Sri Lanka (LK)
Sri Lanka is South Asia's most beloved island destination — a tropical tear-drop off India's southern tip offering ancient Buddhist temples, colonial hill stations, spice gardens, surf beaches, and world-renowned tea.
Bringing Pets to Sri Lanka
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
💰 Costs
Import permit (DAPH): LKR 5,000–10,000. Quarantine facility fees: LKR 3,000–8,000/day for 14–21 days (minimum LKR 42,000–168,000 total). Veterinary inspection on arrival: LKR 5,000–10,000. International health certificate and endorsement: USD 50–200 depending on origin country. Airline pet cargo fees: USD 200–600 for international flights to Colombo (CMB). Annual vet check-up in Sri Lanka: LKR 3,000–8,000.
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
Dog licence required from your local Municipal Council or Pradeshiya Sabha. Annual licence fee: LKR 500–2,000 depending on municipality. Dog must be vaccinated against rabies for the licence. Register within 30 days of arrival with your pet. Unlicensed dogs can be impounded.
Sri Lanka has a well-developed private veterinary sector in Colombo. Recommended: Nawala Veterinary Centre, Colombo Veterinary Clinic (Rajagiriya), Animal Medical Centre (Nawala), Pets Lanka (Nugegoda). Annual check-up and rabies booster: LKR 3,000–8,000. Emergency vet available 24/7 at Lanka Veterinary Hospital, Colombo 10. Flea and tick prevention is essential — use veterinary-grade products as Sri Lanka has year-round parasite pressure.
📋 Relocation Process
1. Apply for an Import Permit from the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), 40 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 8 (daph.gov.lk) — allow 4–8 weeks for approval. 2. Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard). 3. Complete all required vaccinations, including rabies at least 30 days before travel. 4. Obtain a blood titre test (rabies neutralising antibody test, RNATT) — minimum 0.5 IU/mL required, must be done at an approved laboratory. 5. Get an official veterinary health certificate from a government-approved vet in your country, endorsed by the competent authority (USDA APHIS, DEFRA, or equivalent). 6. Arrange flight to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). 7. On arrival: pet undergoes mandatory quarantine at the DAPH Quarantine Centre, Katunayake — typically 14–21 days. 8. After quarantine clearance, collect your pet and register with a local vet.
Sri Lanka is one of the more strict countries for pet importation in South Asia. The mandatory quarantine at Katunayake cannot be waived regardless of vaccination status or country of origin. Plan at least 3–4 months ahead for the full permit and documentation process. Dogs and cats are the most commonly imported pets. Exotic animals (reptiles, birds, primates) face additional CITES regulations and may be prohibited. The Poya (full moon) holiday schedule means DAPH offices are closed on those days — factor this into your timeline. PickMe (ride app) does not allow pets; taxis are the practical option for airport collection. Dog parks are rare in Sri Lanka — areas like Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo allow dogs on leads.