Pet Travel - Global Paws - About UsGlobal Paws

Our Story

Global Paws began in 1989 when a client at our Snowpine Kennels asked us to transport their pet to Europe. Having already handled international pet imports for our own animals, we took on the challenge—and successfully relocated our first furry traveler. That moment sparked the beginning of Global Paws.

Now, 35 years later, we’ve safely transported over 65,000 pets and crafted just as many IATA-approved travel kennels. With offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, our dedicated team of 29 understands the trust and responsibility that come with pet travel.

Our passion and ethical approach have earned us the Brand of the Year award from the World Branding Awards in 2019/2020 and again in 2022/2023. For us, pet travel isn’t just about logistics—it’s about reuniting families and making every journey a smooth and safe experience.

Detailed Itineraries & Emergency Support

Our team works closely with you to ensure every detail of your pet’s journey is meticulously planned. We go beyond the basics by offering a detailed travel and veterinary itinerary, so you’re never left in the dark. You’ll know exactly when and why your pet needs to visit their vet, apply for import permits, and other key steps in the process. We also understand that emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why we provide a dedicated emergency line, ensuring you always have access to support when you need it most.

Dedicated Team of Experts

What truly sets us apart is our team. Rather than relying on a single consultant, we provide you with the collective expertise of a whole team. Each pet relocation is managed by experienced professionals who specialize in various aspects of the process, from veterinary care to flight logistics. This ensures that all details are handled with the utmost precision and care.

Comprehensive Care & Financial Reassurance

We understand that pets are not just animals—they’re family. That’s why we’ve created a journey experience that prioritizes their well-being at every stage. Our Traveller Comfort Pack is designed to keep pets calm, secure, and comfortable during their long international journey, ensuring they’re well-prepared. We also offer a Pet Protection Plan to financially safeguard your pet during relocation, offering you peace of mind throughout the process.

Trusted Relationships

Over the years, we’ve built a reputation of respect and trust with the people who help make each relocation a success. We’ve formed strong partnerships with state vets, airline cargo teams, organizations in the pet care industry, and well-known industry professionals or corporations. These relationships not only help us ensure smooth, timely relocations, but they also keep us at the forefront of industry trends, allowing us to offer the best service to our clients.

IATA-Compliant Travel Crates & Pet Store

We manufacture our own IATA-compliant wooden travel kennels, ensuring that each pet is housed securely and comfortably during their journey. We also operate our own pet store, offering a range of airline-approved plastic crates and other travel essentials, as well as pet care products to keep your pet comfortable.

Air-Conditioned Fleet of Vehicles

We have a fleet of air-conditioned vehicles for safe and comfortable transport, ensuring your pet travels in the best conditions, whether they’re being transported locally or to the airport.

Travel Tracking & App for Organization

Our CareTag is a digital pet ID and wallet that not only tracks your pet, but also brings your pet’s life into the cloud, keeping everything organized. CareTag is packed with features, including an appointment diary, vaccine and medication organizer, digital vet record, and a document diary with seamless sharing and privacy options.

Home Is Where Your Pet Is

At Global Paws, our motto isn’t just words—it’s our mission. We understand that your pet is family, and every relocation is more than just a journey; it’s a reunion, a new beginning, or a long-awaited homecoming. With dedication, expertise, and heart, we ensure that wherever life takes you, your pet is right there with you—safe, happy, and ready to settle into their new home.

Milestones & Achievements

Global Paws has come a long way since its inception, achieving key milestones that reflect our dedication and success in the pet relocation industry. With over 65,000 pets safely relocated to more than 70 countries, we’ve earned the trust of both families and corporate clients, helping reunite them with their beloved pets.

Key Achievements:

65,000+ Pets Relocated: Successfully transported pets to over 70 countries.
Custom IATA-Approved Kennels: We manufacture high-quality, secure wooden kennels for safe travel.
Award-Winning Service: Recognized for excellence in the pet relocation industry.
Global Partnerships: Established long-standing relationships with reputable companies and organizations.
In-House Veterinary Care: Providing professional health checks and treatments through our veterinary room in Johannesburg.
Air-Conditioned Fleet of Vehicles: Our fleet ensures safe and comfortable transport, keeping pets in optimal conditions.
Online Pet Store: More than just a virtual marketplace—our online platform reflects our commitment to expanding offerings and enhancing the overall experience for our valued clients.

These milestones reflect our growth, dedication to safety, and ongoing pursuit of excellence. As we continue to evolve, our focus remains on providing the highest standard of service, care, and reliability for pets and their families.