Moving to South Africa with Pets: A Practical Guide

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Traveling abroad with your pet is an adventure full of challenges, especially when it comes to South Africa, a country with breathtaking landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. Navigating the legal and logistical requirements can prove complex, but bringing a piece of home with you makes expatriation much more rewarding.

Between the rigorous administrative formalities and advice for ensuring your companion’s well-being, this article guides you so your pet’s arrival on South African soil goes smoothly.

Whether you’re already sold on the idea of discovering Kruger National Park alongside your faithful companion or still questioning the feasibility of this project, we offer practical and tailored solutions to make this transition a smooth success.

Administrative and Health Procedures for South Africa

To import a pet into South Africa, there are strict health and administrative procedures to follow to ensure national health security and animal welfare.

Health Procedures and Veterinary Requirements

• Mandatory Vaccinations :
  • Mandatory rabies vaccine for dogs and cats, administered from 3 months old. The vaccination certificate must be current and presented upon entry.
  • For dogs, specific blood tests may be required depending on the country of origin.
• Quarantine :
  • Some animals may be subject to a 60-day quarantine upon arrival, depending on their origin or if documentation is incomplete.
  • If all conditions are met and the animal comes from a low-risk country, quarantine may not be mandatory.
• Required Documentation :
  • Original veterinary health certificate, written in English, issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin shortly before departure.
  • Original, up-to-date vaccination record.
  • Rabies vaccination certificate.
  • Veterinary Import Permit (VIP) issued by South African authorities before departure.
  • Other documents as applicable: indemnity declaration, CITES permit for protected species, etc.

Required Document	Issuance / Remarks
Import Permit	Issued by the Directorate of Animal Health
Health Certificate	By a licensed veterinarian from the country of origin
Vaccination Record	Mandatory, current, with rabies vaccine
Rabies Certificate	Original, dated and signed
CITES Permit (if applicable)	For protected species

Entry Administrative Formalities

• Permit Application :
  • Fill out the official form specific to the species (available on the South African Department of Agriculture website).
  • Send the application with supporting documents to the Directorate of Animal Health in Pretoria (official address to be used).
  • The permit must be obtained before departure, otherwise the animal risks being refused entry or placed in quarantine.
• Upon Arrival :
  • Present all original documents to the control veterinarian at the border or airport.
  • Animals must travel in the cargo hold as “Manifest Cargo”.

Local Legislation and Restrictions

• Permitted Species :
  • Dogs and cats are the most commonly accepted.
  • Certain exotic species, birds, or rodents may require additional permits.
• Prohibited or Regulated Breeds :
  • Certain dog breeds considered dangerous may be prohibited or subject to strict restrictions.
  • It is imperative to check the list of affected breeds before departure.

Practical Tips for Preparing the Journey

• Before Departure :
  • Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian for required exams, vaccinations, and to obtain necessary certificates.
  • Plan for electronic identification (microchip) of the animal, recommended for traceability.
  • Use an approved transport crate, suitable for the animal’s size and comfort.
  • Book transport as cargo (Manifest Cargo) and not in the cabin or as standard checked baggage.
• During the Journey :
  • Place familiar items (blanket, toy) in the transport crate to reassure the animal.
  • Ensure hydration before boarding and avoid feeding just before the flight.
  • Plan arrival outside of weekends or holidays to guarantee the presence of a control veterinarian upon arrival.
• Upon Arrival :
  • Anticipate the possibility of quarantine and inquire about available facilities.
  • Keep all original documents readily accessible.

Important: Any irregularity in documentation or non-compliance with procedures may result in the animal being sent back or placed in extended quarantine.

