Traveling to Madagascar 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. Import authorizationImporting a dog (customs heading 0106.19 40) is subject to a prior import authorization. In practice this is a sanitary import authorization delivered by the Direction des Services Vétérinaires; request it in advance from the DSV before the dog is shipped.
2. ISO microchipOfficial Malagasy import conditions we could verify do not explicitly require an ISO 11784/11785 microchip; the customs note refers to a vaccination certificate and, at the veterinary service, to the animal's identity/health booklet. An ISO microchip is nonetheless standard international practice.
3. Rabies vaccinationCustoms clearance of a dog is conditioned on presenting an anti-rabies vaccination certificate issued by the Veterinary Service. Madagascar is a rabies-affected country, so the rabies vaccination is central to the file.
4. Rabies antibody testThe official Malagasy customs and veterinary conditions we could verify do not state a rabies antibody test as a published entry requirement. Because Madagascar is rabies-affected and details are limited, confirm directly with the DSV whether an antibody test is imposed on your file.
5. Veterinary / health certificateA veterinary health certificate from the country of origin is expected alongside the vaccination certificate. As Madagascar is francophone, a certificate in French is accepted. The exact model, signatory and timing are not published in the sources we verified.
6. Parasite / tapeworm treatmentNo official Malagasy source we verified sets an internal (tapeworm/Echinococcus) or external parasite treatment as an entry condition for dogs.
7. Minimum age / puppiesNo explicit minimum age is published in the official sources we verified. In practice a valid rabies vaccination certificate is only possible once the dog is old enough to be vaccinated, which pushes the earliest travel age to several months.
8. Airport veterinary inspectionImport controls are carried out jointly by the DSV's veterinary officers and the Malagasy Customs at the point of entry. Present the import authorization, the anti-rabies vaccination certificate and the health certificate to clear the dog through customs.
9. QuarantineThe official sources we verified do not describe a mandatory quarantine scheme for compliant dogs entering Madagascar.

🌍 Rules according to your dog's origin

🛬 Arrival

What happens on arrival depends on the documents you carry; controls are shared by the DSV and the Malagasy Customs at the point of entry (Antananarivo–Ivato is the main international airport).

• Obtain the import authorization from the DSV before the dog is shipped — no dog should be sent without it.
• Present the anti-rabies vaccination certificate issued by the Veterinary Service at customs clearance; clearance is conditioned on this certificate.
• Carry the original import authorization and health certificate; the DSV's veterinary officers and Customs check the documents at the point of entry.
• If documents are missing or invalid, the animal may not be cleared; any further measures are decided by the DSV, so travel with a complete file.

✈️ Airlines flying to Madagascar with a dog

Carriers we document that serve this country and accept dogs. The verdict is the airline's general policy — it does not prejudge your breed, your crate or your exact route.

+2 more documented airlines accept dogs to this country. See all airlines →

🛂 Airports in Madagascar

Check where your dog can relieve itself at each airport — and whether it's before or after security.