How to Move Your Pet to South Africa: A Guide for Pet Parents

What Do You Need to Transport Your Pet to South Africa?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel

Moving your pet to South Africa can be a smooth process with the right knowledge and preparation. Our expert guide covers everything you need to know, from health certifications to travel tips, ensuring your pet’s safe arrival into the South Africa.

Please note that it is advised to give ample time to prepare for your pet's travels. It may take 1-2 months for your pet to enter South Africa. If your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country, they are required to  quarantine in either Cape Town or Johannesburg for 7-14 days upon arrival.

For detailed information on guidelines for importing pets to South Africa, visit here.


Important Notes on Pet Travel Timelines



What Do You Need to Transport Your Pet to South Africa?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel



Moving your pet to South Africa can be a smooth process with the right knowledge and preparation. Our expert guide covers everything you need to know, from health certifications to travel tips, ensuring your pet’s safe arrival into the South Africa.

Please note that it is advised to give ample time to prepare for your pet's travels. It may take 1-2 months for your pet to enter South Africa. If your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country, they are required to  quarantine in either Cape Town or Johannesburg for 7-14 days upon arrival.

For detailed information on guidelines for importing pets to South Africa, visit here.


Important Notes on Pet Travel Timelines


Happy dog sitting in a red car, ready for transportation, with a joyful expression, symbolizing safe and comfortable pet travel.

What Are The Pet Restrictions in South Africa?


There are currently no banned dog or cat breeds in South Africa.


Should I Keep My Pet's Original Health Documents When Moving to South Africa?


Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!



Health Requirements For Pet's To Enter South Africa


Microchip


Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.


ISO-Compliant Microchip: Ensure your pet is identified with a 15-digit or 9-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.


Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.


Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.



A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccination must be greater than 30 days old and valid for one year at the time of entry into South Africa. This vaccine must either be administered at the same time as your pet's microchip or after the microchip is implanted, depending on your country of origin.

Note: If your pet was microchipped after their most recent rabies vaccine, they will need to have another rabies vaccine administered to be compliant for entry into South Africa.


Additional Vaccines


While general vaccinations are not mandatory for pets traveling to South Africa, they are strongly recommended to be administered for the safety and well-being of your pets on their travels.

For Dogs:

  • DHPP+L: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Should be given within the last 6 months.

For Cats:

  • FVRCP: Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.

These optional vaccines help protect your pet from common diseases, ensuring a safer travel experience.


Parasite Treatments:


Your pet must be treated for the following parasites within 30 days of entering South Africa:

  •  Dirofilaria immitis
  • Acaricide Treatment
  • Tick & Fly Repellent

NOTE: You must show date of treatment, expiration date, and name of insecticide use for each of the above parasites on the South African Health Certificate. 


Blood Tests (DOGS ONLY)


For your dog to enter South Africa, they must be tested for the following 5 diseases by an approved laboratory with a passing result within 30 days of entering the country:

  • Brucella Canis
  • Trypanasoma Evansi
  • Babesia Gibsoni
  • Dirofilaria Immitis
  • Leishmania Spps

If you decide to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, we can assist you with scheduling the proper tests for each of these. 


Heartworm Preventative (DOGS ONLY)


Your dog must continue treatment for heartworm (Dirofilaria) for at least 6 months after arrival into South Africa for compliance for entry.



Document Requirements For Pet's To Enter South Africa


A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.

South African Health Certificate


A government-accredited veterinarian must examine your pet and complete the Health Certificate for Export to South Africa within 7- 10 days of your pet’s intended departure, depending on your country of origin. 

If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, you Pet Relocation Counselor and our local team in your origin country can assist with this. 


Additional Document Requirements

A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.

Import Permit 


You will need the following documents to obtain an import permit:

  • copy of vaccination records (rabies and general)
  • microchip certificate
  • copy of the primary page of your passport
  • full body and colored photo of your pet

Note: The Import permit is required and can take over a month to obtain from government officials. This permit is only valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.


A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.

International Fit to Fly Certificate


A Government Accredited Vet must examine your pet and complete the Fit to Fly Certificate within 7-10 days of your pet's intended departure. 


Quarantine for Dogs


If your dog is travelling from a high-risk rabies country and you choose to work with WorldCare Pet, once we receive the import permit and confirm your dog’s travel date, our team in South Africa will arrange their quarantine stay in either Cape Town (CPT) or Johannesburg (JNB).

Note: Visits are not allowed during quarantine, and required blood tests will be conducted during their stay. Depending on the results, your dog will typically be released within 7-14 days.

Your Pet Relocation Counselor will keep you updated throughout the process.




FAQ: Moving Your Pet To South Africa




PawPrint’s Pet Travel Guides to Popular South Africa Cities


Planning pet transport to South Africa? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!


Cape Town, South Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa



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