Moving a pet to Ghana is a journey that requires patience, a love for logistics, and a very specific set of papers. Unlike a standard holiday where you might just pack a bag and go, relocating with pets to Ghana is treated by the Ghanaian government as a formal “import.” This means you have to prove, through science and signatures, that your pet is healthy and safe to enter the country.
The process can feel overwhelming, but if you take it one step at a time, you can ensure a smooth arrival at Kotoka International Airport. Here is exactly how the process works, explained simply and in the order you should tackle it.
Starting with Identity and Basic Health
The very first thing you need to do—often months before you even book a flight—is make sure your pet has a “digital ID.” This is a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip. It’s a tiny chip that a vet tucks under the skin. When an official at the airport in Accra scans it, the number on the screen must match the number on every single piece of paper you carry.
You must get the microchip before or on the same day as your pet’s rabies shot. If you do the shot first and the chip later, the government won’t accept the vaccine, and you’ll have to start over. For a deeper look at which airlines handle these requirements best and how to book your trip, you might find our guide on how to fly to Ghana with your pet helpful.
Speaking of vaccines, Ghana is very strict about Rabies. Your pet needs to have been vaccinated at least 31 days before they land in Ghana, but the shot shouldn’t be more than a year old. Alongside Rabies, dogs need shots for Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Leptospirosis. Cats need their standard feline vaccines (Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus).
Moving your pet to Ghana requires careful planning, but the reward of having them by your side in your new home is worth every step.
Ghana Pet Import Rules
Like many countries, Ghana regulates the importation of pets to prevent the introduction of diseases, especially zoonotic (animal-to-human) diseases, and to protect public and animal health. As a result, when you are relocating with pets to Ghana, you must follow veterinary, documentation, and health protocols enforced by the Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD).
Because of these regulations, a pet relocation — even when returning home or moving permanently — must be treated as a formal “import,” not just casual travel. To ensure you are meeting the highest global safety standards, you can cross-reference these with the World Organisation for Animal Health.
The “Big 5” Health Check for Dogs
If you are relocating with pets to Ghana and your companion is a dog, this is the part that requires the most lead time. Ghana requires five specific blood tests to ensure your dog isn’t bringing in tropical diseases that could spread to other animals or people.
Because these regulations are about protecting the local environment, choosing the right neighborhood to settle into is just as important. You can explore our guide on where to live with pets in Accra to see which areas offer the best walking paths and safety.
Once you’ve settled on a location, you’ll need to ask your vet to draw blood and send it to a lab to test for:
- Brucella canis (a bacterial infection)
- Trypanosoma evansi (a blood parasite)
- Babesia gibsoni (tick-borne disease)
- Dirofilaria immitis (Heartworm)
- Leishmania (spread by sandflies)
You must have the original lab reports showing a negative result for all five. Scans or photocopies usually aren’t enough; the authorities at the border want to see the real ink and paper from the laboratory.
Ensuring your dog is clear of the “Big 5” tropical diseases is a critical requirement.
What About Cats — Are Requirements the Same?
Yes, cats are also allowed into Ghana under similar but slightly adjusted requirements:
- They need a valid health certificate from a licensed vet in their country of origin.
- Rabies vaccination is required, with the same timing rules as for dogs (generally 30 days–6/12 months before travel).
- Standard feline vaccinations (panleukopenia, viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus) are expected.
- Parasite treatment recommended before travel.
- An import permit from Ghana’s veterinary authority is also required.
- Quarantine is usually not required — provided all documents are in order.
Because cats typically don’t require as many disease tests as dogs (for example, heartworm or Babesia might be dog-specific), the process of relocating with pets to Ghana tends to be simpler for feline owners. Still, you must plan ahead and ensure all paperwork is properly handled.
A 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip is the first and most important step in identifying your pet for international travel.
Getting Permission to Enter: The Import Permit
Once you have the negative blood tests and all the vaccines are up to date, you can’t just hop on a plane. You need the “Golden Ticket,” which is the Veterinary Import Permit. This is issued by the Ghana Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) in Accra.
Since you are likely still outside of Ghana, you will usually need a friend, a relocation agent, or a future colleague in Accra to go to the VSD office for you. They will show your pet’s records and pay a fee to get the permit. Once issued, this permit is typically valid for 8 weeks. This means you have a two-month window to get your pet into the country before the permit expires.
The Final 10 Days: The Health Certificate
When you are within 10 days of your flight, you need to visit your local vet one last time. They will perform a physical exam and sign an International Health Certificate. This document is a formal statement that your pet is healthy, showing no signs of disease, and is strong enough to fly.
In most countries, a regular vet’s signature isn’t enough. You usually have to send this paper to a government office to get an “official” government stamp. Furthermore, make sure your travel kennel meets the strict IATA Pet Travel Guidelines regarding size and ventilation, or the airline may refuse to board your pet.
Settling In: Life in Ghana
When you land, a veterinary officer at the airport will look over your original documents. As long as your microchip matches your papers and your Import Permit is valid, there is usually no quarantine period. You can take your pet straight home.
Accra is a bustling city, so choosing a home with enough space is vital. Many expats choose Greenviews Residential specifically because it offers the kind of green, open space that is hard to find in the city center.
You’ll also want to find a local “family doctor” for your pet. We’ve compiled a list of the most trusted veterinary clinics in Accra to help you get started. And for those first few days when you realize you forgot a leash or need a specific brand of food, here are the best pet shops in Ghana to find exactly what you need.
