Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Togo with your dog, cat, or other pet is not something to be improvised. The country is generally welcoming to animals, but it enforces specific health regulations, and the local context (tropical climate, diseases, veterinary services) requires careful planning. From mandatory documents and vaccination requirements to choosing an airline and finding pet-friendly housing, every step must be anticipated.
Good to know:
For any expatriation project with a pet to Togo, it is essential to meet the official requirements: a health certificate, up-to-date vaccination records, and an import permit. The local market offers veterinary services, specific foods, and accommodation facilities, but costs may vary. Be sure to plan ahead for administrative procedures, budget accordingly, and verify air transport conditions (approved crate, temperature, flight duration). Animal health requires special vigilance against tropical parasites and local diseases.
Understanding the general framework for importing animals into Togo
First and foremost, keep in mind that the rules described apply to dogs and cats, including service animals. They do not apply to hybrids such as wolf-dogs, Savannahs, or Bengals, unless they are at least five generations removed from the wild ancestor. Togo does not publish an official list of banned dog breeds, but the owner is solely responsible for the animal’s behavior.
Caution:
Togo follows ECOWAS standards for importing animals but is classified as a high-risk rabies country by the WOAH. Entry without quarantine is possible if conditions are met, but any non-compliant animal may be quarantined, returned, or euthanized at the owner’s expense.
Pets entering Togo can only come by air, via the international airport of Lomé-Tokoin, located in the capital. Whether the dog or cat travels in the hold as cargo or as accompanied baggage, the procedure is the same: veterinary inspection on arrival, document verification, and, if necessary, a thorough examination by an official veterinarian.
Tip:
It is recommended to choose a direct flight to Lomé, provided the duration is compatible with animal welfare. If a layover is necessary, it should be as short as possible, ideally without changing airlines. A layover in the European Union may impose additional requirements for the trip or a potential return.
An often overlooked point: you are required to notify in advance the veterinary services at Lomé airport so they can be available when the animal arrives. This advance notice is particularly crucial if the flight lands outside regular working hours. If there is any doubt about the animal’s health, the official veterinarian may order a more thorough examination, the costs of which are entirely borne by the owner.
Microchip, identification, and the animal’s “passport” file
Togo does not make microchipping mandatory, but it is strongly recommended. In practice, traveling with a dog or cat that is not electronically identified is now unreasonable, especially if the animal must transit through a country with stricter rules (European Union, North America, etc.).
Example:
The ideal is to implant a 15-digit microchip compliant with ISO 11784 or 11785 (Annex A). All of the animal’s documents must then exactly mention this number, without error. If the chip is not compatible with these standards, the owner must generally provide a compatible reader. Implantation can be done by a veterinarian, a veterinary clinic, or specifically trained personnel.
Additionally, it is always recommended to keep visible identification (tag or collar) with the owner’s contact information. In a country where digital coverage may be uneven depending on the area, a tag with a local number and an on-site address can make a difference in case the animal gets lost.
The “passport” for Togo: content and logic
Even though Togo does not issue a passport in the European sense, authorities and many carriers consider that an animal’s “passport” should include several elements:
Required documents for importing an animal
List of documents needed to import a pet, including identification, vaccinations, and official authorizations.
Provide proof of microchip or other reliable identification.
Provide proof of a current rabies vaccination.
Obtain a health certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection).
Provide a copy of the import permit when required.
The important thing is not just to gather these documents, but to ensure their consistency: same name, description, microchip number, and compliant chronology (the rabies vaccination date cannot precede the microchip implantation date when mandatory in the country of origin or transit).
Mandatory and recommended vaccinations: the special case of rabies
The central requirement for dogs and cats entering Togo remains rabies vaccination. All sources agree: the vaccination must be given at least 21 days before the animal’s arrival in the country. Some documents mention 30 days as a minimum threshold and 12 months as the validity period, which matches the classic schedule for many rabies vaccines. In any case, it is best to allow a safety margin (4 weeks before departure) and check the validity period on the vaccination record.
