Import & Transiting

import &
transiting

When you choose Global Paws to import your cherished pets into South Africa, you can feel reassured knowing that our team offers expert support and guidance throughout the process, ensuring a smooth experience for you and your furry companions. Whether you're relocating or simply visiting, we're here to ensure that your furry friends' travel arrangements are handled with the utmost care.
We've got you covered from start to finish! Our services encompass everything from sorting out the necessary documentation to managing quarantine and ensuring safe delivery. Thanks to our extensive network of agents across the globe, we can organise flights, offer advice on pre-import blood tests for your canine companions, assist with completing the South African Health Certificate, handle arrival customs, and navigate airline procedures seamlessly.

We can assist with the following import services:

Obtaining the new Animal Improvement Compliance Permit for dogs.
Applying for the South African Veterinary Import Permit for cats, dogs and other pets.
Arranging CITIES permit where needed.
Preclear customs before your pet’s arrival.
Settling airline handling fees.
Deliver your pets to your door after import clearance and formalities.
Or self-collection of your pet after import clearance at the airport.
Facilitating post-arrival quarantine.
Assisting with special dietary needs whilst pets are in quarantine.
Coordinating with the quarantine stations in Cape Town or Johannesburg.
Collection from quarantine and delivery to your home.
Arranging domestic flights within South Africa, when necessary.
We can also tailor your requirements to your specific needs to facilitate international flights, blood tests, veterinary documentation, or kenneling services amongst others.

Three year rabies vaccinations

Please note that three-year rabies vaccinations are not accepted for pets being imported into South Africa, read more about the requirements for pets into South Africa on our requirements page.

Quarantine requirement for dogs

Dogs arriving in South Africa from certain countries may require quarantine upon arrival to ensure that they are free from contagious diseases. However, cats are usually exempt from quarantine.

Moving to neighbouring countries

Pets from South Africa’s neighbouring African countries, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Malawi have different requirements, please refer to the link for these requirements.

Bird imports

Import regulations for birds vary depending on their country of origin. However, all birds coming into South Africa must have an import permit and undergo pre and post-shipment quarantine.

Arrival as manifested cargo

No matter the species, all animals must be registered as manifested cargo. We're here to offer personalised guidance and support to meet your pet's needs.

Transiting through South Africa

South Africa, particularly Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport (JNB), serves as the main gateway to Africa for many international flights. With numerous flights connecting through JNB to and from other African countries, the journey for your pets can become a bit complex. However, Global Paws is well-equipped with the expertise and experience needed to guide your pets through this part of their journey with care and attention.

Transiting pets through South Africa can pose challenges, especially when it comes to understanding the transit process and its requirements. It's essential to discuss your travel plans with us before making any flight arrangements.

For instance, we might recommend against transiting and instead suggest importing your cat into South Africa and arranging for her onward flight to your final destination. Alternatively, we may need to inform you that your dog must comply with South African requirements, including undergoing all five required blood tests, if their final destination is a SADC country.

We are only a phone call or an email away

By consulting with us beforehand, we can ensure that your pets' journey is smooth and stress-free, no matter the complexities involved in transiting through South Africa.
If you have any specific queries or requests, our consultants are just a call away. Let us take the lead in ensuring a smooth journey for your cherished pets into South Africa.

suka

Travel Date: 29.09.24

Travel Route – Indonesia to

Johannesburg

Dear Monique, Please find my testimonial below. When I decided to bring my beloved dog, Suka, from Indonesia to South Africa, I was overwhelmed by the complexity and potential pitfalls ahead. That's when I turned to Global Paws and was fortunate enough to work with Monique. From our very first interaction, Monique and the team exemplified professionalism, compassion, and unparalleled expertise. They transformed what I had anticipated to be a tumultuous experience into a seamless journey. Every potential hiccup was addressed even before it could surface, a testament to their foresight and meticulous planning. What stood out to me the most was the constant stream of clarity they provided. With every step, I was informed, educated, and reassured. The anxiety of the unknown was immediately replaced by the confidence of knowing that Suka was in capable and caring hands. Monique, in particular, went above and beyond. Her timely updates were not just informative but also filled with a personal touch, making me feel that Suka wasn’t just another task on her list but a priority she genuinely cared about. In conclusion, entrusting Global Paws and Monique with the responsibility of Suka's journey was one of the best decisions I've made. Their commitment to transparency, unparalleled expertise, and heartfelt care transformed a potentially stressful event into a smooth transition. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone in need. Thank you, Monique and team, for bringing Suka home safely. Best wishes, Jord

