Travelling With Animals: Local Boarding, Vets, Supplies And Seasonal Care

Holidays in Africa is something special. The family reunions, weddings, Christmas parties, Detty December concerts, delicious food, Easter warmth and endless visits to relatives make the festive season one of the busiest travel periods of the year. But if you have a dog, cat or another beloved animal, there's one question you cannot afford to leave until the last minute: What happens to your pet while you're travelling?

Whether you're travelling with pets to Nigeria, Ghana or South Africa from the UK, USA, Canada, Europe or another African country, you need more than a flight ticket. Depending on your destination, you may need pet import permits, veterinary health certificates, vaccinations, an appropriate travel carrier and arrangements for airport clearance. Alternatively, if your pet is staying behind while you enjoy Christmas, you may need reliable boarding, a local veterinarian and someone to handle feeding and emergencies.

Thankfully, you don't have to coordinate everything alone. MyGoToVet works with veterinary and professional service partners to help pet owners arrange international pet relocation, travel documentation, airport assistance, boarding, veterinary consultations and pet supplies across Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

So, whether you're returning home for Christmas, relocating permanently or simply taking a holiday with your furry companion, here's how to plan a safer, less stressful journey.

Travelling With Pets to Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa: What You Need Before Flying

Imagine this: you've booked your December flight from London to Lagos, your family is expecting you, and your dog has practically become part of the Christmas homecoming plans.

Then, two weeks before departure, you discover that your airline requires advance pet reservations and Nigeria requires veterinary import documentation.

Suddenly, your holiday plans have become a paperwork emergency.

This is exactly why international pet travel should begin with the destination country's animal-entry requirements, not the purchase of a pet carrier.

Bringing a dog or cat into Nigeria for Christmas

Nigeria remains a popular destination for returning diaspora families, expatriates and international visitors, particularly during the festive season.

If you're travelling with a dog or cat to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu or another Nigerian destination, you should confirm the required veterinary import documentation before departure.

Nigeria's Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) oversees animal quarantine inspections at entry and exit points and verifies relevant animal import and export permits. Its responsibilities include the inspection of imported dogs and cats.

Before travelling, you should generally prepare:

• A valid veterinary import permit or other required import authorisation.

• Your pet's vaccination records, particularly rabies vaccination.

• A veterinary health certificate issued by an appropriately authorised veterinarian.

• Microchip information, where required for identification or by the airline.

• Your pet's travel itinerary and destination address.

• An airline-accepted travel carrier.

• Any additional documentation required by your airline or the relevant veterinary authority.

The exact documentation depends on your pet, country of departure and travel route.

For example, a Nigerian living in Canada who wants to spend Christmas in Lagos with her two cats should not assume that the documents used for domestic travel within Canada will be sufficient for international entry into Nigeria.

There is also the question of timing. Nigerian pet import permits may have a short validity period, so applications and issuance need to be coordinated with the actual travel date rather than completed too early.

MyGoToVet can assist with Nigerian pet import permit processing, veterinary documentation guidance and airport arrival arrangements, helping you understand what needs to be completed before your flight.  Book a 10-minute virtual vet consultation today and get fast, reliable veterinary advice from the comfort of your home.

24/7 Support:

Email: support@mygotovet.com 

Call/WhatsApp: +234 815 556 3300 or Click Here to chat 

Travelling with pets to Ghana: Accra, Kumasi and beyond

Ghana is another major Christmas destination, especially for travellers returning from the UK, USA and Canada.

And if you're planning to enjoy Detty December in Accra with your dog, please don't assume that Ghana's requirements are identical to Nigeria's.

The Ghana Veterinary Services Department requires imported animals to have official veterinary documentation. Import requirements also differ according to the species.

For dogs, Ghana's published requirements include disease testing for conditions such as Brucella canis, Babesia gibsoni, Dirofilaria immitis and other specified infections.

For cats, the published requirements include vaccination records covering rabies, feline panleukopenia, calicivirus and rhinotracheitis, alongside veterinary certification.

Now imagine you've already booked your flight to Accra, only to discover that your dog needs laboratory tests that cannot be completed overnight.

