If you are planning to fly to Ghana with your pet, the good news is that it is perfectly possible. The less good news is that it requires more preparation than flying within Europe or North America. Airline rules, Ghana’s import requirements and your pet’s size or breed all play a role, and overlooking just one detail can derail the trip.
Before you make your move to Ghana, keep reading to learn how pet travel to Ghana actually works, when pets can fly in the cabin versus the hold, what happens during transfers, which breeds face restrictions and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Understanding Ghana’s pet import requirements: Ghana does not allow pets to arrive without prior approval, even if the airline accepts them.
Before You Book: Ghana’s Pet Import Rules You Must Know
In most cases, bringing a dog or cat to Ghana requires an official import permit issued by Ghana’s Veterinary Services, a veterinary health certificate signed by an accredited vet, and proof of rabies vaccination. Depending on the country you are flying from, additional tests or disease screening may be required.
The import permit is time limited and usually must be obtained before travel, not on arrival. Processing times vary, so starting early is essential. Requirements can also change, which is why it is always wise to confirm details directly with Ghana Veterinary Services or work with a professional pet relocation service if your timeline is tight.
If you want a deeper breakdown of documents, timelines and country specific rules, see our dedicated guide on relocating with pets to Ghana. It is also worth thinking ahead about daily life after arrival, including where you will live. Some neighbourhoods and residential compounds are far more pet friendly than others, especially in Accra.
Flying to Ghana With a Pet: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Airlines generally offer three ways for pets to travel, and the option available to you depends on your pet’s size, weight and the airline you choose.
Small dogs and cats may be allowed to fly in the cabin if they fit in an approved carrier that goes under the seat in front of you. Many international airlines use a combined weight limit of around 8 kg for the pet and carrier, although exact dimensions and fees vary. Approval is never automatic, so you must reserve a pet spot before booking your ticket.
Larger pets that cannot travel in the cabin usually fly in the aircraft hold, either as checked baggage or as manifest cargo. In this case, your pet travels in an IATA compliant crate in a pressurised and temperature controlled area of the aircraft. Maximum weight limits vary widely depending on the airline and aircraft type, which is why checking directly with the airline is essential.
For very large dogs, complex itineraries or door to door relocations, pets are sometimes shipped as dedicated air cargo through specialised agents. This involves separate bookings and paperwork, but it can be the safest option for certain routes.
As a general rule, if your pet plus carrier is around or under 8 kg and fits under the seat, cabin travel may be possible. Everything else depends on airline policy.
What Happens When Your Pet Flies in the Hold
Knowing the process when a pet flies in the hold helps reduce stress and avoid surprises.
Many owners worry about what actually happens when a dog or cat flies in the hold.
Before travel, you must book space for your pet and confirm whether the airline accepts pets as checked baggage or only as cargo. On the day of departure, you must arrive earlier than usual. Airline or cargo staff will check your documents, inspect the crate, verify microchip and vaccinations, and formally accept the animal for travel.
If your journey includes a transfer, the details matter. When all flights are on one ticket with the same airline or airline group, pets are usually transferred automatically between flights. However, if you change airlines or travel on separate tickets, you may be required to collect and re-check your pet at the transfer airport. This can involve customs and veterinary procedures that are difficult or impossible without prior arrangements.
For this reason, direct flights or single airline itineraries are strongly recommended when flying to Ghana with a pet. If a re-check is unavoidable, a specialist pet travel agent can help coordinate the process.
On arrival in Ghana, pets are cleared through veterinary inspection. You will need to present the import permit, health certificate and vaccination records. In rare cases, a short quarantine may be required depending on the country of origin. Make sure to identify trusted veterinary clinics in Accra before travelling, so you know exactly where to go if your pet needs care shortly after landing.
You will need to present the import permit, health certificate and vaccination records. In rare cases, a short quarantine may be required depending on the country of origin.
Breed Restrictions When Flying to Ghana
Breed restrictions are set by airlines, not by Ghana itself, and they vary significantly.
Many airlines restrict or refuse brachycephalic, or short nosed, breeds from travelling in the hold due to increased breathing risks. This commonly affects dogs such as pugs, French and English bulldogs and Pekingese, as well as cats like Persians. Some airlines allow these breeds in the cabin only, while others do not accept them at all.
Certain breeds considered dangerous or high risk may also be restricted depending on the airline. Because policies differ, always confirm acceptance by breed name rather than assuming size alone is enough.
Should You Sedate Your Pet for the Flight?
Sedating pets for air travel is generally discouraged. International guidelines and veterinary authorities advise against routine sedation because it can interfere with breathing and circulation, especially at altitude.
Most vets recommend non drug approaches such as crate training well in advance, exercise before travel and light feeding on the day of departure. Medication should only be considered after a careful veterinary assessment, and any prescribed drugs should be clearly documented.
Are Pet Travel Rules the Same for All Airlines?
There is no single universal rule for flying with pets. Three layers apply at the same time. International standards such as IATA Live Animals Regulations set best practices, Ghana’s import rules determine whether your pet can enter the country, and airline policies decide whether your pet can fly on a specific route.
In practice, airline rules are often the deciding factor, even if Ghana allows entry. Always check the airline’s pet policy and speak to an agent before booking.
Timeline Checklist for Flying to Ghana With Your Pet
Ideally, preparation starts two to three months before travel. This allows time to arrange vaccinations or blood tests, apply for the Ghana import permit and reserve space with the airline. In the final weeks before departure, your vet will issue the health certificate and you should reconfirm that all approvals are still valid.
On the day of travel, arrive early, keep both digital and paper copies of all documents, and avoid sedating your pet unless your vet has explicitly advised it.
Final Advice for a Smooth Trip
Flying to Ghana with a pet is not difficult when you plan properly, but it is unforgiving if you rush. Direct flights reduce risk, large dogs benefit from professional shippers, and clear communication with both the airline and Ghana Veterinary Services can save you from costly last minute problems.
Once you are settled, practical details start to matter quickly. Knowing where to buy food, leashes, crates and other essentials makes the transition smoother, which is why many newcomers research reliable pet shops in Ghana in advance.
So keep in mind:
- Prefer direct flights to minimize transfer risks.
- Use a specialist pet shipper for complex routes or large breeds.
- Document everything (vaccine record, permit, microchip details, vet phone).
When it comes to flying to Ghana with your pet, preparation is the difference between a smooth arrival and a cancelled journey.
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