If you are moving pets to South Africa from the UK, you're not alone! From understanding pet import regulations to choosing the right pet transport service, this pet travel guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Taking Pets to South Africa - Pet Travel Guide
There are direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town, and from there, pets can travel to places like Durban or Port Elizabeth, depending on where you are moving.
When taking pets to South Africa, dogs and cats must go through customs in either Cape Town or Johannesburg. Here, their veterinary papers are checked to make sure everything is correct before they are allowed into the country.
The best part is that there is no quarantine for dogs and cats traveling from the UK to South Africa if all the paperwork is done correctly. This means you can pick up your pets from the airport and take them straight to their new home.
However, the process of flying dogs and cats from the UK to South Africa can be complicated. If the paperwork isn’t correct, pets might have to stay in quarantine until everything is sorted out. So, it’s important to make sure all the documents are prepared properly to avoid any problems.
Moving Pet Dog and Cat to South Africa from the UK - Steps
Step 1: Getting the Import Permit
If you're taking a dog or cat to South Africa, you need an import permit from the Department of Agriculture. Getting the permit is easy, you pay the fee to the department's bank account and then fill out the form.
However, getting the permit can be tricky because the mail system in South Africa is not always as reliable as it is in the UK. So, it might be better to ask someone who lives in South Africa to help with the application. The original import permit has to be at the airport when your pet arrives. You can bring a copy of the permit with you, but the original must be shown when your pet is brought into South Africa.
Step 2: Rabies Vaccination
Since the UK doesn’t have rabies, pets coming from there to South Africa don’t need a rabies shot, but it’s highly recommended for your pet’s safety after they arrive. Just make sure the rabies vaccination is done either before or after the flight. You can’t give the shot within 30 days and over 12 months of the flight, so plan accordingly!
Step 3: Microchipping of Pets
All pet dogs and cats must be microchipped, and the microchip number should be included on all veterinary certificates. The microchipping process must be completed before any required vaccinations to ensure that the Official Veterinarian (OV) or Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI) from DEFRA can properly identify the animal when preparing the necessary paperwork.
Step 4: Choose a Flight Date
Talk to us about picking the right flight for your pets. This depends on when you're going to South Africa and if you have someone there who can pick up your pets for you. At James Cargo UK, we’re here to guide you through the whole process and make sure everything is ready for your pets' trip.
Step 5: Get DEFRA Export Paperwork
Your pets will also need special export paperwork from DEFRA. This is a certificate that shows your pets are allowed to leave the UK. A government-approved vet needs to complete this paperwork, and it will be sent to your vet about five days before your flight.
Step 6: Blood Tests for Dogs
Before flying to South Africa, dogs need to have blood tests to make sure they aren’t carrying any diseases that could harm animals there. If your dog has lived only in the UK, they’ll need 5 tests (heartworm, 2 types of babesia, leishmania, and brucella). If your dog has ever traveled outside of the UK, they’ll need 7 tests (heartworm, 2 types of babesia, leishmania, brucella, and 2 types of trypanosome).
On the same day as the blood test, your vet also needs to treat your dog for heartworm. This treatment has to continue for 6 months, and you’ll need to bring any leftover medicine to South Africa to show that you’ll keep giving it to your dog while they’re there. Cats don’t need these blood tests.
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Step 7: Health Check Before the Flight
Your pets will also need a health check from a vet that the government has approved, and this must be done within 10 days of the flight. This ensures your pet is healthy enough to travel. At this check, your vet will also finish the paperwork (DEFRA export licence) that’s needed for your pets to enter South Africa.
The import permit from South Africa has a health certificate attached to it. Since the UK has special rules, you won’t need to fill out this certificate because your vet will take care of the DEFRA export paperwork.
Step 8: Ready for the Flight to South Africa
Your pet is all set for South Africa! They’ll usually take an overnight flight, which helps them settle in during the trip. Your dog or cat will spend the evening in the UK and then, by morning, they’ll be in South Africa. Once they land, their import paperwork will be checked, and if everything is in order, they’ll be allowed into the country.
Need Help with Pet Travel To South Africa from the UK?
Pet relocation can be complicated, and with so much conflicting information online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One small mistake could cause major issues for both you and your pet.
That’s where James Cargo Service, your trusted pet mover, comes in. With over 20 years of experience in pet shipping, we guide you through the entire process, ensuring a safe and smooth journey for your pet. From handling paperwork to offering door-to-door delivery, we manage everything.
Our transparent, no-hidden-fee service includes a free, customized quote to meet your exact pet shipping needs.
FAQs on Pet Travel to South Africa
- Do pets need to be quarantined in South Africa?
Not usually, if all import requirements are met. - How much does it cost to move a pet to South Africa?
Pet moving costs vary based on different factors but generally range from £1,500 to £4,000. - Can I bring my pet in the cabin on flights to South Africa?
Only small pets are allowed, depending on the airline’s policy. - What vaccinations are required for pets entering South Africa?
Rabies vaccination is mandatory, along with other standard vaccines. - Is microchipping required for pets moving to South Africa?
Yes, with an ISO-compliant microchip.