For a long time, dogs have been known to be man’s best friend with many families keeping them for various reasons but mostly as pets for some company and for security purposes.
The love for pets has also seen a number of Kenyans importing animals from other countries, especially when searching for specific breeds or when relocating back to the country from abroad.
However, given international laws on the protection of animals and health concerns, the government has laid down a number of procedures to be followed during the exercise.
Most importantly, dogs and cats are the only animals that are allowed to be imported as pets.
A dog participates in training at Svalinn ranch in Montana.
Slavinn Working Dogs
According to the Ministry of Livestock, importing the animals requires documentation and clearance from various government bodies such as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
The documents required include an import permit from the veterinary department located in Kabete, a copy of the passport of the pet’s owner, a certificate of vaccination and a health certificate for the pet from a veterinarian.
“Import of dogs and cats is regulated by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) – who issues an import permit to ascertain the conditions outlined by the country of destination have been met, and that the animals are healthy and disease free,” the ministry explained.
Process
The first step involves contracting a clearing agent at the border with obtaining a customs entry being the second step.
At the customs level, one is required to pay various levies and taxes charged depending on the animal being imported. Dogs and cats are dutiable but exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT).
This is followed by submitting clearance documentation.
On achieving that, the consignment is then inspected with one required to obtain a live animal movement permit. This is followed by payment of destination inspection fees and verification of the consignment being imported.
“Apply for import health certificate and generate e-slip and pay for the health certificate,” the Ministery stated.
According to the Ministry, a health certificate is issued at a cost of Ksh1,000.
Finally, the taxman steps in with one expected to obtain an exit note and release note by the taxman.
It is estimated that the whole detailed process should take a minimum of three hours and a maximum of two days.
Imports from neighbouring countries can be processed from the Busia, Malaba, Lunga Lunga and Isebania border.
Kenya-Uganda border crossing post in Busia County.
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