Pet travel guide 2026
Traveling to Morocco with Pets
Import requirements, pet-friendly hotels, airline policies, and what you need to bring your dog or cat to Morocco safely.
Photograph: Miguel Discart, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Start paperwork
- 6 weeks before travel
- Rabies jab
- 30 days to 12 months before
- Health certificate
- Within 10 days of departure
- Quarantine
- None with valid papers
Can You Bring Your Pet to Morocco?
Yes. Morocco allows the import of dogs, cats, and certain other domestic animals, provided you complete the required paperwork. The process involves a microchip, a rabies vaccination given within specific timeframes, a government-endorsed health certificate, and clearance from ONSSA (Morocco's food safety and animal health authority).
The biggest hurdles are timing and documentation. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip. Missing a single document can result in your pet being denied entry or held at the airport until the issue is resolved. Below: each step, airline rules, pet-friendly hotels, and what to expect in a country where attitudes toward animals differ from Western norms.
Pet Import Requirements: Step-by-Step
Follow these six steps in order. Skipping or reordering them can invalidate your paperwork and delay entry.
ISO MicrochipBefore vaccination
Your pet must be implanted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. The chip must be readable by a universal scanner. If your country uses a different microchip standard (common in the US with 10-digit AVID chips), bring your own scanner or have a 15-digit chip implanted alongside it.
Rabies Vaccination30 days to 12 months before travel
Administer the rabies vaccine at least 30 days before your departure date. The vaccine must not be older than 12 months (or match the manufacturer's recommended validity period). Your vet records the microchip number on the vaccination certificate. Puppies and kittens must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.
Veterinary Health CertificateWithin 10 days of departure
Obtain an official health certificate from a licensed and government-accredited veterinarian. The certificate must confirm your pet is healthy, free from signs of infectious disease, and current on rabies vaccination. In the US, this is the USDA-endorsed APHIS Form 7001. EU travelers use the Annex IV health certificate.
ONSSA Import Permit2-4 weeks before travel
Contact the Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires (ONSSA) to obtain an import permit for your pet. This is Morocco's food safety and animal health authority. Email the regional ONSSA office near your Moroccan entry point. Include copies of the vaccination certificate, microchip documentation, and your travel itinerary. Processing takes 5-15 business days.
Government EndorsementAfter health certificate, before departure
In many countries, your health certificate must be endorsed by a national veterinary authority. US travelers submit to USDA APHIS for endorsement. UK travelers use APHA. EU travelers get endorsement from the Official Veterinarian. This step certifies that the document meets international standards. Some endorsements can be done electronically via the VEHCS system.
Arrival & Customs ClearanceAt port of entry
Upon arrival at a Moroccan airport or seaport, present all documents to customs and the veterinary inspection service. Officials will scan the microchip, review the rabies certificate dates, and verify the health certificate. Keep originals in a clear folder, not buried in checked luggage. Processing typically takes 20-45 minutes.
Quick Document Checklist
- ISO 15-digit microchip (implanted before vaccination)
- Rabies vaccination certificate (30 days - 12 months)
- Official veterinary health certificate (within 10 days)
- ONSSA import permit (apply 2-4 weeks ahead)
- Government endorsement (USDA/APHA/EU Official Vet)
- Pet photos and description (breed, color, weight)
- Original vaccination booklet (all vaccinations)
- Carrier/crate compliant with IATA standards
Airline Pet Policies for Morocco
Each airline has different rules for cabin pets, cargo transport, carrier dimensions, and fees. Confirm directly with the airline before booking.