12
Puppies and kittens must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving their first rabies vaccine, a requirement for importation into Togo.
Other required or recommended vaccinations
Beyond rabies, Togo recommends a full set of vaccines for dogs and cats:
| Species | Recommended vaccines (in addition to rabies) |
|---|---|
| Dog | Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis |
| Cat | Feline Panleukopenia, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Feline Leukemia |
These vaccinations are not systematically checked at the border, but they are explicitly mentioned in official recommendations and in standard certificates. The veterinarian must record them on the international health certificate, according to the protocols in effect in the country of departure.
For antiparasitic treatments (internal and external), they are recommended but not mandatory for entry into Togo. However, some standard certificates provide for a treatment attestation within 15 days prior to travel. Given the presence of parasites like Echinococcus multilocularis in some parts of the world, it is sensible to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Rabies serological test: not required by Togo, decisive for a return
Togo does not require a rabies titer test (serological test) for a dog or cat entering, regardless of the country of origin. However, two points should be noted:
Caution:
According to the WOAH, Togo is classified as a high-risk rabies country. For a return to the European Union or certain other countries, a valid serological test, performed before departure or at least 30 days after vaccination, is almost always required, sometimes with a three-month waiting period before entry.
In practice, for expatriates coming from the EU and planning to return, it is strongly advised to have this test done before leaving Europe. If not done beforehand, it is still possible to do it from Togo, but the process will be more cumbersome: local sample collection, shipment to an approved laboratory abroad, waiting times for results, and regulatory quarantine upon return.
Health certificate: a key document with tight deadlines
The original health certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection) is mandatory for any live animal entering Togo. It must be issued by an accredited veterinarian in the country of origin, then endorsed by the official veterinary authority (Ministry of Agriculture, equivalent of the state veterinary service).
Several points are imperative:
Good to know:
The certificate must be issued 3 to 5 days before the flight (no more than 3 days before entry, with 10 days of validity). It must accurately describe the animal (name, species, breed, sex, approximate date of birth, color, microchip number and location). The veterinarian must attest to the absence of signs of contagious disease during the examination, fitness for transport, and often the absence of contagious disease for at least six weeks before departure.
The certificate must be clear, legible, and complete. In some exporting countries (e.g., the United States), official endorsement is done on a paper form with an embossed seal and ink signature by a specialized office (APHIS). It is essential to check the processing time for this official visa, which can add several days to the preparation.
Import permit: required in most cases
In addition to the health certificate, Togo requires an import permit for dogs and cats, to be requested before travel. Sometimes referred to as “import authorization” or “import permit.” However, there is an important exception: some countries are exempt from this requirement.
Here are the main countries from which a dog or cat can enter Togo without a specific import permit:
| Countries exempt from import permit |
|---|
| Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, France, French overseas departments and territories (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Mayotte, Reunion, French Polynesia, New Caledonia), Gabon, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal |
For other origins (USA, Canada, UK, Asian countries, etc.), you must absolutely submit a request to the Togolese veterinary services, generally the Directorate of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture. Some forms require this request to be made at least one week before departure. In practice, it is better to start much earlier to be able to respond to any requests for additional documents.
Airlines, transport crates, and travel options
Several commercial airlines serve Togo and accept pets: Air France, ASKY Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, among others. Each applies its own policy regarding size, weight, breed, season, layovers or the presence of animals in the cabin.
The general rule: contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure, ideally when booking, to check:
– The maximum number of animals allowed on the flight.
– The mode of transport (cabin or hold).
– The maximum dimensions and weight of the container.
– The associated fees.
Examples of cabin and hold transport rules
Some airlines, such as Ethiopian Airlines (which serves the region), accept pets in the cabin under very specific conditions. On a Q‑400 aircraft, the soft-sided bag or crate must not exceed approximately 55 x 40 x 20 cm, with a total weight of animal + container of 8 kg maximum. Beyond that, the dog or cat must travel in the hold in a rigid crate.
