South Africa requires an import permit from DALRRD in Pretoria, processed at least 2 months before travel. Pets must have an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 30 days before application, and a positive rabies titer test from a WOAH-accredited lab. All pets undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine at DALRRD facilities and must enter as manifest cargo.
Companies Listed
11
Quarantine
Yes (14 days)
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
Veterinary Import Permit from DALRRD required (apply 2+ months in advance)
ISO microchip required (implanted before vaccination)
Rabies vaccination at least 30 days before permit application
Rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT ≥ 0.5 IU/mL) from WOAH-accredited lab
14-day mandatory quarantine at DALRRD facilities at owner's expense
Pets must enter as manifest cargo only
Original physical import permit required at entry (no copies accepted)
Start planning at least 6 months in advance
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to South Africa vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Pet birds may be imported into South Africa, but only with a DALRRD veterinary import permit applied for at least four weeks ahead. Birds are tested for avian influenza and Newcastle disease, may face isolation/quarantine, and CITES-listed species (most parrots) need additional permits. Expect a demanding, paperwork-heavy, species-specific process.
Obtain a DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development) veterinary import permit before travel — apply at least 4 weeks in advance to the Directorate: Animal Health, Pretoria (VetPermits@daff.gov.za); a permit fee applies
Contact the DALRRD Import Export Policy Unit before booking any travel, as bird requirements are species-specific and some species may be prohibited
Testing for avian influenza and Newcastle disease via both tracheal/oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs, twice at least 14 days apart, with the second test within roughly a week of departure
Pre-export isolation and/or post-arrival quarantine where required; the state veterinarian at the port of entry (Johannesburg or Cape Town) arranges quarantine-station accommodation
CITES export permit from the country of origin and CITES import permit for protected species (most parrots, e.g. African grey, are CITES-listed)
Complete an Indemnity Declaration for animals/birds undergoing quarantine and attach it to the permit application
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's competent authority
Exact isolation/quarantine periods, swab schedules and fees vary by species and country of origin and are set on the individual permit — confirm with DALRRD's Import Export Policy Unit before arranging travel. Avian influenza outbreaks in the origin country can trigger temporary import suspensions.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into South Africa but the process is rigorous because of African Horse Sickness controls. A DALRRD veterinary import permit and a reserved place at an official quarantine station are mandatory, alongside disease testing and a health certificate. The Western Cape AHS controlled area (free, surveillance and protection zones) adds movement restrictions.
Obtain a DALRRD veterinary import permit (apply at least 4 weeks before introduction) under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984
Reserve space at an official/approved quarantine station before the horse travels
Comply with African Horse Sickness (AHS) control measures per the Veterinary Procedural Notice for AHS Control; AHS is a controlled disease with a defined controlled area in the Western Cape (free, surveillance and protection zones)
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinarian
Disease testing as specified on the permit, which for equines commonly includes equine infectious anaemia (Coggins/EIA), equine piroplasmosis, glanders, and dourine
Pre-export and/or post-arrival quarantine with vector (midge) protection as required for AHS
Complete the official application form for import of horses subject to quarantine and the Indemnity Declaration
South Africa is endemic for AHS, so the disease-control framework is centred on protecting the AHS-free controlled area in the south-west Western Cape (the only zone from which horses can be exported to AHS-free countries) rather than excluding incoming horses. Specific test panels, quarantine durations and vector-protection rules are set on the individual permit — confirm current conditions with DALRRD Directorate: Animal Health before shipping.
Reptiles
Import permitted
Pet reptiles can be imported into South Africa, but it is permit-intensive and species-dependent. A DALRRD veterinary import permit is required, plus CITES documents for listed species (many tortoises, monitors and pythons) and TOPS/provincial permits administered by the DFFE. Indigenous and CITES-listed species face the heaviest restrictions.
Obtain a DALRRD veterinary import permit before importing any live animal, including reptiles (apply at least 4 weeks ahead)
Provide a CITES export permit from the origin country and a CITES import permit for any CITES-listed species (e.g. many tortoises, monitor lizards, pythons)
Comply with TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) regulations under NEMBA; the DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment) is the issuing authority for TOPS permits
Hold any required provincial nature-conservation permits for keeping/transporting the species in your destination province
Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's competent authority
Confirm the species is not banned or restricted — indigenous South African reptiles almost always require permits, and some TOPS-listed species are prohibited
Exotic (non-indigenous) reptiles that are not CITES-listed are generally easier to import, but still require the DALRRD veterinary import permit and legal proof of origin. There is no single fixed fee or processing time — requirements differ by species and province, so confirm with DALRRD and the DFFE before arranging transport.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to South Africa?
A full-service move to South Africa typically costs $2,370–$5,610 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, rabies titer test, import permit, customs clearance. Typical process time: 8–12 days.
