Pet Exports Ltd UK - For pet relocation / pet emigration to all parts of the World from London Heathrow and Gatwick - cats and dogs - airport to airport - door to airport - kennelling - veterinary services - export and import documentation

Delighted Dalmation running for the plane

PET EXPORTS LTD

Home

Countries

DEFRA Numbers

FAQ

Bookmark Page

South Africa information and requirements for the importation of cats and dogs.

This is a summary of the main points only and in no way can it be considered complete.

There is currently no quarantine for cats and dogs entering South Africa from the UK as long as all the paperwork is completed correctly - if not, then animals are subject to 60 days quarantine.All cats and dogs must be microchipped from 1st July 2005.

International pet travel requires the use of an IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved air kennel that allow the animal to stand up without touching the top of the box, lie down and turn around. It is a requirement that cats and dogs are shipped as manifest cargo and not as excess baggage.

Animals must be accompanied by the following paperwork from the UK:

a) An Import Permit obtained from NDA South Africa. Please contact the Directorate of Veterinary Services in Pretoria - Tel number is 0027 12 319 7514/5 Fax number is 0027 12 329 8292. Application form can be obtained from NDA web page NDA South Africa Import application. Payment of ZAR 110.00 (One hundred and ten South African Rand) or proof of payment (e.g. copy of Wire Transfer) to the relevant bank account must be sent with the application.

b) An Official Export Health Certificate, which must be applied for from DEFRA. This must be completed and certified by your LVI within 10 days of the flight.

c) A written declaration certifying that the animal(s) will be transported in container(s) which conform to current IATA standards which will prevent contact en route with animals of a lesser health status and a declaration that the animals have been continuously resident in Great Britain since birth or only the UK and South Africa for at least the last 6 months.

In the case of dogs resident solely in the UK since birth they must now have a blood test for Leishmans disease.

If the dog has not been permanently resident in the UK since birth then it must have been continuously resident in the UK and South Africa only for at least the last 6 months.

In this case further blood tests will also be required - Babesia gibsonii (PCR Test) and dirofilaria immitis - heartworm (microfilaria filtration test). Treatment for dirofilaria must be given to the dog immediately after the sample is taken and this treatment must be continued for 6 months. No drugs are available for the treatment of dirofilaria in South Africa so owner must provide a sufficient supply. A written declaration from the owner acknowledging this condition is also required

Please consult South Africa as to their current requirements from the UK. Telephone number is 0027 12 319 7514/5.

All blood samples must be taken within 30 days of the flight and sent to VLA Weybridge.

The rabies vaccination (advisable), if required by the South Africans, should be given to your pet(s) at least 30 days prior to the flight.

The full set of requirements must be obtained from your local DEFRA Animal Health Divisional Office. Please request from DEFRA a Specimen copy of the Health Certificate as the veterinary requirements become somewhat clearer than just referring to the notes.

Animals must be cleared at a Customs Airport as follows: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth.

Last updated 04/07/2005

Pet Exports Ltd. Reg. Office: 35 Shelson Avenue, Feltham, Middlesex TW13 4QS Reg. No. 4624811 VAT no. 807 6597 94