120
The fee in euros for cabin transport of an animal under 8 kg on an Ethiopian Airlines international route, one-way.
The general IATA rules for transport crates are widely adopted by airlines:
– Rigid plastic or fiberglass shell.
– No wheels (or wheels removed or taped).
– Sufficient height for the animal to stand upright with head raised, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
– Double bowl (water + food) attached inside the door, accessible from the outside without opening the crate.
– Strong fastenings and non-toxic materials.
Caution:
Two adults of comparable size (≤14 kg each) may travel together if they cohabit. Up to three weaned puppies or kittens from the same litter, under 6 months old and ≤14 kg each, are also allowed. Note: some laws require only one animal per crate, except for a female with her litter.
Sedation, well-being, and transit
International guidelines advise against routine sedation of an animal for air travel, due to risks to blood pressure, respiration, and thermoregulation at altitude. If mild sedation is deemed necessary by the veterinarian (anxious animal, specific condition), the type of product, dose, and time of administration must be recorded on the health certificate.
Furthermore, for a long journey to Lomé with a layover, it is preferable to stay with the same airline for the entire route, to limit transit time, and to ensure the layover airport provides a suitable environment (animal areas, air-conditioned rooms, specific handling procedures).
Cost of expatriating with a pet to Togo: order of magnitude
Costs vary greatly depending on origin (North America, Europe, West Africa), animal size, mode of travel (cabin, hold, cargo freight), whether or not you use a specialized pet shipper, and the desired level of service.
General data on pet relocations between the United States and Africa indicate an overall range from about $2,795 to $7,995 for a “packaged” service including microchip, health certificate, air transport, and terminal services. So-called “VIP” services may include door-to-door service (from home of origin to destination housing), complete administrative procedures, and customs management.
Example:
Some relocation companies detail their typical direct expenses, offering a concrete overview of their cost structure.
| Expense item (international example, not Togo-specific) | Indicative range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Veterinary consultations and vaccines | 500 and up |
| Health certificate and endorsement fees (USDA/FedEx) | 226 – 250 |
| Plastic crate (small/medium sizes) | 150 – 300 |
| Custom wooden crate (large breeds) | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Long-distance road transport | 500 – 3,000+ |
| Domestic flight (USA) | ~350 |
| International air freight | 900 – 3,000+ |
| Airport check-in services | 250 – 450 |
| Customs formalities and import | 550 – 750 |
| Kennel boarding | 30 – 50 / night |
Some companies charge management fees ranging from $1,995 to $3,500 for the first pet, plus $500 per additional pet, independent of these costs.
For an owner who organizes the trip to Lomé independently, the total bill will often be lower but still significant: purchase of an approved crate ($70 to $450 depending on size), veterinary visits, official certificates, pet airline tickets (several hundred euros per international leg), possibly road transport to the departure airport, and upon arrival, taxi and local formalities.
Animal health and infectious risks in Togo
Expatriating with a pet to a tropical country requires not only considering entry requirements but also local health risks. Togo has a high incidence of certain zoonoses (diseases transmissible from animals to humans), including brucellosis, tuberculosis, cysticercosis, and rabies. A national rabies eradication program has been implemented, but the disease remains a major public health concern.
Good to know:
The country faces neglected tropical diseases (onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, helminthiasis) affecting mainly rural areas. Although these pathologies primarily affect humans, their vectors (mosquitoes, flies, freshwater snails) can also impact animals.
Climate, mosquitoes, and vector-borne diseases
Togo has a hot and humid climate, with a long rainy season (May to October in the south, about July to October in some descriptions) and a dry season marked by the harmattan, a Saharan wind that blows from December to February, bringing dust and sand. Temperatures can range between 20 and 30 °C on the coast and rise to 40 °C inland, with nights that can drop to around 15 °C.
