Traveling to Cabo Verde with Pets

Enjoy your holiday in Cabo Verde with your pet

Traveling to Cabo Verde with pets is possible. So, if you’re a pet owner who values the company of your furry friend during trips, simply follow a few guidelines to enjoy your holiday together.

Cabo Verde does not require a quarantine period for pets arriving from most countries, provided that all health requirements are met. However, it is essential to check the latest guidelines with the airlines, as rules may change.

Traveling to Cabo Verde from the European Union

For dogs and cats owned by EU residents traveling to Cabo Verde, it is generally advised that they have:

• A microchip compatible with the ISO 11784/11785 standard;
• A European Union pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian;
• A travel certificate or an EU health certificate validating rabies vaccination
• Animal passport or veterinary certificate: with information on vaccinations and the animal's general health status;
• Up-to-date vaccinations and deworming (especially against the intestinal parasite Echinococcus);
• Antibody titration - a blood test that confirms immunity against rabies. This titration is crucial to be able to return to the European Union with your pet.

Upon returning to the EU, some countries require animal checks at designated Traveller Entry Points, necessitating a Notice of Arrival.

Traveling to Cabo Verde from Brazil

For pets belonging to Brazilian citizens, the following health conditions must be met:

• Valid rabies vaccination performed at least 30 days before entering Cabo Verde;
• Vaccination against Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, and Infectious Hepatitis;
• Internal and external deworming, with the date specified;
• Vaccination card and a valid health certificate issued by Brazil’s Official Veterinary Authority, according to the international model of the World Organisation for Animal Health.

Brazilian travellers must send the documents attesting to these health conditions to the Embassy or Consulate in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo for an official certificate to authorise the animal to travel.

The easiest way to ensure the required documentation is through travel consultations, which many veterinarians offer.

Remember that you also need to gather information from the airline you will be traveling with. Depending on your pet's weight, the journey can be made either in the cabin or the aircraft's hold.

For example, Cabo Verde Airlines sets the pet's weight limit at 8 kg, including the transport crate, which must have dimensions of 55x40x20 cm. If the pet exceeds this weight and size, they must be transported in the hold, where they are placed in a ventilated area. The exception is guide dogs, which may accompany the passenger in the cabin, provided they wear a collar, muzzle, and meet the country's health entry requirements.

Veterinarians in Cabo Verde

In Cabo Verde, you will find veterinarians registered with the Order of Veterinarians on the islands of Fogo, Boa Vista, Sal, Santiago, Santo Antão, and São Vicente.

Therefore, for any health issues that may arise, you can access medical services provided by specialised professionals.

Tips for traveling to Cabo Verde with your pet

Traveling to Cabo Verde with your pet requires preparation and planning. Here are some tips:

Schedule a travel consultation: Speak to your vet and request a travel consultation to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.

Contact the airline: Confirm the conditions for transporting your pet, such as the carrier size, weight limits for cabin travel, and the required documents.

Get your pet used to the carrier: This will help reduce stress during the flight.

Maintain a routine: As the trip approaches, try to keep feeding and walking routines as normal as possible.

Hydration and feeding: Ensure your pet is well-hydrated and fed before the journey, but avoid feeding them immediately before the flight to prevent any discomfort.

Identification: In addition to the microchip, put a collar with an identification tag, including your contact information.

Accommodation and Tours

• Pet-friendly hotels: confirm whether the hotel or resort accepts pets. Some options on islands such as Sal and Boa Vista offer this flexibility.
• Tours: avoid exposing your pet to intense heat during peak hours. Beaches early in the morning or late in the afternoon are ideal.

Extra Care

• Weather: The heat can be intense, so bring water and protect your pet from the sun.
• Local veterinarians: find veterinary clinics near your destination.
• Safety: always keep your pet on a leash in public places.