That is why we encourage pet owners to begin their travel preparations several weeks in advance, especially during December when laboratories, airlines and government offices may have reduced availability around public holidays.

Through Mygotovet veterinarians and partner clinic network, travellers can request assistance with coordinating Ghana-bound pet travel, documentation requirements and suitable local veterinary services.

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Bringing pets into South Africa: Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban

South Africa is another popular destination for holidaymakers, expatriates and families relocating with animals.

However, South African veterinary import rules deserve particular attention.

According to the South African Government, a veterinary import permit must be obtained before an animal is shipped into the country.

The permit may specify additional veterinary requirements, and some animals may be subject to quarantine depending on their country of origin and health status.

For instance, someone travelling from Nigeria to Johannesburg with a dog should not assume that the same rules apply to someone arriving from the United Kingdom.

South Africa assesses animal-health risks associated with the exporting country, and the applicable conditions may differ.

Furthermore, an official veterinary health certificate is generally required, and the timing of its examination and certification must comply with the import permit.

Planning tip: If you're visiting South Africa temporarily and intend to return home with your pet, check the requirements for both journeys before you leave.

Your pet's return trip may require additional paperwork, testing or authorisation.

Do you need a pet relocation agency?

You can arrange some international pet journeys yourself, but the process can become complicated when multiple authorities, airlines and service providers are involved.

A professional pet relocation service can help coordinate documentation, veterinary appointments, airline requirements, travel carriers, shipment arrangements and airport procedures.

Consider a family relocating from Manchester to Abuja with two dogs.

They may need veterinary appointments in the UK, Nigerian import authorisation, airline arrangements, correctly sized travel crates and assistance after landing.

Trying to coordinate everything from different countries can quickly become overwhelming.

MyGoToVet helps connect these arrangements through its veterinary and professional service network, with services tailored to the pet's destination and travel requirements.

Can your dog or cat travel in the aircraft cabin?

Sometimes, yes. However, not every airline accepts pets in the passenger cabin.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) explains that airlines may transport animals in the cabin, as checked baggage or as cargo, depending on the airline's policies, the animal's size and the route.

Small dogs and cats may qualify for cabin travel with some airlines, while larger animals may need to travel in an appropriate aircraft hold or as cargo.

Before booking, confirm that your chosen airline accepts your pet on the intended flight.

Also, don't buy just any attractive pet carrier online.

Your pet should be able to stand, turn around and lie naturally inside the carrier. The container must also meet the airline's applicable requirements for ventilation, security and construction.

One more thing: do not sedate your pet simply to keep it quiet during a flight.

IATA discourages routine sedation because tranquilising drugs can affect an animal's ability to cope with transport stress. If your pet becomes extremely anxious during travel, discuss appropriate management with your veterinarian before departure.

Christmas Pet Boarding, Local Veterinarians and Supplies: What If Your Pet Isn't Travelling?

Not every pet needs to join the Christmas celebrations. In fact, for some animals, remaining in familiar surroundings with reliable care may be the better option.

Perhaps you're travelling from Lagos to your village in Anambra for two weeks. Maybe you're attending a wedding in Accra and don't want your cat exposed to a long journey. Or perhaps your family is spending Christmas in Cape Town, but your elderly dog would be more comfortable staying home.

Whatever the situation, planning your pet's care before leaving is just as important as booking your accommodation.

Finding reliable pet boarding during Christmas

Christmas is a busy period for pet boarding facilities, especially in major cities.

Many families travel simultaneously, which means popular boarding spaces may fill up quickly.

If you're searching for pet boarding in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Johannesburg, Cape Town or other cities, don't choose a facility solely because it offers the lowest price.

Ask questions.

Will your dog be housed individually or with other animals? Is the environment secure? How frequently are the animals fed and exercised? What happens if a pet becomes ill? Is veterinary assistance available?

Also, ask whether the facility accepts pets with special dietary requirements or ongoing medication.

Imagine leaving your diabetic dog at a boarding facility without confirming that someone can administer its prescribed medication correctly.