Tip:
This climate promotes an abundance of mosquitoes that are vectors of various diseases (malaria in humans, arboviruses). For animals, protection against bites (insect repellent collars, spot-on treatments, systemic tablets, mosquito nets over resting areas) is a topic to discuss with the local veterinarian.
Even though animal vaccines against these vectors are not available as for some human diseases, reducing exposure to insects and parasites (ticks, fleas, worms) remains essential, especially for dogs living outdoors or semi-ferally.
Veterinarians, clinics, and pharmacies: where to treat your pet in Togo?
The question “are there good vets on the ground?” often comes up in expat discussions. In Lomé and some larger towns like Kpalimé, you can find private facilities that are well-equipped.
In Lomé: a reference clinical hub
“Groupe Agro Expertise”, located in Kégué near the Kélégougan interchange (behind the Kélégougan public primary school), includes a small animal clinic, a laboratory, and medical imaging services. The “Saintes Véronique et Brigitte” clinic, recently inaugurated, presents itself as a regional reference facility, equipped with modern tools for surgery, biological analyses (biochemistry, hematology, parasitology, microbiology, immunology), and imaging.
Announced opening hours are typically:
| Day | Indicative hours (Kégué, Lomé) |
|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:00 – 16:00 |
| Weekend | Closed |
Several phone numbers are available for technical assistance or administrative queries, allowing you to plan follow-ups, schedule booster vaccinations, or non-urgent procedures.
Other veterinary practices
Also in Lomé, a practice named “PHAVP” is located near the “EPP Gakli” bus stop and the Aflao-Gakli Protestant parish. This location, a few kilometers from the British School of Lomé, may interest expatriate families with children attending that school.
Good to know:
Cabinet Vétérinaire Véto Confiance is located in Kpalimé, in the Plateaux region, about 120 km north of Lomé near the Ghanaian border. It is close to the Celidem clinic and the Kpalimé-Fiwokpo bus station, making it a convenient landmark for residents or future residents of this greener, cooler area.
In addition to clinics, several veterinary pharmacies exist in Lomé, such as “PHARMACIE VETERINAIRE LA SAGESSE” in Adidogomé-Sagbado, and “PHARMA VETO Sarl” opposite the Clinique Internationale Dr KODOM in Aflao-Gakli. They supply medications, antiparasitics, vaccines, and specialized pet food.
Relationship with the local veterinarian
Recommendations for expatriates mention the importance of registering quickly with a local veterinarian upon arrival. In Togo, clinics are often accustomed to monitoring vaccination records and sending reminders for rabies or other vaccine renewals. This practitioner can also:
Good to know:
The veterinarian can advise you on antiparasitic protection suited to your pet’s lifestyle, help you put together the file for a return or a move to another African country, and intervene in case of a bite, accident, or suspicion of a transmissible disease.
Food and the pet food market: finding suitable nutrition
The pet food market in Togo remains modest but is slowly growing. Available products mainly concern dogs and cats, with some food for birds, rodents, or reptiles. Farm animal feed is not included in these statistics.
Available data indicate that demand for pet food has increased by an average of 2.4% per year since the late 1990s. Pet food imports were around 244 tons in the early 2020s, with a projection of about 279.6 tons in the near future. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of food imports, including kibble or frozen dog food, remains modest but positive (around 0.6% over certain periods).
Several factors hinder this market: low internet penetration in some areas, mistrust of online shopping, and price sensitivity in a constrained economic context. Nevertheless, the growing number of pet owners and increasing awareness of the importance of quality nutrition are creating an expanding market.
For an expatriate, this means:
– It is possible to buy kibble and wet food, including international brands (e.g., “Cesar” for dogs).
– Supply may be limited outside Lomé and major towns.
– It may be wise to anticipate shortages or plan a gradual dietary transition upon arrival.
The use of local online pet stores to order kibble is developing but remains dependent on connection quality and logistics in the residential area.
