Bringing Your Pets
Importing Pets
to Mauritius
Dogs, cats and other animals — the complete import guide.
Start the process at least 4 months before travel
Mauritius is rabies-free and takes biosecurity very seriously. The full import process — including titre testing, import permit application and the minimum waiting periods — takes a minimum of 3–4 months. Do not leave this until the last minute.
Overview
Bringing pets to a rabies-free island
Mauritius has been rabies-free for many years and the government takes this status seriously. All pets entering the island must meet strict health requirements. The process is manageable with good planning — many expats have brought their pets successfully — but it requires starting well in advance.
Country Status
Approved countries
Pets from approved countries (those with equivalent rabies-free or well-controlled status) qualify for a simplified process with home quarantine rather than a government facility. Countries not on the approved list may require up to 30 days at the government quarantine facility.
Country approval status can change. Always verify current requirements with the Mauritius Veterinary Services Division before travel.
Documentation
Requirements for dogs and cats
Planning Ahead
Process timeline
Airlines
Air Mauritius allows cats and small dogs in the cabin under specific conditions (weight limits, approved carriers, advance booking). Larger dogs must travel as cargo in the hold.
Pet spaces per flight are strictly limited. Contact your airline as soon as you book your own ticket — do not leave pet booking to the last minute. Requirements and fees vary significantly between airlines.
Quarantine
For pets from approved countries, a minimum 5-day home quarantine applies. Veterinary Services will conduct a home inspection to approve your premises before arrival.
The government quarantine facility is located at Réduit in central Mauritius. Owners are permitted to visit. Space is limited — if your pet requires facility quarantine, contact Veterinary Services well in advance to reserve a place.
Birds and exotic animals
Birds, reptiles and exotic animals are subject to much stricter requirements. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations apply to many species. Most exotic animals cannot be imported at all. Contact the Veterinary Services Division directly before making any plans to bring exotic animals to Mauritius.
Veterinary Services Division
The official authority for all pet import matters. Contact them directly to verify current requirements, apply for import permits and arrange quarantine bookings.
After Arrival
Once you are here
Mauritius has excellent private veterinary care across the island. It is recommended to register with a vet as soon as possible after completing quarantine. See our full vet directory for clinics near you.
Find a vet in MauritiusRelocating to Mauritius?
Full moving guide — visas, shipping, company setup and more.