Residence Permit

Pet owners need to seek approval for Residence Permit before bringing their pet to Mauritius. Once the permit is obtained, the following procedures need to be followed for pet relocation.

Procedure

Rabies tests, inoculations, microchips and sterilization

Depending on where your pet is coming from, there are different requirements in terms of inoculations that they need to have and tests that need to be done.  It can take some time, so be prepared for the process – for example, pets from South Africa are required to have two rabies titers, exactly 3 months apart.

All pets coming into Mauritius need to be microchipped, and sterilized. 

The last documents are issued by the state vet in your country of origin

Proof of all the above needs to reflect in your pet vaccination book, and copies of blood tests, microchip and sterilization certificates should also be available.

Approval from the Mauritius Veterinary Committee

Your pet vaccination book, attached documents as detailed above, an application form to bring your pet to Mauritius, and a motivation letter need to be submitted to the Mauritius Veterinary Committee.  This is usually issued within about 15 days.  Division of pet services:

A certificate of good health must be issued 3-4 days before the departure day by the departmental veterinary services in your country of residence.

The Import Permit

Once the final veterinary results are obtained, you can proceed to apply for the import permit with the Mauritian Veterinary Services in Reduit. The approval process usually takes 2 working days, and the processing fee is MUR 1,000.

You will need to provide all the details about your pet's arrival (date, time, flight number) to the veterinary authorities in Reduit at least 2-3 days before arrival. Upon arrival, your pet will be taken in at the airport, checked and then taken to quarantine. 

All original documents should be presented for your dog upon entry into Mauritius. If you are not able to present these documents, your pet will be either sent back to your country of origin or be euthanized.

Quarantine

The period required in quarantine varies depending on the country of origin.  e.g. pets from Europe are required to spend 5 days in quarantine, whereas pets from South Africa have to spend a month in quarantine. 

You are allowed to visit your pets between 09h00 and 14h00 daily.

The cost of quarantine is MUR 15 per day per animal and you are required to provide food for your pet. You may also leave a blanket / bed and toys.

At the end of the quarantine, you must register your pet with the MSAW in Rose Hill (MUR 500). Upon presentation of the registration document and proof of payment you will be able to take your pet out of quarantine.

The above information offers and overview of the process.  We recommend that you use a company that specializes in animal relocation for a smooth, hassle free process.  You will need a contact in your country of origin and in Mauritius.  Ensure that both sides of the journey are covered by your provider.

Some of our clients have recommended:  Global Paws Pet Travel

NOTE

Importation of the following breeds of dogs are not allowed into Mauritius:

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Staffordshire Terrier
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Blue Nose Pit Bull
  • Boerboel
  • Red Nose Pit Bull