To travel with a pet to South Africa:

• Apply for and obtain an import permit before departure
• Prepare a complete file including: health certificate, vaccination record, rabies certificate
• Check restrictions on breeds and species
• Plan for possible quarantine
• Arrange transport as Manifest Cargo
• Ensure the animal’s well-being throughout the process

Secure Transport of Pets

Specific Regulations for South Africa

• Mandatory Rabies Vaccination: all dogs and cats must be vaccinated at least 30 days (and at most one year) before their arrival, unless they come from the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
• Required Import Permit: to be requested from the South African Directorate of Animal Health. This permit is mandatory even for domestic pets from neighboring countries.
• Veterinary Health Certificate: issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin after examination and tests (blood tests for dogs).
• Administrative Procedure :
  • Fill out the official form according to the animal type and submit to Pretoria.
  • Forms are available from the South African Department of Agriculture.

Requirement	Detail
Rabies Vaccination	Mandatory outside UK/Australia/NZ; strict timeframe
Import Permit	Must be obtained before departure
Health Certificate	Issued by veterinarian + tests
Quarantine	Possible depending on origin or specific health situation

Options for Secure Transport

• Airlines Accepting Animals
  • Delta, Air Austral, Air Transat offer different options: cabin (PETC), cargo hold (AVIH/cargo), with IATA-approved crates.
  • Some airlines prohibit transport of particular breeds or exotic/venomous animals.
• Specialized Services
  • Professional companies specializing in international animal transport, managing formalities, airport logistics, and real-time tracking.

Practical Tips for Preparing the Animal

Before the Journey:

• Gradually acclimate your pet to its IATA-approved transport crate: short sessions then extended ones several weeks before departure.
• Reduce food about six hours before boarding but allow free access to water until the last moment.
• Place a blanket or familiar object in the crate to reassure the animal.

Stress Management:

• Encourage physical exercise a few hours before departure so the animal is calm during the flight.
• Avoid sedatives without veterinary advice: they can present more risks than benefits during a pressurized flight.

Insurance & Tracking

List of commonly offered options:

Service	Description
Pet Travel Insurance	Covers unforeseen veterinary costs/damages/loss
Electronic Tracking	Some companies offer tracking via SMS/email/dedicated web platform

Always contact your airline or specialized service to know their specific offers regarding insurance/tracking throughout the journey.

Specific Considerations – Exotic Animals

Venomous reptiles/venomous insects are prohibited on some routes. Birds also face strong restrictions (example: only parrots/parakeets allowed on certain routes). A CITES permit may be necessary if your animal belongs to a protected species. Always check beforehand with the competent South African authorities and with the chosen carrier.

Feedback and Expat Testimonials

“We used a specialized agency that handled all the administrative steps… Our cat traveled calmly thanks to the advice received regarding its gradual acclimation to its crate.”

“The administrative process is long but effective if anticipated sufficiently… Arrival in South Africa went well because all our documents were compliant.”

• Regularly consult official sites like that of the South African Department of Agriculture.
• Contact your embassy/consulate which can provide updated forms.
• Reach out as soon as possible to a recognized professional service if you wish to delegate all logistical procedures.

Animal Adaptation to the New South African Environment

Pets encounter in South Africa a varied climate, with seasons reversed compared to Europe, temperatures ranging from 8°C in winter to over 28°C in summer depending on the region. Some places like Cape Town experience strong winds, while others may face sudden storms or increased humidity.

Main Environmental Differences for Animals:

• High summer temperatures that can exceed 30°C in some regions.
• Mild but sometimes humid or windy winters.
• Presence of new potentially toxic plants and unfamiliar insects (ticks, mosquitoes, snakes).
• Variation in day/night rhythm and seasonal change that can disrupt biological routine.

Behaviors to Watch Indicating Stress or an Environment-Related Problem:

• Lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual agitation.
• Excessive scratching or hair loss (allergies to local plants or insect bites).
• Frequent panting, excessive seeking of shade (heat overload).
• Digestive issues related to dietary change.

Practical Tips to Facilitate Acclimation:

Gradual Acclimation:

• Gradually increase the duration of outdoor outings to acclimate the animal to the local climate.
• Provide constant access to fresh water and shade outdoor spaces during hot hours.

