SOUTH AFRICA
Cat and Dog Relocation: Pet Transport & shipping to South Africa
Door-to-Door Pet Relocating Service to South Africa
At Ferndale Kennels, we specialise in pet relocation and shipping to and from South Africa. Every year, we assist numerous families in relocating their beloved pets including dogs & cats to this beautiful country.
With our Veterinary Director and a vast network of colalborative veterinary clinics, we have the expertise and resources to handle the specialist tests, pet travel documents, external parasite control and other requirements necessary for a successful pet transport to South Africa. We also ensure the proper use of pet carriers, pet crates, pet food and pet medication during the journey. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of dog & cat relocation to/from South Africa, ensuring a smooth transition for your furry family members.
Discover the Wonders of South Africa with Your Pet
Moving to South Africa with your pets offers a unique opportunity to embark on a thrilling adventure together. From breathtaking wildlife to awe-inspiring scenery and sun-soaked coasts, South Africa has it all. Keeping your family intact and allowing your pets to share in these unforgettable experiences is a worthwhile endeavour. With proper planning and assistance, you can make your pet’s journey to South Africa a safe and enjoyable one.
Understanding the Pet Relocation Requirements for South Africa
Relocating dogs & cats to/from South Africa requires a specific veterinary and import requirements to ensure a safe and stress-free journey. Because many pets have a transit flight stop along the way, it’s important to complete all preparations well in advance. Whether you choose to work with a pet transport company or handle the arrangements yourself, following South African veterinary regulations and international pet travel guidelines will help make the process straightforward. With the right planning, your pet’s relocation can be smooth, successful, and focused on their health and well-being from departure to arrival.
Government Customs Clearance and Veterinary Papers
When flying to South Africa, dogs and cats must clear customs through Johannesburg or Cape Town international airports. At these entry points, veterinary papers and health certificates undergo thorough inspection, and Government Customs Clearance procedures are completed to ensure compliance with South African regulations. At Ferndale Kennels, we assist you throughout this process, from applying for the import permit and coordinating with your veterinarian for pet microchipping and vaccinations to preparing all necessary export documentation.
Additionally, we manage flight bookings for your pets and provide comprehensive guidance on every aspect of importing your pets to South Africa. Our expertise and support make the entire process smoother and less stressful for you and your furry companions.
Preparing Your Pets for Travel
Minimizing stress during the flight and relocation is essential for your pet’s well-being. To help achieve this, it is crucial that your pets become comfortable with their travel crates well before departure. Working closely with animal behaviourists and veterinarians, we provide expert guidance on crate training to create a safe and positive association with the travel kennel.
This preparation significantly reduces anxiety for dogs and cats during their journey to South Africa. Our team is committed to assisting you in preparing your pets for travel, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the relocation process.
Laboratory Tests for Dogs Travelling to South Africa
Moving dogs to South Africa requires specific laboratory tests to ensure their health and well-being. We have extensive experience in this process and can provide you with detailed instructions and assistance. Some of the essential tests include:
1. Brucella canis serum agglutination or rapid slide agglutination test
2. Trypanosoma evansi card agglutination test and Giemsa blood smear
3. Babesia gibsoni immunofluorescence antibody test and Giemsa blood smear
4. Dirofilaria immitis microfilariae filtration test
5. Leishmaniasis testing via indirect fluorescent antibody, ELISA, direct agglutination, or Western blot/membrane immunoassay
While these tests may seem complex, rest assured that our team will work closely with you to ensure a smooth and successful relocation for your dogs.
Import Permit
The import permit is a crucial official document issued by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD). It is mandatory for all pets entering South Africa, including dogs and cats, to have this permit before travel. The permit process typically takes between 5 to 10 working days but may vary depending on the service provider and the completeness of the application.
At Ferndale Kennels, we guide you step by step through the application process, ensuring that all forms are correctly filled out and submitted on time. This helps avoid delays and guarantees that your pet’s relocation complies fully with South African import regulations.
Microchip
All pets traveling to South Africa must be microchipped with a device compliant with ISO 11784 and 11785 standards. This microchip must be implanted before your pet receives any vaccinations, making it the first step in the health compliance process. The pet microchip provides a unique identification number that is scanned during the import procedure to confirm your pet’s identity.
It plays an essential role in international pet travel, preventing mix-ups and ensuring that your companion is correctly documented throughout the journey. Without a compliant microchip, your pet’s entry into South Africa may be refused.
