South Africa

South Africa Info

Pets travelling into South Africa from other countries

• All pets coming into South Africa must be microchipped with an ISO 100784 /85 compliant microchip.
• All pets must travel into South Africa as manifested cargo via the cargo terminals of the airport.
• Dogs and cats are required to have a Rabies vaccination, this must be at least 30 days prior to departure and cannot be older than 12 months.
• Dogs and cats should also have the annual vaccinations up to date as this is required for domestic travel within SA.
• Dogs are required to have 5 Blood Tests and 2 Blood Smears done within 30 days prior to departure.
• Dogs are to receive a treatment Heartworm within 30 days prior to departure.
• All pets are required to have a Veterinary Health Certificate completed by a Government Official Veterinarian within 10 days prior to departure – dogs and cats have separate forms.
• All pets are required to have an Import Permit. This can take 5 to 15 working days to be issued – dogs and cats require their own permit.
• Dogs from certain countries will be required to undergo a maximum of 14 days quarantine on arrival.

Pets travelling within South Africa

• All pets must be at least 8 weeks old to be transported by air.
• Dogs and Cats must have at least 1 vaccination for Rabies and a DHPPi OR CRP at least 14 days prior to intended travel date. The airlines will request a copy of the Vet Book at time of booking and check in.
• Puppies and Kittens under 12 weeks of old may travel on their Mother’s Rabies vaccination only if that vaccination was given at least 30 days prior to the date of birth of the puppies but not older than 12 months A copy of the Mother’s Vet Book will be needed.
• The only airline currently accepting pets for travel as manifested cargo within SA is Airlink Daytime flights have a container height restriction in place. Only pets with a container height of 80cm OR less can be accommodated. Any pet requiring a container height above 80cm can only travel on the Freighter (cargo only) flights. These operate on specific nights during the week depending on route and are limited to 2 pets only per flight.
• All pets are to be delivered to the airline at least 2hrs prior to the scheduled departure time for the check in process.