Travel Planning
Traveling to Morocco with Pets
Import Rules, Pet-Friendly Hotels & Practical Tips
Bringing your dog or cat to Morocco is absolutely possible with the right preparation. This guide covers everything from vaccination requirements to the best pet-friendly beaches and neighborhoods.
Quarantine
None
With valid documents
Rabies Vaccine
Required
30 days to 12 months old
Microchip
Required
ISO 15-digit standard
Permit
ONSSA
5-15 days processing
How to Bring Your Pet to Morocco
Follow these six steps to ensure a smooth entry for your pet. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your travel date.
Microchip Your Pet
Before rabies vaccinationYour pet must have an ISO 15-digit microchip. This should be done before the rabies vaccination so the chip number is recorded on the vaccine certificate. Most countries use ISO 11784/11785 standard chips.
Rabies Vaccination
At least 30 days before travelYour pet needs a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days before travel but no more than 12 months prior. Keep the original vaccination certificate — Morocco requires originals, not copies.
Veterinary Health Certificate
Within 10 days of departureObtain a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate must state that your pet is free from infectious diseases and fit for travel. Some countries require USDA endorsement (for US travelers).
ONSSA Import Permit
2-4 weeks before travelApply to Morocco's ONSSA (Office National de Securite Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires) for a pet import permit. This can be done through the Moroccan embassy or consulate in your country. Processing takes 5-15 business days.
Book Pet-Friendly Transport
2+ weeks before travelContact your airline to reserve pet travel space — cabin or cargo. Confirm the carrier size requirements and any breed restrictions. For ferry travel from Spain, book pet-friendly cabin in advance.
Arrive & Clear Customs
On arrival dayAt the Moroccan airport or port, proceed to the veterinary inspection point. Present all original documents. Customs will verify your pet's microchip, check vaccination records, and stamp your import permit. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Airline Pet Policies for Morocco
Airline pet policies change frequently. Always confirm directly with the airline when booking.
| Airline | Cabin | Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Air Maroc | Yes (max 8 kg with carrier) | Yes | Book at reservation or call center. Soft-sided carrier max 55x40x20 cm. Not on all aircraft types. |
| Air France | Yes (max 8 kg with carrier) | Yes | Online booking available. Carrier max 46x28x24 cm. One pet per passenger. |
| Ryanair | No | No (except guide dogs) | Only certified assistance dogs allowed. No pet transport available. |
| Iberia | Yes (max 8 kg with carrier) | Yes | Book via call center. Max one pet per passenger. Some breed restrictions. |
| TUI fly | No | Yes (limited routes) | Cargo hold only. Must book directly with cargo department. Not available on all routes. |
| Ferry (FRS/Balearia) | Pet cabins available | Deck kennels | Tangier Med ferries from Spain. Pet-friendly cabins bookable. Dogs allowed on deck but not in passenger lounges. |
Pet-Friendly Cities
Not all Moroccan destinations are equally suited for pets. Here is where to go and what to expect.
Marrakech
Best Areas with Pets
- Palmeraie (spacious gardens, less traffic)
- Hivernage (wide boulevards, parks)
- Gueliz (Ville Nouvelle, sidewalk cafes)
Avoid With Pets
Medina (narrow alleys, mopeds, stray cats, very crowded)
Vet Clinics
Clinique Veterinaire de Marrakech, SOS Animaux Marrakech
Dog Walking
Jardin Majorelle surroundings, Menara Gardens (on leash)
The medina is extremely difficult with a dog — narrow passages, motorbikes, and many stray cats can overwhelm pets. Stick to the Ville Nouvelle and Palmeraie areas.
Casablanca
Best Areas with Pets
- Corniche (oceanfront promenade)
- Anfa (upscale residential, quiet streets)
- Ain Diab (beach area)
Avoid With Pets
Old Medina (very crowded, narrow)
Vet Clinics
Clinique Veterinaire Casablanca, Cabinet Veterinaire Al Amal (24h emergency)
Dog Walking
Parc de la Ligue Arabe, Corniche promenade (early morning)
Casablanca is the most cosmopolitan city and most accepting of dogs. The Corniche waterfront is popular for dog walking, especially early morning. Several modern veterinary clinics with English-speaking staff.