Hygiene:

• Regularly inspect the coat to detect ticks and local parasites.
• Frequently clean paws and coat after each outing to limit allergies and plant poisonings.

Adapted Nutrition:

• Adjust the ration according to the activity level increased/decreased by the local climate.

Recommended Vaccines & Treatments:

Disease	Vaccine/Treatment	Remarks
Rabies	Mandatory vaccine	Strict control throughout the country
Parvovirus	Recommended vaccine	Increased risk in urban areas
Tick/Mosquito	Antiparasitics	Prevention against babesiosis & vector-borne diseases
Leishmaniasis	Preventive treatment	In certain specific regions

Other Important Recommendations:

Systematically consult a local veterinarian upon your arrival to obtain a comprehensive assessment of specific regional risks (endemic diseases, dangerous local wildlife).

List of Essential Points During the Veterinary Appointment:

• Verification of the vaccination record according to South African regulations
• Advice on local nutrition
• Information on outdoor spaces permitted for animals
• Local rules regarding walking/animal keeping

Consulting a regional professional allows for a smooth adaptation while respecting South African legislation.

Animal Services and Cultural Considerations in South Africa

The variety and availability of animal services in South Africa are generally high in urban centers, where you can find:

• Private veterinarians and specialized clinics (surgery, dermatology, preventive medicine)
• Pet boarding facilities (temporary accommodation during travel or vacations)
• Dog walking services
• Grooming salons with standard and premium options

In rural areas, the number of veterinarians is more limited; paraprofessional veterinarians are often used to compensate for this lack. Access to care can therefore vary depending on geographic location.

Type of Service	Urban Area	Rural Area
Graduated Veterinarian	Very common	Rare
Paraprofessional	Less frequent	Common
Animal Boarding	Wide choice	Limited options
Grooming	Numerous salons	Often absent
Dog Walking	Specialized services	Local initiative

Regulations on Importation and Animal Welfare

The regulations on importation and animal welfare are strict:

• Mandatory veterinary import permit before any movement.
• Complete health examination required; international certificate necessary.
• Mandatory rabies vaccination from 3 months for imported puppies and kittens.
• Some animals or products may be subject to quarantine or additional controls depending on their origin.

Important specifics for expatriates:

• Administrative procedures are precise (specific forms to fill out).
• Animals must travel as separate baggage, not as ordinary excess.

The legislation primarily aims to limit the introduction of diseases such as rabies.

Animal Welfare

Regarding animal welfare, several national initiatives rely on the “One Health” system, which coordinates human, animal, and environmental health. This approach promotes comprehensive animal welfare care but also highlights persistent challenges: lack of qualified personnel outside major cities and the need for continuous improvement of the professional network.

Cultural Considerations Around Domestic Animals

The cultural considerations around domestic animals vary greatly:

List of main sociocultural attitudes:

• In the urban English-speaking/white population: marked attachment to domestic animals (dogs/cats considered family members).
• In some traditional groups: more functional relationship with the animal (guarding, hunting), sometimes less focused on modern emotional well-being.

This can influence the experience of an expatriate arriving with an animal accustomed to a high level of attention or requiring specialized services.

Observed traditional practices:

• Traditional use of dogs as guardians in some rural communities
• Frequent lack of access to professional grooming outside metropolitan areas
• Variable sensitivity towards systematic sterilization or vaccination

Useful Local Resources

To facilitate integration with an animal in South Africa, there are several useful local resources:

List of local resources:

• Urban canine clubs offering sports activities/gatherings
• Feline associations organizing exhibitions/advice workshops
• Facebook/WhatsApp groups dedicated to expatriate owners seeking logistical/veterinary/location of reliable boarding assistance
• Local organizations like SPCA offering practical information and support

To ensure your companion’s well-being in South Africa while adapting to the local context, it is recommended for expatriates to anticipate administrative procedures related to importation as well as cultural differences concerning animal ownership.

Occasional recourse to community groups often allows for better social integration for oneself as well as for one’s animal.