A Dog Licence is required for all dog owners in Kenya under the Rabies Prevention and Control Act and county government by-laws. The licence requires that the dog is vaccinated against rabies annually before a licence is issued. Rabies control is a priority in Kenya given that it is a fatal zoonotic disease, and the annual dog licence is the primary mechanism for ensuring nationwide vaccination coverage.
Dog licences are issued by the county Directorate of Veterinary Services or county government offices. The licence is typically renewed each year and requires proof of the dog’s current rabies vaccination.
Dog Licence Fees
| Fee Component | Amount (KES) |
|---|---|
| Annual Dog Licence Fee | County-prescribed (typically 200–500) |
| Rabies Vaccination (per dog, annual) | 500–1,500 (DVS / private vet) |
| Import Permit for Dogs / Cats (per consignment) | 50 (diplomatic / Kenya High Commission) |
Local Animal Movement Permit for Dogs and Cats
| Item | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Dogs and Cats — Movement Permit (per consignment) | 50 |
Requirements
- Current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian or DVS office.
- National ID of the dog owner.
- Description and details of the dog (breed, age, sex, microchip number where applicable).
Dog owners are advised to also microchip their dogs and register them with a recognised kennel club or municipal authority. County governments may impose additional by-law requirements. Contact your county DVS or county government office for the exact annual licence fee.
Contact: County Directorate of Veterinary Services | Directorate of Veterinary Services, Kangemi, Nairobi | Tel: +254 20 2718870
