Bringing pets to South Africa – We specialize in pet immigration to South Africa.

To meet pet import South Africa requirements, pets must have:

  • Can only be transferred when being a cargo
  • Tell us your plan 1.5-3 months before your planned departure
  • Microchip
  • Vaccination and Vaccination Record
  • South Africa pet health certificate
  • Other treatments
  • Blood test
  • South Africa pet import requirements (import permit)
  • Dog license (For dogs only)
  • Reserve quarantine facility (14 days)
  • IATA-standard crates required

Note: All pets must arrive as air cargo.

If you are interested in using our pet travel South Africa services, you can fill out our quote request form and provide us with information about your pet’s travel to assist in arranging a personalized pet relocation plan for you. If you have further inquiries or questions, you can send us a message through our contact page or directly WhatsApp us at +852 6358 3131 to speak with one of our professional consultants.

Important Notes

Cats are not routinely quarantined upon arrival in South Africa. However, cats must have a valid import permit and a correctly filled South Africa pet health certificate signed and stamped by a government veterinarian in the exporting country. If the original copies of both the Veterinary Import Permit (VIP) and Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) from the two veterinarians are not available upon the cat’s arrival in South Africa, the cat will not be allowed to enter the country.

Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination. In the case of primary (first) rabies immunization, the vaccination must be given not more than 12 months and not less than 30 days before the import date. In the case of a booster rabies vaccination, the vaccination must be given not more than 12 months before the import date.

Depending on the country of origin, some dogs will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period upon entry.

 

Import Permit fee:

Book of Tariffs – Department: Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 
https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/animal-improvment-tarrifs201920_1.pdf

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Bring Cat to South Africa

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Common FAQs

The Complete Process: What Should You Do?

Guide to Bringing Pets to South Africa · Necessary Procedures for Hong Kong Pet import to South Africa

For pet owners who are immigrating to South Africa, how should you handle the pet transport to South Africa for your beloved pets? Can you bring pet to South Africa? What are the requirements for taking pets to South Africa? When pet travel to South Africa, you must follow the regulations and procedures for South Africa pet immigration, otherwise, your pets may be quarantined or even denied entry.

PET TRAVEL has compiled a guide on the process for pets entering South Africa, hoping to assist pet owners in successfully bringing their pets into South Africa.

To successfully bring pet to South Africa, it is essential that all the following requirements are met:

  • Can only be transferred when being a cargo
  • Tell us your plan 1.5-3 months before your planned departure
  • Microchip
  • Vaccination and Vaccination Record
  • Pet health certificate South Africa
  • Other treatments
  • Blood test
  • Import documents (import permit)
  • Dog license (For dogs only)
  • Reserve quarantine facility (14 days)
  • IATA-standard crates required

Note: All pets must arrive as air cargo.

A detailed guide to bringing Hong Kong pets to immigrate to South Africa

If you planning pet travel to South Africa, you need to notify PET TRAVEL’s pet immigration experts at least 1.5 months before departure, we need to handle on documents needed for South Africa pet immigration, and contact the airline in advance to arrange a reservation for pet cargo space. Direct flights only accept pet transport South Africa in the cargo hold with oxygen, and pets cannot be carried in the cabin or treated as special luggage. If your economic conditions allow, you can also choose to bring your pets to immigrate to South Africa by private jet.

Before departure, you need to prepare for your pet immigration to South Africa. Bring your pet to a veterinary clinic for pre-flight checks, veterinarian provide a pet health certificate, and arrange for any necessary treatment. Prior to departure, you also need to prepare the declaration form and flight declaration form.

After all the necessary documents for pet relocation to South Africa are ready, on the day of departure, you should deliver your pets to the airline and complete the boarding procedures. Upon arrival in South Africa, your pets will need to undergo import inspection and quarantine. PET TRAVEL can help with the difficult and time-consuming process on.

PET TRAVEL · Helping You Reunite with Your Beloved Pets in a Foreign Country

Pet relocation to South Africa can be a complicated process. If you’re thinking about taking your pet from Hong Kong to South Africa but don’t have the time to handle the pet immigration process yourself, or want to know the cost and best options for pet import to South Africa, PET TRAVEL can help.

PET TRAVEL has lots of successful cases on pet travel to South Africa. We have established close partnerships with several international first-class airlines and well-known veterinary clinics. Our professional pet immigration experts will take care of all the necessary procedures, including obtaining animal health certificates, arranging pet entry and exit, booking flights, arranging destination customs clearance, implanting pet microchips, and even providing pet transportation services. We offer the most affordable pet immigration fees and provide you with the most caring and professional service.

