International relocation
Every country is different
Each destination has its own veterinary, import, export and airline rules, and they can change with little notice. The details here are a general overview, so start early: preparation takes anywhere from 1 to 8 months depending on where you are going.
We handle the South African side, from vet visits to the state vet endorsement. We also get quotes from accredited export agents for you and compare them, so you can choose one in your account. The agent flies your pet abroad.
- Rabies vaccine
- 30 days before travel
- Blood test wait
- Up to 6 months
- Lead time
- 1 to 8 months
Basic requirements for cats and dogs leaving South Africa
- Microchip: an ISO-approved microchip, implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies vaccine: given at least 30 days before travel and no more than a year before departure.
- Import permit: some countries need one from the destination’s authorities before the pet can leave.
- Health certificate: a private vet examines your pet and completes the destination’s health certificate shortly before departure.
- State vet endorsement: an official state vet endorses the health certificate after the private vet has signed it.
Travelling to a non-European country through a European airport
Pets transiting through any European airport must meet European import rules, including:
- Microchip: implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies titre test: a blood test at least 30 days after the rabies vaccine, with the sample taken at least 3 months before the pet enters Europe.
- Two health certificates: one for transit through the European port and one for the final destination.
- Destination rules: all import conditions of the final country must still be met.
By country
Where is your pet going?
Europe · Allow 4 months+
United Kingdom
South Africa is an unlisted country for the UK, so a rabies blood test and a waiting period apply. No quarantine when every step is followed.
- Microchip and rabies: microchip first, then the rabies vaccine.
- Rabies titre test: at least 30 days after the vaccine, then a 3-month wait from the sample date.
- Tapeworm treatment: dogs only, by a vet 1 to 5 days before arrival.
- Entry: as cargo into an approved UK airport, with an official health certificate.
Country not listed? We move pets to most destinations. Tell us where you’re going.
Coming home
Bringing a pet into South Africa
Under the Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984, no animal may be brought into, or moved in transit through, South Africa without a Veterinary Import Permit. Since 1 April 2024, dogs also need an AIA permit under the Animal Improvement Act. Get both before your pet leaves the other country. Dogs have far more steps than cats, so plan 3 to 4 months for a dog.
| Requirement | Dog | Cat |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Import Permit | Required | Required |
| AIA permit | Required since 1 April 2024 | Not needed |
| Sterilisation | Required for a companion dog moving here permanently | Not needed |
| Minimum age | 8 months for a companion dog | Old enough for a rabies vaccine (3 months), plus 30 days |
| Five-disease blood tests | Required, within 30 days of arrival | Not needed |
| Quarantine | About 14 days from most countries | Not usually, when the original documents are complete |
| Arrival airport | OR Tambo or Cape Town if quarantined; Durban too if not | OR Tambo, Cape Town or Durban |
A breeding, show or hunting dog registers with a recognised breed society instead of being sterilised. A dog visiting for a short stay needs temporary sterilisation. Quarantine depends on the country your pet comes from, and the permit confirms it.
The order for a dog
A cat skips the AIA permit and the blood tests.
- 01
3 to 4 months ahead
Microchip, then rabies
An ISO microchip goes in first. The rabies vaccine follows, at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before your pet lands. A vaccine given before the chip does not count.
- 02
From 2 months ahead
Permits
Dogs need the AIA permit first, with proof of sterilisation; the office allows up to 30 days. The Veterinary Import Permit follows, at least 4 weeks before arrival, with a quarantine booking for dogs that need one.
- 03
Last 30 days
Blood tests and treatments
Dogs are tested for five diseases at approved laboratories, no more than 30 days before landing. Results take about two to three weeks. Tick treatment and insect repellent are given in the same window.
- 04
Last 10 days
Health certificate
A vet in the exporting country completes the certificate that comes with the permit, in English, and that country’s official vet endorses it. Every date and the microchip number must match the lab reports.
- 05
Arrival day
Flight and arrival
Your pet flies as manifest cargo and the original documents are shown to the state vet. Dogs from most countries then spend about 14 days at the quarantine station in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Every test and date has to be right before the flight. A dog that lands with the wrong test method, the wrong laboratory or a sample older than 30 days risks being sent back. It is no longer simply held in quarantine while the paperwork is fixed.
How we help
- Document check: we check every permit, test and date before your pet flies.
- Quarantine booking: we book the station’s intake dates, so the flight lands inside them.
- Permits: we can apply for you as your agent, with your signed letter of authority, once we’ve reviewed your case.
- Arrival: we collect your pet from the cargo terminal or quarantine station and drive them home.
At the port of entry
Show these originals to the state vet when your pet lands:
- Original Veterinary Import Permit
- Original AIA permit, for dogs.
- Original veterinary health certificate, with the lab reports attached.
- Any other documents the permit lists, such as a rabies vaccination certificate or the signed quarantine indemnity.
Pets enter South Africa as manifest cargo only, never in the cabin or as checked baggage. Don’t pack meat-based food or treats with your pet: they need their own permit and can be seized.
Leaving South Africa
From first vet visit to take-off
- 01
Microchip and rabies
Microchip first, then the rabies vaccine. Everything else is dated from here.
- 02
Blood test, if needed
Rabies titre test for countries that ask for one, then the waiting period.
- 03
Permits
Import permit from the destination, where required.
- 04
Health certificate
Private vet check and certificate in the days before the flight.
- 05
State vet endorsement
The state vet signs off the certificate.
- 06
Flight day
We collect your pet and hand over to the accredited export agent at the airport.
Start with the microchip. A rabies vaccine given before the chip does not count, and every other date in the process depends on it.
Ready when you are
Let’s plan your pet’s trip
Tell us where your pet is going, and we’ll come back with a price, a timeline and what’s needed.