Vaccinations
A valid rabies vaccination is required for all dogs and cats traveling to South Africa. The vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before departure but no more than 12 months prior to travel to ensure sufficient immunity. Other recommended vaccinations include:
1. DHLPP vaccine for dogs (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
2. FVRCP vaccine for cats (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
3. Comprehensive veterinary health check for small mammals
A rabies titer test (RNATT) is not required for pets entering South Africa from the United States.
Our team will guide you through ensuring your pet is fully vaccinated and compliant.
Health Certificate and Government Endorsement
A pet health certificate is a vital document that must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days before your pet’s scheduled travel date. This certificate confirms that your pet is in good health, free from contagious diseases, and has received all required vaccinations and laboratory tests. The certificate must be officially endorsed by the USDA or the equivalent government authority in your country.
This endorsement verifies the authenticity of the veterinarian’s inspection and is mandatory for clearance upon arrival in South Africa. It serves as proof that your pet complies with all health and safety regulations required by South African authorities.
Travel Crate
Your pet’s travel crate must meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards to ensure safety and comfort. Key requirements include:
1. Solid, leak-proof base
2. Secure door that cannot open accidentally
3. Ventilation on at least three sides
4. Built-in food and water containers accessible from outside
5. Adequate space for comfortable bedding
Early crate training is recommended to reduce your pet’s anxiety during travel. Our team can provide guidance on selecting and training your pet with the right crate.
Quarantine Requirements
Depending on the country of origin, pets arriving from regions considered high risk for rabies may be subject to quarantine upon arrival in South Africa. The quarantine period typically lasts between 7 and 14 days and takes place at government approved facilities located in Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT).
During quarantine, South African veterinary authorities closely monitor your pet’s health to ensure that no diseases are present and that all import conditions are met. While quarantine may seem daunting, it is a necessary step to protect the local animal population and public health. We assist in making quarantine arrangements as smooth as possible and provide support throughout your pet’s stay.
Pet Relocation Services Hong Kong/Singapore To and From South Africa
Ferndale, with main offices in Hong Kong (China) and Singapore, is your go-to expert for relocating pets to and from South Africa. Whether your pets are traveling from Hong Kong or Singapore to South Africa, or from South Africa to Hong Kong or Singapore, we specialize in dog relocation and cat relocation transportation. Our services include handling pet carriers, travel documents, pet medication, pet food, and bedding to ensure a smooth and secure journey. We comply with South African veterinary services and international pet travel guidelines to make cross-border pet movement hassle-free. For comprehensive support with pet relocation services involving South Africa, please reach out to us.
Working Together for a Seamless Pet Relocation to/from South Africa
We understand that relocating your pets can be overwhelming, but with our expertise and collaborative approach, we can simplify the process.
Our goal is to make the move to South Africa as smooth as possible for you and your pets. By partnering with us, you can benefit from our experience, guidance, and attention to detail. We will work together to navigate the intricacies of pet relocation, ensuring a safe and stress-free journey for your furry companions.
We are well-versed in the complexities of pet moves to South Africa and provide a comprehensive range of services to ensure a seamless relocation experience. From assisting with import permits and veterinary requirements to coordinating flights and providing expert advice, we handle all aspects of your pet’s journey. Contact us today and let us guide you through the process, making your pet’s move to South Africa a memorable and enjoyable adventure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I relocate my pet to South Africa?
To relocate your pet to South Africa, you need to obtain an import permit from the relevant authorities, ensure your pet is up-to-date with all required vaccinations and has a valid health certificate, and arrange suitable travel accommodations such as appropriate pet crates.
What are the pet import requirements for South Africa?
South Africa requires an import permit, up-to-date vaccinations (including rabies), a valid health certificate issued shortly before travel, and microchipping. Pets must travel in approved crates that meet airline standards. Additional regulations may apply depending on the pet type.
Is quarantine required for pets entering South Africa?
Quarantine depends on your pet’s origin and species. Most cats avoid quarantine, while some dogs may require it unless arriving from approved countries under pet relocation South Africa regulations.
How long does pet relocation to South Africa take?
The pet relocation process can take several weeks to months, depending on vaccination schedules, testing requirements, permit processing times, and shipping arrangements.
Our South Africa Based Pet Import Specialists.
Meet Ferndale's experts behind your pet's move!
