benin?
Visit PetTravelStore.com for step-by-step detailed instructions on regulations, permits, layovers, costs, tests and pet import regulations for Benin at minimal cost. Our information is current, verified and tailored to your pet’s itinerary.
Here’s what is included in the Benin pet passport package:
- Detailed instructions on importing your dog, cat or ferret to Benin from any country available in six languages
- Required Vaccinations and Intervals
- ISO 11784/11785 Compliant Microchip Information
- Rabies Titer Test Instructions
- Approved Laboratories
- IATA Carrier and Crate Requirements
- Layover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet Travel
- Responsibilities of a Pet Transporter
- FREE unlimited email support both for you and your veterinarian, should either of you have any questions
Also included at no additional cost:
- Veterinary Health Certificate for Benin (US/Canada)
- Airline Health Certificate
- Inoculation Record
- Microchip Certificate
Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Benin?
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Please note that the accuracy of comments made by Facebook users other than Pet Travel has not been verified, and we do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.
Current Information
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 or
- 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 Benin pet import requirements.
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