Passports for pets
Pet passports do not apply to our South African pets and are only available in the European Union (EU). A “South African Pet Passport” does not exist. PETport will guide you through the complexities of inoculations, microchipping schedules, blood tests, and parasite treatments to ensure your pet is completely prepared to enter their new nation of residence.
Check out the checklist below to ensure that your pet conforms with travel restrictions and government legislation. We can help you at every stage.
International pet travel legislation and rules
These are the most basic requirements for pet travel and exports out of South Africa, and they will differ significantly depending on your new home nation. Working closely with your PETport Pet Move Specialist to determine whether your fur-kids will require quarantine prior to or after travel can help you plan your travel calendar and timetable.
To travel with your pet, they will ALWAYS need their original vet book or card, all original blood testing, and microchip confirmation.
Microchipping is the first step.
Ascertain that all pets are ISO microchipped. It’s crucial to remember that even if all of your inoculations are current and up to date, if your pet isn’t microchipped, you’ll need to get them microchipped and then re-do all inoculations in order for them to be regarded legitimate for travel depending on your new home country’s entry protocol. Variations in microchip timings can cause travel delays.
Step 2: Rabies Immunization
These must be recorded in your pet’s vet book and must be more than 30 days old but less than 12 months.
Step 3: Other Valid Vaccinations
3-in-1 for cats and 5-in-1 for dogs; these must also be older than 30 days but less than 12 months old and must be recorded in the vet book to qualify.
Step 4: Titration of Rabies Neutralizing Antibodies (RNATT).
The Rabies Neutralising Titration Test (RNATT) can only be performed 30 days after the previous rabies vaccination. DO NOT collect blood before these 30 days, since the pets will not have State Vet Clearance and may be denied entry or quarantined upon arrival. (If your destination requires an RNATT)
Step 5: Additional Suggestions
To avoid any hiccups along the way and to ensure that your pets are insured at all times, we recommend speaking with your vet about receiving the kennel cough vaccination. First and foremost, safety!
Can I bring my dog on the plane to South Africa?
The original vaccination and rabies certificate for your pet must be present at the time of pet check-in. Regardless of class of travel, an excess charge of ZAR 300 inclusive of VAT is charged. Check-in is required at least 90 minutes before departure to allow for adequate handling time.
What South African airlines accept pets?
Pet Travel with South African Airways
After you’ve purchased your ticket (assuming you’ll be traveling with your pet), call the South African Airways call center at 011-978-1111 or the SAA Cargo Department at 011 978 3366 to arrange transportation for your pet (and to find out how much it will cost).