That is not a small oversight: MyGoToVet can help connect pet owners with boarding arrangements, including options for pets requiring additional attention. Availability and suitability should always be confirmed before booking.

What should you pack for your pet's boarding stay?

Your pet may be going on holiday too, just without you!

To make the transition easier, prepare its regular food, vaccination records, prescribed medication, feeding instructions and emergency contact details.

You can also include a familiar blanket or suitable toy if the facility permits it.

For example, a dog that normally eats a particular commercial food may develop digestive upset if suddenly switched to an unfamiliar diet during boarding.

Rather than assuming the facility will provide exactly what your pet eats at home, confirm the feeding arrangements beforehand.

MyGoToVet can also assist customers looking for pet food, carriers and other essential supplies through its store and professional partners.

Finding a veterinarian while visiting Nigeria, Ghana or South Africa

Here's another situation many expatriates overlook.

You arrive in Lagos for Christmas with your dog. Everything is going well until your pet suddenly develops diarrhoea, refuses food or begins scratching excessively.

Where do you find a veterinarian?

Searching randomly online when your animal is already unwell is not the ideal way to begin.

Before travelling, identify a local veterinary contact near your accommodation. MyGoToVet offers access to online veterinary consultations and helps arrange appropriate veterinary services through its network, including home visits, farm calls and clinic referrals where needed.

This can be particularly useful for international visitors who are unfamiliar with the local veterinary system. For example, someone staying with relatives in Enugu may not know which veterinary clinic is nearby or how to arrange a consultation.

Having a service that can help connect them with a suitable veterinarian makes the process much easier.

However, serious emergencies such as difficulty breathing, collapse, repeated seizures or suspected poisoning require immediate in-person veterinary attention rather than waiting for an online consultation.

Christmas pet supplies: What should you buy before travelling?

December is not the best time to discover that your dog's food has finished and your usual supplier is closed for the holidays.

Whether your pet is travelling with you or staying behind, prepare the essentials early.

Consider your pet's regular food, drinking bowls, leash, collar, identification tag, travel carrier, bedding, waste bags, grooming supplies and prescribed medications.

If you're arriving from abroad, you may also want to check whether your pet's usual food brand is available locally. A family visiting Ghana from Canada, for instance, may find it easier to bring an appropriate supply of their cat's familiar food, subject to airline and customs rules, rather than introduce a completely different diet immediately after a long flight.

Customers source pet supplies from MyGoToVet Vet Store. We ensure products are genuine and offer same-day delivery to your location depending on product availability and destination.

Shop pet and animal products here

Airport pet pickup and arrival assistance

You have landed. Your luggage is ready. Everyone is calling to ask whether you've arrived. But your pet may still need to complete the required veterinary and customs procedures.

Depending on the destination and transport arrangement, pets may be collected through different airport handling points rather than the normal passenger baggage carousel.

This is why airport arrival planning matters. Through MyGoToVet's relocation and logistics partners, customers can enquire about airport pet clearance coordination, pickup and onward transport arrangements in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

These services are arranged according to the destination, arrival airport, applicable regulations and partner availability.

Seasonal Pet Care During Detty December, New Year and Easter Celebrations

Holidays are exciting for people, but it can be surprisingly stressful for animals. The loud music, fireworks, unfamiliar visitors, changes in routine and long road journeys can affect even normally calm pets. Here are some things I would pay particular attention to as a veterinarian: 

1. Fireworks and loud Christmas celebrations

Imagine your dog sleeping peacefully at home when fireworks suddenly begin outside. Some dogs panic, attempt to escape, hide under furniture or become unusually restless. Cats may also become frightened by loud celebrations. 

• If your pet is sensitive to noise, prepare a quiet, secure space away from the activity. Close accessible escape routes, provide familiar bedding and allow the animal to retreat without forcing interaction.
• If your pet has a history of severe noise anxiety, speak with your veterinarian before the festive season.

2. Harmattan, heat and changing weather

Christmas weather varies considerably across Africa. In parts of Nigeria and Ghana, the harmattan season can bring dry, dusty conditions, while South Africa experiences summer during December. For some pets, these changes can affect comfort, hydration and respiratory health

Dogs with pre-existing respiratory problems may struggle with dusty environments, while brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs are especially vulnerable to heat-related complications. 

