Morocco (MA)
Morocco is a gateway between Europe and Africa — a kingdom of extraordinary diversity combining ancient imperial cities (Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, Rabat), dramatic Atlas Mountain ranges, Sahara Desert dunes, Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, and a growing cosmopolitan expat scene.
Bringing Pets to Morocco
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
💰 Costs
ONSSA import permit: 200–500 MAD. Veterinary health certificate from home country: 50–200 EUR (includes vet exam and official endorsement). Airline pet transport fees: 100–500 EUR (in-cabin) or 200–800 EUR (cargo hold) depending on airline and route. Veterinary check on arrival: 200–400 MAD. Total estimated entry cost: 500–1,500 EUR (varies significantly by origin country and airline).
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
No national annual dog tax in Morocco. Dog registration is required at municipality level in most Moroccan cities. Process: visit your local commune/arrondissement with veterinary vaccination certificate and proof of address. Microchip registration is part of this process. Annual registration fee: 100–300 MAD. Dogs found unregistered may be seized — particularly during periodic municipal campaigns to control stray animals.
Morocco has a well-developed private veterinary sector in major cities. Vets registered with OMVMA (Ordre des Médecins Vétérinaires du Maroc) — the professional regulatory body. Find OMVMA-registered vets at omvma.ma. Most private vets in Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech speak French; English-speaking vets available in tourist areas and expat neighbourhoods. Quality: generally good for routine care; complex surgeries may require Casablanca specialist clinics. 24-hour emergency veterinary clinics available in Casablanca and Rabat.
📋 Relocation Process
1. Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard, 15-digit) if not already done. 2. Get rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel — certificate must show batch number, expiry date, manufacturer, and veterinarian details. 3. For dogs from non-approved countries: titre test (FAVN/RNAT — fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation test) may be required to prove rabies antibody level. Allow 30+ days for results. 4. Obtain official health certificate from a licensed veterinarian in your home country, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (e.g., APHA in UK, USDA in USA, ACERSA in France). Must be issued within 10 days of travel. 5. Apply for ONSSA import permit: apply online at onssa.gov.ma or contact ONSSA directly at Direction de la Santé Animale. Provide: health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, microchip certificate, owner's passport copy. 6. Dogs: anti-tapeworm treatment (Praziquantel/Echinoccocus) must be administered 24–120 hours before arrival — document in health certificate. 7. At Casablanca airport: proceed to ONSSA veterinary checkpoint with all documents. Inspector verifies microchip and documents. If complete: immediate clearance. If missing documents: pet may be held for inspection or refused entry.
Morocco is NOT a rabies-free country — rabies is present in the local dog and bat population. Ensure your pet's rabies vaccination is always current and documented. Keep pets away from stray animals (street cats and dogs are very numerous in Moroccan cities). When leaving Morocco with your pets to return to the EU: you will need an ONSSA export health certificate (at least 10 days before departure) and a titre test if your pet will re-enter a country requiring rabies titre test. For UK re-entry: pets must have rabies titre test 30+ days before UK entry — plan well in advance. For France: TRACES system documentation via French vet in Morocco or ONSSA (France is very strict on documentation). Pet-friendly accommodation: Moroccan riads and many villas accept pets — verify in advance. Standard Moroccan apartments and hotels: varies, ask specifically about pets before booking.