benji

Travel Date: 01.05.24

Travel Route – Australia to

Cape Town

Dear Monique You have done an exceptional job as the representative of Global Paws to help to get our little boy imported. The hours you have spent at the government offices to get the dispatch document issued and negotiating extra time to have the validity of the vaccination extended for another two weeks, are deeply appreciated. Without you, this could never have happened. It was clear how fond you are of dogs and that you were totally dedicated to your task of reuniting Benji with his “parents”. You had to go through an emotional taxing time yourself as we have gone through this process of uncertainties. During our turmoil, you were always available and supportive. We phoned you on several occasions and always felt more hopeful after talking to you. The other difficulty you had to deal with was the time difference between Brisbane in Australia and Cape Town. The 8 hours difference made it particularly challenging. And then there was the public holiday in Australia at a crucial time of Benji’s export to South Africa. You handled all these hindrances with such competence. You kept in close contact with Dogtainers and kept them updated on a daily basis. And you always kept reassuring them about the dispatch document. Monique, thanks for your quality of work. You were compassionate and delivered a professional service of the highest degree. We will be forever grateful. Global Paws with you at the steer did a fantastic job. Our biggest surprise was when Trevor let us know that we could pick Benji up at the airport on the 1st of May, a public holiday. Trevor is fine gentleman. And he was kind and professional. Benji’s exciting rush out of his cage to see us again, was so touching. Thanks Monique. Thanks Global Paws. You are magnificent. With fond regards, Piet and Audrey

smokey

Travel Date: 01.08.23

Travel route - Amman to

Cape Town

Dear Toinette, I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for all the incredible services you and your team provided, resulting in Smokey's safe and joyful arrival yesterday. Smokey's happiness and well-being were truly evident as soon as she arrived, and I am certain that this is a direct reflection of the exceptional care and attention you put into your work. Your dedication to ensuring her comfort during the journey has not gone unnoticed, and I am incredibly thankful for it. I also want to extend a special thank you to Trevor, the person who delivered Smokey. His friendly demeanor and genuine care were so reassuring, both for Smokey and for me. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for going above and beyond in taking care of Smokey. Your professionalism, kindness, and commitment to ensuring her safe journey have left an indelible impression on me. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, and I am truly grateful. Wishing you all the best and looking forward to any future interactions. Warm regards, Aleen

monty

Travel Date: 08.05.24

Travel Route - UK to Cape Town

Good morning Kimberley, Nicolene and Nadine I hope you are all well. We have arrived in Cape Town to gorgeous sunny weather and, while still needing some time to adjust, we are happy to be home. Monty had a lovely flight and is quite calm but still a bit confused. He was such a clean little boy in his crate. His crate was a bit damp, not sure if it was water or if he did a wee, but on leaving his crate the first thing he did was eat a couple of pellets and then have a poop. It turned out that the cargo hold in which he was kept was right below where we were sitting and once we landed he was taken off the plane before we could move. We were very privileged to be able to see him leave the plane on the conveyor belt and move off in the van. We have a little video of this so if anyone would like to get it, if you can send me a WhatsApp number I can forward the video to you. When I first contacted Pets Abroad in November last year, just speaking on the phone I knew we had made the right choice of company. This week confirmed that. From Guy who collected Monty on Tuesday morning to Trevor who sorted him out on this end, and everyone in between, I send a huge THANK YOU! You made an anxious kitty very comfortable and anxious kitty parents feel happy that our Mr Monty was in the safest hands possible. To all of you, please keep doing what you do. You're all doing a wonderful job. You're all Simply The Best. Thank you. We are on a Facebook page about bringing pets from the UK back to SA and be sure you will all get glowing recommendations. Also on any other platforms and reviews, you will be highly recommended by us and by Monty. With heartfelt thanks and the kindest regards. Lindsay, David and Monty