| Airline | Cabin | Cargo | Cabin weight | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Air Maroc | Allowed | Available | 10 kg (pet + carrier) | From 500 MAD (cabin), from 1,200 MAD (cargo) | Book pet spot at least 48 hours in advance. Soft-sided carriers required for cabin. Maximum 2 pets per flight in cabin. |
| Air France | Allowed | Available | 8 kg (pet + carrier) | From 700 MAD (cabin), from 1,500 MAD (cargo) | Cabin pets limited to dogs and cats. Carrier must fit under seat (46 x 28 x 24 cm). Online booking available. |
| Transavia | Not allowed | Available | N/A | From 400 MAD (cargo only) | No cabin pets on any route. Cargo transport only through partner services. Weight limit 75 kg including crate. |
| Ryanair | Not allowed | Not available | N/A | N/A | No pets allowed except registered assistance dogs. Consider alternative carriers if flying budget to Morocco. |
| TUI fly | Not allowed | Available | N/A | From 600 MAD (cargo) | Cargo pets accepted on select routes to Marrakech, Agadir, and Nador. Must book through customer service by phone. |
| Iberia | Allowed | Available | 8 kg (pet + carrier) | From 550 MAD (cabin), from 1,300 MAD (cargo) | Flights via Madrid to Casablanca and Marrakech. Cabin carrier max 45 x 35 x 25 cm. Book via call center. |
Pet-Friendly Hotels & Accommodations
Most riads in the old medinas do not accept animals, so check before you book.
Ask your riad or hotel about its pet policy before you book, and get the answer in writing. Some larger hotels accept small dogs or cats with notice, usually for a nightly surcharge; most traditional riads in the medinas do not take animals at all.
Vacation Rental Tips
- Use Booking.com's "Pets Allowed" filter or Airbnb's pet-friendly tag for more options beyond hotels.
- Villas in Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier coastal areas often accept pets more readily than city-center riads.
- Always message the host directly before booking to confirm their current pet policy and any breed restrictions.
- Bring your own pet bed, bowls, and cleanup supplies. Most Moroccan properties will not have pet amenities.
Veterinary Clinics in Morocco
Consultation fees typically run from 200 MAD to 500 MAD.
Vets practise in all the major cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fes and Tangier. Ask your riad or hotel to recommend one near you when you arrive, and save the number before you head into the countryside.
Pet First-Aid Kit for Morocco
- Tick removal tool and tweezers
- Antiseptic wipes and wound spray
- Gauze pads and self-adhesive bandage
- Oral rehydration salts (for heat)
- Anti-diarrhea medication (vet-approved)
- Paw balm (hot pavement protection)
- Portable water bowl and bottled water
- Copy of all vet records and prescriptions
Cultural Attitudes Toward Pets in Morocco
How people in Morocco see dogs, cats and strays, and what that means for you.
Dogs in Moroccan Culture
In Islamic tradition, dogs are considered ritually impure. Many Moroccans will avoid physical contact with dogs, and bringing a dog into someone's home without explicit permission is a serious social misstep. This does not mean Moroccans dislike dogs: guard dogs are common in rural properties, and attitudes are shifting in urban areas, particularly among younger generations.
Keep your dog leashed at all times in public. Never bring a dog into a mosque, a food souk, or a restaurant unless the owner explicitly invites it. Some taxi drivers will refuse to transport dogs. Petit taxis almost never accept pets; grand taxis are more flexible if you negotiate beforehand.
Many Moroccans will avoid physical contact with dogs, and bringing a dog into someone's home without explicit permission is a serious social misstep.
Cats in Moroccan Culture
Cats hold a respected place in Moroccan society. A hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad describes cats as clean animals. You will see cats everywhere: in medinas, mosques, riads, cafes, and shops. Many Moroccans feed street cats regularly, and some mosques maintain resident cat colonies.
If you travel with a cat, locals will generally react positively. Keep your cat in a secure carrier outdoors to prevent contact with the large street cat population, which can carry diseases. Indoor-only housing is strongly recommended. Moroccan street cats are not vaccinated and can transmit feline leukemia, FIV, and ringworm.
Stray Animals: What You Need to Know
Morocco has a significant stray dog and cat population, especially outside major cities. Stray dogs can form packs in rural areas and on the outskirts of towns. Most are not aggressive but are unvaccinated, and rabies remains a real risk. Do not let your pet interact with strays under any circumstances.
Several animal welfare organizations operate in Morocco. The Moroccan Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA Maroc) runs shelters in Casablanca and Rabat. SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) focuses on working animals like donkeys and mules. If you encounter an injured stray, contact the local SPA or SPANA office rather than handling the animal yourself.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Pets in Morocco
Heat & Climate
Getting Around
Health Precautions
Best Time to Visit
Pet Supplies in Morocco
Useful Arabic & French Phrases
- “J'ai un chien/chat”
- I have a dog/cat (French)
- “Est-ce que les animaux sont acceptés?”