Housing and daily life with a pet in Togo
For many expatriates, one of the major difficulties is not so much the regulatory entry of the animal but finding accommodation that accepts dogs and cats. Recent data on rentals in Togo show a growing supply of pet-friendly housing, especially in the Maritime region and Lomé.
Good to know:
Several platforms offer villas, apartments, and guesthouses that accept pets, with private gardens, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, parking, and sometimes a pool. Spacious villas for large dogs are available both in the city and in rural areas, such as the Agou region.
Again, caution is advised: carefully read the specific conditions related to animals (deposit, size or number limitations, possible breed restrictions), check for fenced outdoor spaces, and ensure proximity to walking areas (beaches, parks, peripheral paths). Togolese beaches are not very suitable for human swimming due to strong currents and rip tides, but they can offer morning walking spaces for a dog, provided safety and local guidelines are respected.
Other animals (birds, reptiles, rodents…): a more vague framework
The detailed rules above mainly apply to dogs and cats. For other companion species (parrots, turtles, reptiles, tropical fish, rodents, rabbits, amphibians, invertebrates), Togo does not require rabies vaccination nor does it publish an exhaustive list of documents.
However, several points should be noted:
Caution:
A veterinary health certificate is strongly recommended (required by some airlines), and for non-domestic or exotic animals (parrots, turtles, rare reptiles), CITES export and import permits are mandatory. Traveling without these permits exposes you to seizures, penalties, or confiscation of the animal in the over 180 countries that enforce CITES.
An expatriate wishing to bring a parrot or a turtle should therefore thoroughly check with the CITES authorities in their country of origin and in Togo, as well as with the airlines, well before departure.
Human risks and human-animal interactions: the issue of rabies and bites
Since Togo is a high-risk rabies country, caution is also needed for humans. International health authorities often recommend pre-exposure rabies vaccination for people likely to have regular contact with animals, children, and long-term travelers in rural areas.
Caution:
On the ground, avoid any unnecessary contact with stray animals (dogs, cats, monkeys, bats). In case of a bite or scratch, consult a doctor promptly even if vaccinated. When expatriating with a pet, monitor its interactions with local wildlife to reduce the risk of fights, bites, and diseases.
Return or new expatriation: plan ahead upon arrival in Togo
An often underestimated point is preparing for the “return trip” or a future move to another country. European, North American, or Oceanian authorities sometimes impose stricter conditions for an animal coming from a high-risk rabies country.
To avoid being stuck or forced to leave your pet behind, it is strongly recommended to:
Tip:
To travel smoothly with your pet, maintain a strict vaccination schedule including up-to-date rabies boosters, all properly documented. Upon settling in, discuss the requirements of the destination country with a Togolese veterinarian. If necessary, schedule a rabies titer test at an approved laboratory, respecting regulatory deadlines before departure.
Furthermore, if the animal and its owner stay in another country for more than 30 days before returning to Togo, the Togolese authorities generally consider that a new health certificate issued in that country is required for the return.
In summary: preparing a successful expatriation with a pet to Togo
Moving to Togo with your dog, cat, or other companion is entirely possible, provided you approach the project methodically:
Tip:
Check official requirements in advance (vaccinations, import permit, health certificate). Carefully choose the air route and airline, favoring a direct flight to Lomé-Tokoin when possible. Invest in an approved, comfortable, and appropriately sized transport crate. Plan a realistic budget, taking into account veterinary fees, administrative procedures, and transport. Identify a trusted veterinarian in Lomé or the area where you will settle, to ensure your pet’s follow-up and prepare for any future moves. Anticipate local health risks (rabies, parasites, tropical climate) and adapt prevention accordingly.
Togo is often described as a welcoming destination for pets, and modern veterinary facilities are improving in Lomé and some inland towns. With rigorous preparation and a good understanding of the rules, expatriation with a pet is not only possible but can go smoothly, for both the owner and the four-legged companion.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
