SOUTH AFRICA PET TRAVEL

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELING

(This is based on my experience working as Veterinarian in Saudi Arabia.  Changes can happen so fur parents should be alert on any additional requirements)

 PET PASSPORT 

( Known also as a Pet Vaccination Card)

This document is a requirement in all pet travels, which includes the following details:

DETAILS OF THE PET 

Basic details needed for pet identification. 

• Name
• Breed 
• Species
• Date of Birth
• Photo of the animal

MICROCHIP 

• This is provided by your Veterinarian/Veterinary Clinic
• This is usually done before or on the day Rabies vaccination will be given especially if pet will be traveling.
• Cats and Dogs entering the Philippines should have a 15 digit, ISO 11784/11785 Microchip implanted subcutaneously on the shoulder blades.  

VACCINATIONS

CAT VACCINATIONS

RABIES VACCINATION

SOUTH AFRICA requires vaccinations for dogs and cats

for Dogs:  DHLPP and Rabies vaccinations  

for Cats:   FRCP and Rabies vaccinations

Importing your pet with updated vaccinations is the requirement.  Your pet should be vaccinated least more than 30 days and less than 10 months - signed by a duly licensed veterinarian

DEWORMING and TICK TREATMENT

Recommended to be performed within 7 DAYS prior to travel especially for dogs and cats 

IMPORT PERMIT

Pet owners coming from other countries are requested to apply in advance of their travel for  permit to South Africa. Obtain a Veterinary Import Permit. The document is valid for 6 months from date of issuance

RABIES TITER TESTING -  NOT A REQUIREMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

NO BLOOD TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR CATS

BLOOD TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS

Once you have obtained IMPORT PERMIT DOCUMENTS. Pet owner has 30 days to have blood testing for their dogs before entering SOUTH AFRICA. This should be OIE-APPROVED methods.

1.) Brucella canis

2.) Trypansoma evansi

3.) Dirofilaria immitis

4.) Leishmania

5.) Babesia

Usually they will require serum, blood samples, and blood smears to be sent to authorized laboratory recognized by South Africa.

EXPORT PERMIT / HEALTH CERTIFICATES 

Obtained from the Importing Country (in our case Saudi Arabia)

Licensed government veterinarian as signatory on the health certificates obtained at Ministry of Agriculture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

One can process this document directly to the Agriculture department or have assistance from the private veterinary clinic or pet shipping companies.

Validity Period: 2 months

Source:   

PetTravel.com. South Africa Pet Passport - Current Dog and Cat Import Requirements (pettravel.com).  Accessed  01 Sep 2020.