No dog leaves Morocco by air without an export health certificate endorsed by ONSSA (Morocco's National Food Safety Office). It is the first document the airline and the destination authorities check. Here is how to get it right.
What is the health certificate?
It is an official document confirming your dog is identified, vaccinated, healthy and compliant with the destination country's rules. There is no single form: each country has its own model. The European Union uses a harmonised model (non-commercial movement), the UK a "GB" certificate, the USA relies on CDC forms, and so on.
Who issues it?
- Your vet examines the dog, checks the microchip and vaccines, then fills in the destination country's certificate.
- An official ONSSA veterinarian reviews the file and endorses (signs and stamps) the certificate. Without that endorsement, the document is worthless abroad.
Documents to prepare
- The dog's vaccination booklet or international passport, with the ISO 11784/11785 microchip number.
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate (vaccine given after the microchip).
- For the EU, the UK and many other countries: the rabies titration test result (≥ 0.5 IU/ml).
- The import permit where required (UAE, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand…).
- A copy of the owner's ID and the flight details.
When to get it?
Timing is the most common source of mistakes:
- European Union: the certificate is only valid for 10 days from issue: the pet must enter the EU within that window (extended by the length of a sea crossing).
- Other destinations: most require an exam within 5 to 10 days of departure. Check the exact rule for your country.
The health certificate is the last step, not the first. Microchip, vaccine and titration must be done weeks (or months) before.
Mistakes that block a departure
- Rabies vaccine given before the microchip: it is not recognised and everything must be redone.
- Wrong certificate model (transit country forgotten, commercial instead of non-commercial model).
- The 10-day window missed after a postponed flight.
- Different microchip numbers on the booklet, titration report and certificate.
Dog or cat: same process?
Yes, the procedure is the same for cats. See our guide to exporting a cat from Morocco with ONSSA.
Prefer to hand it over? Our IATA-certified team in Casablanca handles the vet file, ONSSA, the crate and the flight. Ask for a free quote: answer within 24 hours.
