22 Oct What Do I Need to Travel Internationally With My Pet From South Africa?

What Do I Need to Travel Internationally With My Pet From South Africa?

Moving overseas is a big change for the whole family, and if your dog or cat is part of that family, you will naturally want to take them with you. International pet travel from South Africa can be a straightforward process, but there are several requirements that need to be taken care of before your pet can travel.

The most important thing to understand is that every country has its own rules for importing pets. Requirements can include vaccinations, microchipping, veterinary certificates, blood tests, import permits and specific waiting periods. Starting the process early gives you time to deal with these requirements without unnecessary stress.

What documents does my pet need to travel overseas?

The documents required will depend on your destination. Your pet may need an official veterinary health certificate, vaccination records, micro-chip certificates, original blood results and an import permit.

Some countries also require additional documentation or testing before allowing a pet to enter. This is why it is important to check the requirements for the specific country you are moving to rather than relying on general international travel advice. It will also be best to speak to Pets Abroad regarding your destination and they can advise you on the specific requirements for the country that you and your pets are going to.

Does my pet need to be microchipped?

Yes, a microchip is commonly used to identify your pet and must be implanted before certain vaccinations or other veterinary procedures. All pets being exported out of South Africa need to be identified with a micro-chip.

The timing can be important. Some countries require the microchip to be recorded before a rabies vaccination is administered, for example. Your veterinarian or Pets Abroad can help you understand what needs to happen and when depending on the country you are going to and their specific import regulations.

What vaccinations are required?

Rabies vaccination is one of the most common requirements for international pet travel. Depending on the destination, your pet may also need other vaccinations, treatments or veterinary checks.

There can also be waiting periods after certain vaccinations or tests. This means you should not leave your pet’s preparation until just before your departure date. Some countries require you to start the process 4 months in advance of travel, while other countries like New Zealand and Australia require you to start the process for your pets 7-8 Months in advance to fulfil all of the required treatments required for entry.

Does my pet need an import permit?

Some countries require an import permit before your pet can enter. Others have different procedures depending on where your pet is travelling from, the type of animal and the purpose of the journey.

The requirements can also change, so it is important to work with current information when planning your pet’s relocation. Pets Abroad stays up to date with the current regulations for all countries and makes sure to advise you of the most recent import regulations and requirements for your pet.

When should I start preparing my pet?

The earlier, the better. Some international pet relocations can require several months of preparation, particularly when blood tests, permits or specific waiting periods are involved.

Starting early also gives you time to make sure your pet is comfortable with their travel crate and that all the necessary veterinary paperwork is in place, we advise starting the process at least 6 months in advance.

What about the flight?

International pet travel involves more than simply booking a flight. Airline requirements, approved travel crates, routing and handling arrangements all need to be considered.

Your pet’s age, size, breed and destination may also affect how the journey needs to be planned.

Pet cargo bookings are handled on a request bases and therefore Pets Abroad will book for your pets to depart on your requested date as far in advance as possible. Most airlines only accept bookings between 2-4 weeks in advance of the anticipated departure date.

Planning an international move with your pet?

International pet relocation can feel complicated when you are trying to understand everything yourself. The good news is that you do not have to figure it all out alone.

Pets Abroad helps pet owners plan and organise international pet relocations from South Africa, taking the destination requirements and your pet’s individual needs into account.

If you are planning an overseas move, it is worth starting the process early. The more time you have, the easier it is to make sure your pet is properly prepared for the journey.