Traveling with Pets to South Africa: Important Information you Need to Know.

If you’re planning on bringing your furry friend to South Africa, it’s essential to be aware of the regulations surrounding pet travel.

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If you plan on traveling with your furry friend to South Africa, it’s important to note that all dogs and cats must be registered and flown as manifest cargo. Unfortunately, they cannot be transported as excess baggage. Additionally, veterinary officials from the Directorate Veterinary Services are unable to verify paperwork at the passenger terminals in O.R.Tambo (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International Airports. Therefore, pets can only be disembarked through the cargo terminals at these airports.

For cats, there are no requirements for blood testing or quarantine when entering South Africa.

However, for dogs, it’s mandatory to have blood testing done upon arrival in South Africa. Additionally, dogs originating from certain countries will need to undergo quarantine upon arrival. The full list of non-quarantine countries can be found in the requirements for pets entering South Africa.

Required documentation for Cats:

Let us take care of obtaining the necessary Import Permit on your behalf. Please note that the process may take up to 2-3 working weeks, and the permit is valid for 6 months.

Ensure that your pet’s microchip can be read by an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanner.

Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination that is older than 30 days but younger than 1 year.

Obtain a South African Health Certificate endorsed by a government veterinarian within 10 days of export.

Good news for cat owners: there are no blood testing or quarantine requirements for cats entering South Africa. Trust us to help you navigate these requirements and ensure a smooth trip for your furry friend.

Required documentation for Dogs:

Let us handle obtaining the Import Permit on your behalf, which is valid for 6 months. Please note that this process may take up to 2-3 working weeks. A non-quarantine permit will be issued for eligible pets.

Ensure that your pet’s microchip can be read by an ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 scanner.

Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination that is older than 30 days but younger than 1 year.

Blood tests are required for some pets. These tests must be done within 30 days of shipment and will be specified on the health certificate issued with the import permit.

Dogs imported from countries not certified free from Dirofilaria immitis must be treated from the date of negative testing until export at the required intervals as stipulated in the South African health certificate. This medication must accompany the dog to South Africa so they can receive a six-month course of treatment after importation.

The South African Health Certificate (including blood test results) must be endorsed by a Government Veterinarian within 10 days of export.

Please check with your consultant if quarantine will be applicable to your dogs upon arrival in South Africa. Quarantine is required for dogs only and only from specific countries. Trust us to help you navigate these requirements and ensure a smooth journey for your pet.