No matter what your special pet immigration needs are, such as taking your pet’s ashes to South Africa or booking a private plane for pet immigration to South Africa, PET TRAVEL can handle it properly.

You don’t need to worry about which pet immigration service to choose in South Africa, or worry about the cost being too high, as PET TRAVEL offers open and transparent reasonable fees for pet immigration to South Africa.

Taking care of your pets is every pet owner’s responsibility, and if you’re planning to immigrate to South Africa with your pet, PET TRAVEL can help you handle the pet immigration process properly. Our reasonable fees for handling pet immigration to South Africa will save you time and help you reunite with your beloved pets in a foreign country as soon as possible.

How long does it take?

South Africa Pet Immigration – South Africa pet travel requirements?

It is recommended that you give at least 3 months advance notice before departure. We need time to prepare import and export documents and contact airlines and customs. Airlines require pet cargo/excess baggage to be reserved for pets. Also, some countries such as Australia, Singapore and Taiwan require at least 2-3 months advance notice. These countries have their own quarantine policies. We need to make an appointment and contact the customs import department to take further steps, such as booking a quarantine space and customs inspection.

Will I require a pet passport?

Pet passports are not available in Hong Kong or China. They are only provided for pets originating from the US, UK, and EU countries, which enable the transport of cats and dogs from UK to other EU nations. Additional requirements may apply to some countries. Instead, pet health certificates are used for pet import and export from Hong Kong or China. An official veterinarian or authorized veterinarian must complete and issue the certificate, which is then signed by the relevant authority. The certificate is valid for a certain period of time depending on the country of destination and identity check at the port of entry. The health certificate for Dubai pet immigration should include the pet’s name, chip number, identity, and vaccination records. If you need more information on pet transport to Dubai, please consult our professional team.

What else does my pet need besides vaccinations?

In addition to vaccination preparation and export documentation, your pet may require an import permit to enter certain countries. Some countries require pet immigration companies to prepare these import documents. Please contact our professional team.

What documents do airline required?

To ensure a smooth pet travel experience, there are several documents that you will need to provide to the airline. These include the original pet health certificate issued by a veterinarian, vaccination records for your pet, a statement letter from the live animal shipper, and an air waybill for the cargo. Additionally, when importing or exporting pets in Hong Kong, an Airline Certificate may also be required.

At Pet Travel, we understand that preparing these documents can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to assist you with every step of the process. Our team can help you obtain the necessary documents and liaise with the airlines and relevant immigration authorities to ensure a hassle-free pet travel experience for you and your furry friend.

Why shouldn’t I do this myself?

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it can also be daunting – especially when it comes to relocating your beloved furry friend. While you might think that handling your pet’s immigration process yourself could save you money, the truth is that it could end up being a costly mistake. Don’t risk your pet’s well-being by going it alone!

At Pet Travel, we specialize in pet travel to South Africa, making pet moving stress-free and hassle-free. Our experienced team knows all the rules and regulations when it comes to pet import and export policies, and we can handle all the necessary paperwork on your behalf. So, why not let us take care of everything? We treat every move with the care and attention it deserves, ensuring that your pet arrives safely and happily at their new home. With our help, you can enjoy a worry-free experience for your pets entering South Africa – and your furry friend will thank you for it!

 

Is it safe for my pet to fly?

Traveling by air is as safe for pets as it is for people. Airlines require pets to travel in containers that comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations and with specific airline guidelines. All of these things are designed to help ensure the safety and comfort of your pet while traveling. In some cases, your pet may not be allowed to travel in the cabin with you. Your pet will travel in a special cargo compartment within the aircraft. This compartment is both climate-controlled as well as pressurized, so your pet will be safe and comfortable. It is on the same air circulation system as the cabin.

Can you reduce pet travel anxiety?

Our Policy is to transport your pet with the minimum amount of stress involved. We will find the most direct route available, with little time spent confined in the kennel as possible. Additionally, there are certain products you can purchase, such as Feliway, which is a natural pheromone to induce a calmer state.

Will my pet be stressed from the flight?

Your pet will be pleased to see you and will probably enjoy a good meal at the end of their flight, but most animals travel very well and relax throughout the flight. There are more than a million pets that fly safely every year worldwide, and the captain will act appropriately if there are any animals aboard.

Can I take my cat on holiday with me?