Essaouira
Best Areas with Pets
- Beach (dogs welcome on most stretches)
- Mellah area (quieter streets)
- Diabat village south of town
Avoid With Pets
Medina interior during market days
Vet Clinics
Limited — nearest full-service vet in Safi or Marrakech
Dog Walking
Essaouira beach (long, wide, dog-friendly), forest trails south of town
Essaouira's wide beach is one of the best dog-walking spots in Morocco. The laid-back Atlantic town is generally relaxed about pets. The beach area around Diabat is spacious and rarely crowded.
Tangier
Best Areas with Pets
- Cap Spartel area (forests, quiet beaches)
- Malabata corniche
- Ville Nouvelle (wide streets)
Avoid With Pets
Kasbah and Petit Socco (steep, narrow, cats everywhere)
Vet Clinics
Cabinet Veterinaire Tangier, SPA Tangier (shelter with vet services)
Dog Walking
Cap Spartel forests, Rmilat Park, Malabata beachfront
Tangier's proximity to Europe means it is more accustomed to pet travelers than southern cities. The Cap Spartel area has excellent walking trails through pine forests with ocean views.
Pet Health & Safety in Morocco
Heat Management
Morocco gets extremely hot in summer, particularly inland cities like Marrakech (40 C+). Walk your pet early morning (before 9 AM) and evening (after 6 PM). Carry water and a collapsible bowl. Never leave pets in parked cars — even with windows open, temperatures can be lethal within minutes.
Parasites & Ticks
Morocco has ticks carrying diseases including leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Apply a veterinary-grade tick prevention treatment before travel and throughout your stay. Check your pet daily for ticks, especially after walks in rural areas. Sand flies transmit leishmaniasis — a Scalibor collar provides additional protection.
Stray Animal Contact
Keep your pet leashed to prevent contact with stray animals that may carry rabies, distemper, or parasites. Morocco has a significant stray dog and cat population. While most strays avoid contact, unvaccinated animals pose a real risk. If your pet is bitten, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Food & Water
Do not let your pet drink from puddles, fountains, or stagnant water. Carry bottled water. Avoid feeding your pet scraps from restaurants as Moroccan spices can cause digestive issues. Bring enough of your pet's regular food for the trip, as international pet food brands are limited outside major cities.
Emergency Vet Care
Casablanca and Rabat have 24-hour emergency veterinary clinics. In other cities, after-hours care may be limited — save your nearest vet's number in your phone. Major medications are available at veterinary pharmacies (pharmacie veterinaire) in all cities. Vet consultation fees are very affordable (100-300 MAD).
Cultural Sensitivity
In traditional Moroccan culture, dogs are considered unclean (najis) in Islamic tradition, though attitudes are evolving, especially in urban areas. Keep your pet away from mosques, food markets, and crowded spaces. Many Moroccans love cats, and medina cats are well-cared for by local residents. Be respectful of local sensibilities.
Returning Home with Your Pet
Re-entry requirements vary by destination country. Plan ahead to avoid delays at your home border.
EU Countries
EU Pet Passport, valid rabies vaccine, rabies antibody titer test (blood test taken 30+ days after vaccination), microchip, and veterinary health certificate. Titer test must show 0.5 IU/ml or higher. Allow 3 months from the blood draw date before travel.
The 3-month wait after titer test catches many travelers off guard — do the test before leaving home.
United Kingdom
Microchip, rabies vaccine, rabies antibody titer test, tapeworm treatment (dogs only, 24-120 hours before arrival), and veterinary health certificate. Must enter through approved routes only.
UK tapeworm treatment must be administered by a vet in Morocco 1-5 days before your return journey.
United States
CDC requires rabies vaccination certificate for all dogs. As of 2024, dogs entering from Morocco (high-risk rabies country) must have a CDC Dog Import Permit, valid rabies certificate, and microchip. Dogs may need to enter through specific US airports with CDC quarantine stations.
CDC import rules changed significantly in 2024 — check current requirements at cdc.gov/importation/dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my dog to Morocco?
Does Morocco require pet quarantine?
Are hotels in Morocco pet-friendly?
What vaccinations does my pet need for Morocco?
Can I take my pet on trains and buses in Morocco?
Are there vets in Morocco?
What about stray dogs and cats in Morocco?
How do I fly my pet to Morocco?
Need Help Planning Pet Travel?
Our team can help you navigate the import process, find pet-friendly accommodations, and plan a Morocco trip that works for the whole family — furry members included.