How to import a dog to Sri Lanka?

How to import a dog to Sri Lanka

It is relatively easy to import a dog into Sri Lanka. A person firstly must seek approval from the Department of Animal Production and Health in Peradeniya. An application form can be downloaded by visiting there website www.daph.gov.lk

A duly filled application along with the vaccination record for the dog should be faxed/ emailed to the Director General of the DAPH.

Permission to import will be granted within a few weeks.

Once an approved application is at hand one can work on import of the dog.

A suitable airline approved box needs to be purchased and airline booked, be cautious here as some airlines do not have live cargo hold and always try to book a direct flight to end destination.

A health certificate issued by the country of origin’s veterinary department or agricultural department (depends on the country) would be required. Be cautious here as some countries the certificate would only be valid for 48hrs, this means the dog has to be shipped within this time frame or you will have to get a fresh certificate.

Once the dog arrives your dog will subjected to a health check at the air port, ensure all the documents are in hand. In the same time you may have to pay duty for the dog. If your dog came accompanied it is much easier to clear. If your dog comes via cargo village then you may need a TIN # to clear the dog. We advise you get a wharf Clark to do the needful.

There is 1 month quarantine but this is mainly at the address declared by the importer. The animal should not be sold during this time and if sick or in the event the dog dies the DAPH should be informed.

Do not buy any dog that has not completed its quarantine period.