Pets in Egypt, How to Bring a Cat or Dog and What to Know

Can you bring a pet to Egypt

Yes, cats and dogs can enter Egypt with their owner. The main condition is a veterinary certificate issued by the state veterinary service of the departure country. If the animal travels with you as baggage or in the cabin, a separate import permit is usually not required, according to pet travel services.

Requirements change from time to time, and airlines add their own rules. So one or two months before the trip, check the conditions with the Egyptian embassy or consulate, the state veterinary service of your country and the airline.

Documents and vaccinations

Start preparing early, as some steps take weeks. From Russia, for example, the procedure is this: the Form 1 certificate is issued by the district animal disease control station no earlier than five days before departure, and at the airport veterinary control it is exchanged for the international Form 5a certificate. Residents of other countries can learn the procedure from their state veterinary service.

• Rabies vaccination. It is given no later than 30 days before entry and must still be valid at the time of travel.
• Rabies antibody test. According to Rosselkhoznadzor in May 2025, the certificate for Egypt must show a test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Blood is taken after the vaccination, and the laboratory result takes 5 to 14 days, so allow time.
• Other vaccinations. Dogs usually get a combined vaccine against distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptospirosis, cats against panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.
• Microchip. Not every source calls it mandatory for Egypt, but it is strongly recommended, especially if your route includes a transfer in another country.
• Veterinary certificate. It is issued shortly before departure. Sources give a period of 10 to 14 days, so go by the shorter one.

Flying with a cat or dog

Many airlines take a small cat or dog in the cabin if the weight with the carrier is no more than about 8 kg and the carrier fits under the seat. Larger animals travel in the hold or as cargo. The number of animals per flight is limited, so tell the airline about your pet when you buy the ticket.

Summer in Egypt is very hot, and a flight in the hold is hard on animals, especially short-nosed breeds. Choose a direct flight in the morning or evening, get your pet used to the carrier in advance and do not give sedatives without advice from a vet. On arrival a vet at the airport may examine the animal and check the documents.

Dogs and the licensing law

Egypt has Law No. 29 of 2023 on keeping dangerous animals and dogs. You may keep a dog only with a licence from the veterinary directorate where you live, and the owner must be at least 18. The dog is entered into a database, and the owner receives a card with its number and details. The law does not require such a licence for cats.

On walks a dog must wear a muzzle and be on a lead. In 2025 the government cut the list of banned breeds to three rare mastiff-type breeds, while pit bulls may be kept under strict conditions: a muzzle and vaccinations under veterinary supervision. If you are bringing a large dog, check in advance whether its breed is restricted. Keeping a dog without a licence can lead to a large fine and even imprisonment.

Vets in Cairo and Hurghada

Cairo has many veterinary clinics, and in districts where foreigners live, such as Maadi, Zamalek and New Cairo, staff often speak English. Many clinics offer vaccinations, sterilisation, tests and grooming, and some are open around the clock. Hurghada has fewer clinics, but basic care, vaccinations and sterilisation are available.

Find a clinic before you urgently need one and save its number. Ask compatriots which vet they use, and keep the pet passport with vaccination records: you will need it both for a dog licence and for leaving the country.

Food, litter and the heat

Dry and wet food from well-known international brands is sold in Egypt in pet shops, large supermarkets and online, but usually costs more than at home. If your pet needs a special diet or medicine, bring a supply for the first weeks and ask a vet about local alternatives.

In summer the heat is dangerous for animals. Walk your dog early in the morning and late in the evening when the asphalt has cooled, keep fresh water at home and never leave a pet in a car. Treat your animal against fleas and ticks regularly, especially if it goes outside.

Street animals and rabies

There are very many stray dogs and cats on the streets of Egypt. In May 2026 the government announced a plan under the «Egypt Rabies-Free 2030» strategy: animals are caught, sterilised, vaccinated and returned to their area or sent to shelters. Many people like to feed and pet street animals, but do it carefully, especially with children.

Rabies exists in Egypt, and dogs carry it most often. If an animal bites or badly scratches you, wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and go to a hospital the same day for a course of vaccinations. According to officials, the state spends about 1.2 billion pounds a year on free vaccines and serums for victims, but it is better to check availability at the nearest hospital. Read more about hospitals in our article medicine in Egypt.

Thinking of taking in a street kitten or puppy? First show it to a vet, get it vaccinated and treated against parasites.

If you leave Egypt with your pet

To fly out of Egypt you need an Egyptian veterinary certificate. It is issued through the veterinary service of Egypt (the General Organization for Veterinary Services), and before departure the veterinary quarantine checks the animal and the documents. The procedure can take several working days, so do not leave it to the last moment.

The key rule is that the country you are flying to sets the requirements. Some countries ask for an antibody test done several months before entry, so if you are moving to Europe or another country with strict rules, study them six months ahead.

Tullab for pet owners

Carriers, scratching posts, bowls, food and other pet supplies are sold and given away in pet supplies, and kittens and adult cats looking for a home can be found in cats.

Leaving and looking for a good home for your pet, or selling a carrier after the move? Post a free ad and describe the age, health and vaccinations of the animal honestly.