• Never leave your pet inside a parked vehicle, even if you expect to return quickly.
• Always provide clean drinking water, shade and appropriate ventilation.

3. Christmas food isn't always pet food

We all know how Nigerian Christmas celebrations go. There is jollof rice, fried rice, chicken, assorted meat, small chops and enough food to feed an entire street. And somewhere nearby is a dog looking at everyone with very convincing eyes. But not everything on the Christmas table is suitable for animals.

• Cooked bones can splinter or cause gastrointestinal obstruction.
• Chocolate is toxic to dogs, while onions and garlic can cause serious problems in both dogs and cats.
• Fatty leftovers may also trigger gastrointestinal upset and, in susceptible dogs, pancreatitis.

So, as tempting as it may be to let your dog enjoy every Christmas delicacy, stick to safe treats and its regular balanced diet.

4. Protect your pet from ticks, fleas and infectious diseases

Travelling to a new environment can expose animals to different parasites and disease risks. A dog visiting a rural family compound may encounter ticks, fleas or other animals with unknown vaccination histories. Similarly, a cat moving between households may experience increased exposure to infectious agents.

Therefore, before travelling, discuss appropriate parasite prevention and vaccination requirements with your veterinarian. For international travellers, this is especially important because some countries require specific vaccinations, testing or parasite treatments before entry.

Make Christmas Easier for You and Your Pet With MyGoToVet

Whether you're flying home to Nigeria for Christmas, bringing your dog to Ghana, relocating with your cat to South Africa or leaving your pets in trusted care while you travel, planning ahead can save you a great deal of stress.

At MyGoToVet, we understand that pets are family. And when you're travelling across countries, dealing with unfamiliar regulations or trying to arrange reliable care during the festive season, having professional support can make all the difference.

Through our veterinary and professional partner network, we help customers coordinate:

• International pet relocation and travel documentation.

• Pet import and export permit assistance.

• Airport pet clearance, pickup and transport arrangements.

• Christmas and holiday pet boarding.

• Veterinary consultations, home visits and referrals.

• Pet food, travel carriers and other essential supplies.

Travelling with your pet this Christmas, or need someone to care for your animal while you're away?

Reach out to Mygotovet today for microchipping services, travel documentation assistance, and verified veterinary connections in your location. Let’s help you and your pet travel safely, confidently, and stress-free.

Book a 10-minute virtual vet consultation today and get fast, reliable veterinary advice from the comfort of your home.

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Service availability, processing timelines and quotations depend on destination, partner availability and applicable veterinary and airline requirements. Always confirm the latest official import rules before travelling.

FAQ: Your Christmas & Holiday pet travel questions answered

1. Can I bring my dog from the UK, USA or Canada to Nigeria?

Yes, provided you satisfy Nigeria's applicable import requirements and your airline accepts the animal. MyGoToVet can help coordinate import documentation and travel arrangements.

2. How much does pet relocation to Nigeria, Ghana or South Africa cost?

The cost depends on the animal's size, species, departure country, destination, airline, required permits, testing and transport arrangements. Contact MyGoToVet for a personalised quotation.

3. Can MyGoToVet arrange pet boarding during Christmas?

Yes. MyGoToVet can assist with enquiries and arrangements through professional boarding partners, subject to availability and the animal's care requirements.

4. Can I book a veterinarian before arriving in Nigeria?

Yes. You can contact MyGoToVet ahead of your arrival to enquire about consultations, home visits or suitable clinic referrals.

5. Do pets need a health certificate to travel internationally?

In most international pet travel situations, veterinary health documentation is required. The exact certificate, issuing authority and validity period depend on the destination country and airline.

6. Can I travel with my pet during Detty December?

Yes, but start planning early. December is a busy travel period, and airline pet spaces, veterinary appointments and boarding availability may be limited.

7. Can MyGoToVet assist with airport pickup for pets?

MyGoToVet can help coordinate airport arrival, clearance assistance and onward transport through its professional partners, subject to destination and service availability.