Traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo with your dog

✅ Entry requirements

🗓 In what order, and when

Some steps only count once the previous one is done — check each deadline against the official reference above.

1. Microchip (identification)No official Congolese source specifies a microchip or an identification standard for importing a pet dog. The ISO 11784/11785 chip is the international norm and is strongly recommended so the animal can be matched to its certificate, but DR Congo does not publish it as a stand-alone obligation.
2. Rabies vaccinationDR Congo lies in a rabies-endemic region, so a valid rabies vaccination recorded by the vet is expected for import and for the international veterinary certificate. The exact minimum waiting period after vaccination and the validity window are not published in any official Congolese model.
3. Rabies antibody testNo official Congolese source requires a rabies antibody test for importing a dog, and none excludes it either. Because nothing is published, treat it as unknown and confirm before travel.
4. Official international veterinary health certificateCongolese animal-health law provides that the veterinary authority publishes the list of animals and animal products that require an international veterinary certificate before importation. In practice an official international veterinary health certificate issued and endorsed by the veterinary authority of the country of departure must accompany the dog. DR Congo publishes no country-specific model, so the origin's own endorsed international certificate is used. French is acceptable, DR Congo being a francophone country.
5. Parasite / tapeworm treatmentNo official Congolese source specifies an internal or external parasite or tapeworm treatment for importing a pet dog. A vet may still advise one as good practice.
6. Import authorization / permitUSDA/APHIS advises that, where no export certificate is published, the importer apply for an import permit at the appropriate Congolese ministry, which will outline the specific requirements. Congolese law also lets the authority prohibit imports deemed dangerous and defines approved entry points. Whether a traveller's accompanying pet needs an individual permit is not clearly stated.
7. Border veterinary inspection (SQAV)The Animal and Plant Quarantine Service (SQAV) ensures zoosanitary surveillance and inspects animals and products of animal origin on arrival at approved entry points; it works with the customs administration (DGDA). The competent inspector can refuse an animal that presents a risk to human, animal or plant health. Present your dog and its documents at the point of entry.
8. Minimum age / puppiesNo stand-alone minimum age is published. In practice a puppy must be old enough to be validly vaccinated against rabies, but DR Congo does not publish a specific age.
9. QuarantineCongolese law provides that imported animals must be placed in quarantine for a period determined by the veterinary authority before being released into the country. The exact duration and where it is served for a compliant pet dog are not published — confirm them with the SQAV before travel.
10. Banned / restricted breedsNo official Congolese breed-specific import ban was found. Entry appears to be controlled by health requirements, inspection and quarantine, not by breed.

🌍 Rules according to your dog's origin

🛬 Arrival

What happens when your dog reaches DR Congo depends on your documents and on the SQAV inspection at the point of entry.

• Present your dog for veterinary inspection at an approved entry point; the SQAV ensures zoosanitary surveillance and works alongside the customs administration (DGDA).
• Carry the originals: the official international veterinary health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination and any identification and import-permit document.
• Expect quarantine: Congolese law provides that imported animals are placed in quarantine for a period determined by the veterinary authority before being released — confirm the practical arrangements for a pet dog with the SQAV in advance.
• If documents are missing, incomplete or invalid, the inspector can refuse the animal, which presents a risk to human, animal or plant health; the exact consequences are not published, so avoid any gap in your paperwork.
• Because DR Congo publishes little, confirm entry-point procedures with the SQAV, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock and your airline before departure.