Many foreigners relocating to Mauritius are often concerned about the process of bringing their pets along. We, at TBI, have been assisting several foreigners in relocating to Mauritius, whether through investment in a business or property, through occupation, or through retirement. Our services extend to families, individuals, investors, entrepreneurs among others. With over 10 years of working and living on the island, we provide assistance with all relocation-related matters, from finding a place to settle in or a property to invest in, choosing the right school, finding a pet relocation specialist, and others. This article explores the steps you need to take and matters you need to be aware of to abide by the Mauritius pet relocation requirements.
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1. Age and Residency Requirements
When relocating your pet to Mauritius, understanding the age and residency requirements is crucial to ensure that your pet meets the necessary criteria to travel. Mauritius has specific guidelines in place to ensure that pets are mature enough to endure the travel process, as well as the relocation itself.
Age Requirements
Mauritius requires that puppies and kittens be older than 7 months at the time of relocation. This is an important requirement as younger pets might not be physically or emotionally prepared for the stresses of travel. The age restriction helps ensure that the animal is fully mature and able to handle the potential discomforts of a long journey, which could include changes in climate, food, and routine.
Residency Requirements
In addition to the age criteria, pets being relocated from South Africa or other countries must have resided in the exporting country for a minimum of 6 months prior to relocation. This residency requirement helps minimize the risk of disease transmission and ensures that pets are well-adjusted and acclimatized to their current environment before making the journey to Mauritius.
2. Obtaining the Import Permit
One of the first steps in preparing for your pet’s relocation to Mauritius is obtaining an Import Permit from the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security. This permit is required for all pets traveling to Mauritius and must be obtained well in advance of the scheduled travel date.
Application Process
The Import Permit must be applied for at least three months prior to the pet’s departure from the exporting country. It is crucial to plan this step ahead of time, as processing the permit can take several weeks. Ensure that you have the necessary documents and that all your pet’s vaccinations and health requirements are up to date to avoid any delays in the application process.
Import Permit Conditions
Once granted, the Import Permit has strict conditions. For instance, all pets must arrive in Mauritius as manifest cargo. This means that pets cannot travel in the cabin with passengers or as excess luggage, but must be transported separately in the cargo hold.
Additionally, you will need to provide the coordinates of a local broker who will assist in the clearance of your pet upon arrival in Mauritius. This ensures that the importation process is smooth, and your pet can be cleared and taken to quarantine without unnecessary delays.
3. Health Certification and Vaccination Protocols
Ensuring your pet’s health and vaccination history is up to date is one of the most crucial aspects of the relocation process. The Mauritian authorities require all pets entering the country to have a valid health certificate and vaccination records to ensure they do not pose a risk to local animal populations.
International Veterinary Certificate
When your pet arrives in Mauritius, it must be accompanied by an International Veterinary Certificate. This certificate is issued by the competent authority of the exporting country and confirms that the pet is free from diseases that could affect Mauritius’ native wildlife. The certificate must also state that the pet has received the necessary vaccinations, including the rabies vaccination.
The International Veterinary Certificate must be obtained within 7 days of departure.
Ensure that the certificate is endorsed by the appropriate authority and provides accurate information about the pet’s health status, including recent treatments and vaccinations.
Vaccination Protocols
Vaccinations are critical for the safe relocation of your pet to Mauritius. A key requirement is that pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure that your pet’s other vaccinations, such as those for distemper, parvovirus, and leptospirosis, are up to date.
Moreover, pets must also receive parasite treatments (for ticks, fleas, and worms) within a certain timeframe prior to travel. These treatments must be documented in the health certificate, as Mauritius has strict rules regarding the import of parasites and disease vectors.
Prohibited Breeds
While Mauritius has a relatively pet-friendly environment, there are restrictions on certain dog breeds. Dangerous breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, and Staffordshire Terrier are prohibited from entering the country. According to the Animal Welfare Act of 2013, other breeds such as Cane Corso, Dobermann, and Rottweiler are also considered dangerous and may only be allowed under strict conditions (typically purebred only).
Before initiating the relocation process, ensure that your pet’s breed is not on the prohibited or restricted list.
4. Microchip Compliance and Identification
To ensure proper identification and tracking of your pet during their relocation, Mauritius requires that all pets be microchipped. Microchips are essential for preventing mix-ups and ensuring that lost pets can be returned to their owners.
Microchipping Process
The microchip must be implanted before or concurrently with the rabies vaccination, as per the regulations of Mauritius. Make sure that the microchip complies with the ISO standard (11784/11785), which ensures that it is universally readable by veterinary clinics and authorities.
Your pet’s microchip number will be recorded in the International Veterinary Certificate and used for identification during quarantine and the importation process.
Registration
Once in Mauritius, ensure that your pet’s microchip is registered with the local authorities. This will help with tracking and maintaining your pet’s records in case of emergencies.
5. Post-Arrival Quarantine and Health Requirements
Upon arrival in Mauritius, pets are subject to a mandatory quarantine period. This step ensures that pets are free of any infectious diseases that could pose a threat to local animals or ecosystems. The length and details of the quarantine process are outlined by the Animal Health Unit of Mauritius.
Quarantine Duration
The minimum quarantine period for pets arriving in Mauritius is 5 days. This allows enough time for the authorities to confirm that the pet complies with all health and vaccination regulations. Pets may be held in quarantine longer if there are any concerns about their health or if their paperwork is incomplete.
Post-Arrival Health Certification
Along with the importation documents, your pet must also be accompanied by a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the exporting country. The certificate should confirm that the pet has been treated for ectoparasites (external parasites like fleas and ticks) and has undergone necessary health checks before departure.
During the quarantine period, your pet will be monitored for any signs of illness. Once the quarantine period is over, your pet will be cleared for release.
Registering Your Pet
After your pet is released from quarantine, it is essential to register your dog with the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW). This ensures that you comply with local regulatory requirements and gives your pet access to essential services like vaccinations and health care.
Final Considerations
Relocating your pet to Mauritius involves careful planning and attention to detail. The 5 key requirements discussed above are designed to ensure that pets are healthy, safe, and compliant with the country’s regulations. Following these steps will help you avoid delays, fines, and complications during the relocation process, ensuring that both you and your pet can settle into your new life on the island with ease.
Here’s a quick summary of the key steps:
Age and Residency Requirements: Ensure your pet is over 7 months old and has resided in the exporting country for at least 6 months.
Obtaining the Import Permit: Apply for the permit at least 3 months before departure.
Health Certification and Vaccinations: Ensure all vaccinations are up to date and obtain an International Veterinary Certificate.
Microchip Compliance: Microchip your pet before or at the time of the rabies vaccination and ensure the microchip meets ISO standards.
Post-Arrival Quarantine and Health Checks: Your pet will undergo at least 5 days of quarantine, and you must register your dog with the Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare.
By following these guidelines and working with a professional pet relocation service, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation to Mauritius for your pet. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact relocation specialists who can guide you through the process and help you with every step of the way.