We can let you know if this is possible if you let us know which airline you will be flying with and on which day. We will make every effort to book cargo space on the same flight as your pet. To avoid you incurring unnecessary costs, it is advisable for us to check availability for pets before you book your own flight if you wish to travel at the same time

Can my pet travel with adaptive collars/or flat collars?

It is advised by every airline that pets do not travel wearing a collar of any kind as they are deemed a choking hazard. However, they will be able to travel with the containers attached to their airline-approved crate in order to be able to refit them when they reach their destination. 

Can my dog/cat fly alone?

Yes, your dog/cat can be booked as manifest cargo and can fly alone to most locations.

Do I have access to my pet during the flight?

Both passengers and crew are not permitted access to the cargo hold. During refueling and transit stops, passengers will not be permitted access to their pets.

What if my pet needs to urinate during the flight?

Unfortunately, little accidents sometimes do happen, so the crates are lined with absorbable puppy training pads to help soak up any little accidents that do occur. Like humans, your pet may experience a little dehydration during the flight, which will reduce the need for urination. Also, do not feed your pet the morning before travel as this may increase the risk of defecation or vomiting.

How to book with pet ticket with airlines?
First, you must make sure all the important documents are ready for your pet. You must have your pet microchipped and rabies vaccination and vaccination record for airlines. Airlines need to have all documents prepared so they could book the pet cargo/ excess baggage for you, as they do not want your hassle from the trip. The customs would not accept pets import their countries if the documents are not well prepared, your pet may have to quarantine or even be banned for import their countries, your pet may need to turn back to your origin. Hence, airlines need all documents ready so they could reserve a seat for your pet. 
Lastly, it is important to note that some airlines will not allow you to book directly with them to fly your cat internationally to some countries. Instead, you’ll be required to hire a pet-shipping company with an airline account. This is because they want to have the assurance that the import procedures and paperwork were completed correctly to avoid any penalties or fees.
What is the difference between ‘Excess Baggage’ and ‘Air Cargo’?

When you travel with your pet and you both check in at the passenger terminal, this is termed ‘excess baggage,’ however, your pet will still travel in the animal hold. Air Cargo can be used when you travel with your pet or if your pet is traveling without you. Your pet will be checked in through the cargo terminal at your departing airport and the cargo terminals of modern-day airports are used to handling and caring for animals. Some even have specialized rooms for holding animals.

Why my pet could not travel in cabin/ excess baggage with me on the same flight?
Although several airlines, domestic and international, accept pets as carry-on or excess baggage, you could travel with them. Carry-on pets must adhere to strict size restrictions, along with limitations regarding available space (both on board the airplane and in the cargo hold). Most airlines place a strict limit on the number of pets that can travel in the plane’s cabin. Several will only allow one or two animals per flight.
Normally, airlines only accept cats and small dogs travel in the cabin with their owner, their weight must be < 8kg (17lbs) and the owner must put them in either a small soft pet container or IATA approved pet crate. One important thing you must know, some breeds like bulldog, wolf-dog and snub-nosed pets like exotic shorthair and pugs may be restricted by airlines. You may check with the airlines if you would like to travel with your pet in the cabin. 
For traveling in the baggage compartment (excess baggage), airlines could accept pets under 32kg -40kg to travel as excess baggage with the same flight. However, some countries may be restricted for pet travel as excess baggage due to their pet import policy, some countries may even do not accept pets for importing their countries. You have to reach the airline for further enquiries if you do not want to travel separately with your pets. If airlines do not accept pet travel on the same flight, you have to ship your dog in Manifest Cargo by the airlines’ cargo service. 
One key point to note, airlines may NOT ACCEPT pet travel in-cabin with TRANSIT Flight (Connecting Flight) from different airlines, some airlines may even serve pets in a direct flight.  Due to the COVID19 pandemic, some airlines have stopped pet check-in and limit pet travel.
For pet travel in cargo separately, the cost will be straightly expensive than pet travel in the baggage compartment or travel in a cabin. Your pet must be put in the IATA-approved pet crate and follow the LAR (Live Animal Regulations) by airlines.
In addition to large and giant breed dogs traveling in extremely large crates, some passenger aircraft aren’t able to handle such oversized cargo. Keep in mind that the airlines must adhere to the International Animal Transport Association’s Live Animal Regulations (IATA/LAR) and they will require you to do the same. Taking your pet on the plane with you seems to be an attractive, affordable option. However, be aware that you run the very real risk of your pet missing the flight if there is no space available onboard or in cargo, or if you have not complied with the IATA/LAR.
Cargo Rates – Why it is so expensive for pet cargo?

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