Kigali - Post Report Question and Answers

Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?

Yes there’s good veterinarian care. We could get our dogs teeth cleaned for only $40! Pets Plus does veterinary care, boarding, import/export permits, and grooming. They’re great and so cheap compared to US prices. There’s not a lot of options for dog boarding when you go on leave. We usually had our staff stay at the house or used Pets Plus. - Jan 2022


Pets Plus has qualified veterinarians--who can do surgeries, etc.--and the prices are very affordable. Animals don't need to be quarantined upon entry. A consideration about pets that's particular to Rwanda: for the most part, locals view dogs as guard animals (at best), and are typically afraid of them. There are virtually no street dogs in the whole country. That said, the nonprofit organization WAG is a great resource for helping rescue street dogs, and a great place to foster and/or adopt local dogs if you're looking to get a dog here. - Jul 2020


This is really spotty. There is a vet named Jode who is good. No quarantine. In general, Rwandans do not seem fond of dogs due to the role that they played during the genocide. - Jun 2018


There are some OK veterinarian options....not great but passable. No quarantine. People here don't like dogs at all and there aren't many street dogs because the population is frequently culled. WAG is a semi-shelter/adoption service. - Dec 2017


There are veterinarians. Not as well trained, but still OK. Animals do not need to be quarantined. You just need to make sure you provide the relevant info to the Embassy and they will prepare the import papers. People here are generally afraid of dogs, but not aggressive to them. There are strays, but not many. - Jan 2017


No quarantine coming in. There is an American vet in town as well a good local vet who trained in South Africa. Come with most things because pet supplies in country generally do not exist. - Oct 2014


Pets don't need to be quarantined. We brought over our cat. The vet care is ok but not U.S. quality. There is an American veterinarian in country but she's been here for a long time and was originally a gorilla doctor. She can be a bit rough but she shows up in a pinch. There are also two Rwandan vets in town but I haven't used them. - Jul 2014


No. - Sep 2013


No, but get all their shots in order. - May 2012


No, but make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Chips, rabies shots, cargo vs. baggage. Make sure you have all your paperwork with you. - Apr 2012


No, but you must have the vaccination paperwork available when you first arrive. - Jul 2011


No. - Jan 2010


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