If you're planning on moving to South Africa with your beloved pet, there are a few key requirements you'll need to fulfill to ensure a smooth transition. From obtaining a microchip that meets ISO standards to getting a Veterinary Certificate filled out by a USDA-approved veterinarian, there are specific steps to follow. While South Africa only requires rabies immunization for cats and dogs coming from certain countries, it's essential to adhere to all regulations to avoid any issues upon arrival.
What are the pet import requirements for South Africa?
South Africa has quite a few requirements for incoming pets, and they're even more complicated for dogs. Both dogs and cats require an import permit to enter the country and must have been living in the country of export for the last six months. Additionally, cats and dogs must fly into South Africa as manifest cargo - not in-cabin or as accompanied baggage.
Additionally, cats will need:
- An ISO-compatible microchip
- A Rabies vaccination (must be at least 30 days but less than 1 year prior to export)
- An international health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited vet within 10 days prior to travel. This certificate must also be endorsed by the USDA.
- The FVRCP vaccine is also strongly recommended
Dogs will require:
- An ISO-compatible microchip
- A Rabies vaccination (must be at least 30 days but less than 1 year prior to export)
- DHPP, Leptospirosis, and Bordetella vaccinations (must be at least 30 days but less than 1 year prior to export)
- Blood tests (ALL tests must be completed by a USDA-accredited vet within 30 days prior to export and must be negative. They must be completed at an "officially approved laboratory.")
- Brucella canis - Serum agglutination OR Rapid slide agglutination test
- Trypanosmoa evansi - BOTH a Card agglutination test AND a Giemsa blood smear. Both tests MUST be performed at an OIE Reference Laboratory.
- Babesia gibsoni - 2 tests are required: an Immunoflouresence antibody test OR ELISA using the BgTRAP antigen; AND a Giemsa blood smear OR a Real-time PCR
- Dirofilaria immitis - Microfilarial filtration test
- Leishmaniosis - Indirect fluorescent antibody test OR ELISA test OR Direct agglutination test OR Western blot/membrane immunoassay
- Parasite Treatments:
- Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) - from the date of negative testing, until export, at the required intervals. There must be at least ONE treatment date listed on the health certificate AFTER the test result of the negative heartworm test was received and BEFORE (or on the same day as) the USDA Accredited Veterinarian signs the health certificate (unless using ProHeart SR-12 annual injectable).
- Leishmania and Babesia gibsoni - dogs must be treated with an effective acaricide (with insect repellent) within 30 days prior to export. Any acaricide and insect repellent product licensed for use in the United States effective against ticks and flies can be used. This can be administered as a combo product (K9 Advantix II) or multiple products (both permethrin and imidacloprid).
- Dogs must also arrive to South Africa with a 6-month supply of a heartworm preventive medication.
Work with a professional
Our experienced Starwood team is dedicated to providing top-notch service for you and your furry friend as you embark on this exciting journey to South Africa. From coordinating the logistics of booking flights to making sure your pet travels safely and comfortably as manifest cargo, we handle all the details with care and expertise.
With our team overseeing every aspect of your pet's travel arrangements, you can rest assured that your beloved companion will arrive in South Africa ready to start their new adventure. This allows you to focus on the many other tasks involved in your family's relocation, knowing that your pet's well-being is in good hands.
Starwood Animal Transport has rebranded to Starwood Pet Travel. We are still the same great company with the best team, just now with a slightly different name.