Your pet’s safe trip

Planning to relocate to South Africa with your dog or cat? With its warm climate, expansive landscapes, and animal-loving culture, South Africa can be a wonderful home for pets. But the import process is detailed and must be carefully managed to avoid delays or quarantine.

Below is a general overview of what’s required when transporting pets to South Africa from the United States.

Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days and no more than 12 months before travel. The vaccine must:

• Be administered after microchip implantation

• Be a killed/inactivated vaccine (modified live virus vaccines are not accepted)

• Be clearly documented with the microchip number

Puppies and kittens must be at least 3 months old before receiving the rabies vaccine.

Recommended Vaccinations

Dogs: 

• DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
• Bordetella (Kennel Cough)
• CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
• Leptospirosis

Cats:

• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
• Feline Leukemia (for outdoor cats)

Rabies Titer Test

A rabies titer test (RNATT) is not required for pets entering South Africa from the United States.

Dogs traveling to South Africa require several blood tests with very explicit instructions. It's extremely important that veterinarians request the correct test and send them to approved laboratories.

All tests must be performed within 30 prior to export and must produce a negative result. All tests (except T. evansi) must be completed at an "officially approved laboratory" in the United States - we strongly recommend Protatek Reference Lab. The T. evansi tests must be completed at an OIE Reference Laboratory in Belgium or Japan.

• 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 completed at an OIE Reference Laboratory)
• Babesia gibsoni
  • TWO (2) tests are required:
    • Immunoflouresence antibody test OR ELISA using the BgTRAP antigen
    • AND a Giemsa blood smear OR Real-time PCR
• Dirofilaria immitis
  • Microfilarial filtration test (this is the ONLY acceptable test)
• Leishmaniosis
  • Indirect fluorescent antibody test OR ELISA test OR Direct agglutination test OR Western blot/membrane immunoassay

Cats do not require any blood testing for import to South Africa.

Parasite Treatments (Dogs Only)

Dogs are required to be treated for heartworm, ticks, and flies as follows. 

Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm)

Begin treatment after a negative test result for Dirofilaria has been received, and before (or on) the date the health certificate is completed. 

Leishmania and Babesia gibsoni

Dogs must be treated with an effective acaricide with insect repellent within 30 days prior to travel. The product must be effective against ticks and flies. A combination product (ex: K9 Advantix II) or multiple individual products (ex: both permethrin and an imidacloprid) can be used.

An import permit is required for all dogs and cats entering South Africa. This permit is issued by the Director of Animal Health in South Africa and must be obtained prior to travel.

Details include:

• Pet’s microchip and vaccination information

• Breed and age

• Intended port of entry

• Travel date and airline information

👉 Import permits typically take 1–2 weeks to process, but delays are common. Start early.

With sweeping views, wide open spaces, and a culture that values animals, South Africa is a welcoming place for your pet—if the import process is done right. Our relocation team at Starwood handles every step of the journey to make your move smooth and safe.