Pets in Botswana

Anyone taking in a pet in Botswana should clarify its origin, accommodation, food, vaccinations, parasite control, sterilization and access to veterinary care in advance. There is no documented uniform nationwide breeder or seller standard and no central pet registration. Adoptions and help for dogs, cats and rabbits are offered, among others, by the Botswana animal-welfare society (Botswana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the Maun animal-welfare society (Maun Animal Welfare Society); local rescue and keeper networks sometimes operate informally. The BSPCA mainly offers adoption, shelter, care and sterilization programmes in and around Gaborone. MAWS supplements care through vaccinations, sterilization and mobile operations, especially for low-income households and rural areas around the Okavango and beyond. The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) within the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture is responsible for animal health, import, export, movement and quarantine. For practical purposes, the relevant bodies include the veterinary authority (Veterinary Services), district veterinary offices (District Veterinary Offices), and local councils (Local Councils). District Veterinary Offices are the formal access point for many animal-health matters. The Botswana Veterinary Surgeons Council (BVSC) registers and regulates veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals. Local Councils regulate dog keeping, licences, seizure and local enforcement measures through local by-laws (Bye-Laws). A dog licence is therefore not uniform nationwide. In Gaborone, dogs from three months of age must be registered within four weeks after reaching three months; requirements include, among other things, a valid vaccination record, an annual fee and a microchip. Leashes, collars, control, prohibited areas and rules for nuisance, aggressive, dangerous or sick dogs are also covered by local requirements. Current fees and the applicable Bye-Laws must be checked with the responsible Council. The Cruelty to Animals Act protects animal welfare. The relevant framework also includes the animal-diseases law (Diseases of Animals Act), which treats dogs, cats and domesticated wild carnivores as pets and regulates, among other things, movement as well as import and export. Wildlife and exotic animals do not follow the normal pet route: based on the available research, exotic species may not be imported into Botswana, and protected species are additionally subject to the wildlife authority (Department of Wildlife and National Parks) and the endangered-species trade convention (CITES), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. A general national breed ban is not documented; local keeping rules may nevertheless apply. Rabies is highly significant for pets and public health. Veterinary Services recommend vaccinations and secure control of animals. In the North West District, Veterinary Services and Councils reported rabies cases, more dog bites and vaccination campaigns in 2026; the regional situation may change. After a bite or scratch, the affected person should seek medical help immediately and also inform the Veterinary Office. Importing a dog or cat into Botswana requires a permit from Veterinary Services. The application is submitted through a District Veterinary Office or the DVS permit service; according to Gov.bw, this service costs 0 and has a stated processing time of one working day. A valid rabies vaccination record is among the required documents. For puppies and kittens under three months, additional evidence is required concerning the mother's vaccination and the absence of a rabies movement restriction at the place of origin; an examination of the animal may be required before the permit is issued. For movements within SADC, depending on the case, a Veterinary Movement Permit, a Veterinary Health Certificate or a Health Card, as well as proof of rabies vaccination, may be required. Documents may be submitted in English or Setswana. Tourists, diplomats and researchers may be permitted to act as unregistered keepers. For departure or transit, the destination country's import permit, an export permit from the place of origin, transit permits from countries along the route and a veterinary health or movement document may also be required. Requirements depend on the destination, route and animal species. Tests, quarantine or additional vaccinations may be required; under the Diseases of Animals Act, the keeper bears the resulting costs. Veterinary costs, food, accommodation, microchipping, sterilization and transport have no reliable nationwide flat rate. Prices and access vary by provider, region and treatment. Anyone unable to keep an animal should contact the BSPCA, MAWS, the District Veterinary Office or the responsible Council. Councils have their own rules for stray animals, shelter, return and other measures. Abandonment or uncontrolled roaming endangers the animal, other animals and people and may breach local requirements.