Requirements

Country Requirements Directory

Understanding country-specific requirements is essential when preparing your pet for travel. Each destination has unique veterinary, import, export, and airline regulations that must be met.

The information provided here offers a general overview, but requirements can change overnight. That’s why early planning—ideally several months in advance—is key to avoiding delays.

Our dedicated pet travel consultants stay updated on the latest regulations, guide you through the entire process, and prepare a detailed travel itinerary tailored to your pet’s journey. Veterinary preparation timelines vary by country and can range from 1 to 7 months.

Requirements for Pets Entering South Africa

Age of Animal

Pets must be at least 3 months old to travel on their own rabies vaccination.
Younger pets can travel under their mother’s valid rabies vaccination (if given before pregnancy)

Microchip

An ISO-approved microchip is required before travel.

Rabies Vaccination

Must be given at least 30 days before travel but no more than 1 year before departure.
Not required for pets from the UK, Australia, or New Zealand (unless traveling onward).
Three-year rabies vaccinations are NOT accepted.

Annual Vaccinations (Recommended)

Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Bordetella (Kennel Cough).
Cats: Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus.
Must be older than 30 days but not older than 1 year upon arrival.

Blood Tests (Dogs Only)

Required for dogs except those from neighboring countries.
Must be conducted within 30 days of arrival at an approved lab.
Some dogs will be retested in quarantine upon arrival.

Treatments (Dogs Only)

Certain disease treatments must continue from negative blood tests until export.
Heartworm treatment must continue for 6 months after arrival.

Animal Improvement Compliance Permit (Dogs Only)

Required from April 1, 2024.
Must be obtained before applying for the Veterinary Import Permit.
Dogs must be spayed/neutered (proof required).

Veterinary Import Permit

Required for dogs & cats (except those from neighboring countries).
Takes 2-3 weeks to process.

Quarantine for Dogs

Applies to dogs from certain countries for up to 14 days.
Dogs from approved countries (UK, EU, USA, Canada, etc.) do NOT require quarantine.

View South African requirements

Basic Requirements for Cats & Dogs Leaving South Africa

Microchip Identification: Pets must have an ISO-approved microchip, implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.
Rabies Vaccination: Required at least 30 days before travel but no more than 1 year prior to departure.
Import Permits: Some countries require an Import Permit from the destination country.
Health Examination & Certificate: A private vet must conduct a health check and issue a Health Certificate before departure.
State Vet Endorsement: In many cases, the official State Vet must endorse the Health Certificate after it has been completed by the private vet.

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Pets Traveling to a Non-European Country via a European Port

European regulations require that pets transiting through any European port must meet European import conditions, including:

Microchip Identification: Pets must have an ISO-approved microchip implanted before or on the same day as their rabies vaccination.
Rabies Titre Test: A Rabies Titre blood test is required, with a blood sample taken at least 30 days but no more than 1 year after the rabies vaccination. The test results must be older than 3 calendar months (92 days) before export.
Dual Health Certificates:
- A European Health Certificate for transit through the European port.
- An additional Health Certificate for the pet’s final destination.
Destination Country Requirements: All import conditions of the final destination must still be met.