- Are pets accepted? (French)
- “Où est le vétérinaire?”
- Where is the vet? (French)
- “Kelb / Mush”
- Dog / Cat (Darija - Moroccan Arabic)
- “Wesh kayen tabib dial l-hayawanat?”
- Is there a vet? (Darija)
Returning Home: Re-Entry Requirements
Your home country's re-entry requirements may be stricter than Morocco's import rules. Plan for re-entry before you leave.
EU / UK
United States
Canada
Pet Travel Costs Breakdown
Budget for these expenses when planning your trip. Prices reflect 2026 averages and seasonal pricing can change.
| Expense | Estimated cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip implant | From 300 MAD | One-time; may already have |
| Rabies vaccination | From 200 MAD | Annual booster required |
| Health certificate | From 400 MAD | Vet consultation + certificate |
| USDA/APHA endorsement | From 500 MAD | Government fee; varies by country |
| ONSSA import permit | Free - 200 MAD | Processing fee varies |
| Airline cabin fee | From 500 MAD | Per flight, one way |
| Airline cargo fee | From 1,200 MAD | Per flight, one way |
| IATA-compliant crate | From 600 MAD | If you do not already own one |
| Hotel pet surcharge | From 150 MAD/night | Varies widely by property |
| Vet visit in Morocco | From 200 MAD | Consultation only; treatment extra |
| Pet food (premium) | From 80 MAD/bag | 2-4 kg bag, available in cities |
| Rabies titer test (EU re-entry) | From 800 MAD | Required before departure |
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions people ask most about bringing a pet to Morocco.
Do I need a pet passport to bring my dog to Morocco?
Morocco does not accept the EU pet passport as a standalone document. You need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel and no more than 12 months prior), an ISO 15-digit microchip, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Some countries also require an ONSSA import permit obtained in advance from Morocco's food safety authority.
Is there a quarantine period for pets entering Morocco?
Morocco does not impose a mandatory quarantine for dogs and cats arriving with valid documentation. If your paperwork is incomplete or the rabies vaccination timing is outside the accepted window, customs officials may hold your animal at the port of entry until the situation is resolved. Keeping all documents organized and accessible prevents delays.
Which airlines allow pets on flights to Morocco?
Royal Air Maroc accepts small pets in the cabin (up to 10 kg including carrier) and larger animals in the pressurized cargo hold. Air France, Transavia, and Ryanair also serve Moroccan airports with varying pet policies. Most low-cost carriers do not allow cabin pets. Book your pet's spot at least 48 hours before departure, as each flight has limited pet capacity.
Are dogs allowed in Moroccan hotels and riads?
Most traditional riads and budget hotels do not accept pets. Some larger hotels and a few boutique properties accept small dogs with advance notice, so ask each property directly. Vacation rentals through Airbnb and Booking.com often have pet-friendly filters. Always confirm the pet policy before booking and expect a cleaning surcharge of from 150 MAD to 500 MAD.
What is the cultural attitude toward dogs in Morocco?
Moroccan culture has a complex relationship with dogs. In Islam, dogs are considered ritually unclean (najis), which means many Moroccans avoid physical contact with them. However, guard dogs and working dogs are common in rural areas. Cats, on the other hand, are highly regarded and well cared for throughout the country. Keep your dog leashed in public, avoid bringing them into mosques or food markets, and be respectful of locals who prefer distance from dogs.
Can I find a veterinarian easily in Morocco?
Major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier have well-equipped veterinary clinics with French- and sometimes English-speaking vets. Rural areas have far fewer options. The Moroccan veterinary association (Ordre National des Vétérinaires) maintains a directory. Expect consultation fees of from 200 MAD to 500 MAD. Carry a basic pet first-aid kit for travel outside urban areas.
What vaccines does my pet need for Morocco beyond rabies?
Rabies is the only legally required vaccination for entry. However, vets strongly recommend your dog be current on distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, and leptospirosis. For cats, feline calicivirus and panleukopenia are advisable. Leishmaniasis is present in Morocco via sandfly bites, so discuss preventive treatments (like Scalibor collars or miltefosine) with your vet before departure. Tick and flea prevention is essential year-round.