South Africans love their pets just as much as they love their braai. Our pets are part of our families, which is why the idea of emigrating obviously means your four-legged furl balls are going with. Although it may seem daunting to think about the fact that moving with your pets requires its very own to-do list whilst also having to keep within a strict time frame prior to travel. If you’re emigrating with your pets, one of your best options would be to work with a professional pet relocation agency that can “hold your hand” through it all and assist you in tailoring your exact travel needs.
A pet relocation agent will help you through every step of the process, but here’s a look at the steps involved in the process of emigrating with your pets.
Where to get started
When you want to emigrate with your pet, you’ll need to follow a set of very strict (and sometimes confusing) pet travel rules. These regulations are there to ensure no animal diseases are spread to other countries and authorities are very stringent on these rules, which is why you need to ensure that ALL your documentation is in order. Sadly, South Africa is a high-risk country for Rabies so you’ll need to ensure your pets are up to date with all their vaccinations.
The World Health Organisation has specific requirements for pet immigration, but every country also as its own protocols that regulate pet entry, but your pet travel agency will provide you with the info on which documents are required for that country. It is, of course, optional to work through an agency, but these professionals can really help with the stress load and ensure everything runs according to schedule.
In general, you’ll need to have the following documents in place for emigrating with your pets:
- Rabies Titre Test Results
- Vaccination Booklet
- Microchip Number & Certificate
- International Healthcare Certificate issued by an accredited vet
- Clearance Certificate from the State Vet
- Customs Clearance Form
- Copies of your travel/visa/immigration documents
- A copy of the Airway Bill if your pet is travelling as cargo
Although you might have heard of the term before, Pet Passports are not applicable for South African Pets. The Pet Passport is only used for member countries of the European Union.
What are the rules and regulations for international pet travel?
When it comes to exporting pets from South Africa, the fundamental requirements vary slightly depending on your chosen new home country. You’ll need to establish whether or not there will be any sort of quarantine required before or after travel for your pets since this will help you with your travel calendar and timeline.
Regardless of where in the world you’re travelling to, your pets will always need their original vet book or card and original blood testing and microchip certification to travel with them at all times. Here’s a look at the steps you’ll be taking as part of your pet’s emigration preparations.
1. Microchipping
Your pet needs to be fitted with an ISO microchip. Even if your pet has already had all its vaccinations, if he doesn’t have a microchip, you’ll need to have him chipped and then re-do all the vaccinations in order for him to be considered valid for travel.
2. Rabies Vaccination
Your pet needs to be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior and no longer than 12 months before travelling abroad. The rabies shot has to be administered by a vet that is registered with the South African Vet Council. Vaccinations administered by pet rescue organisations, breeders, and veterinary assistants are not acceptable for travel.
3. Other Vaccinations
If you have cats, they’ll have the 3-in-1 vaccination. Dogs have to get the 5-in-1 vaccination, which also has to be indicated on their vet book or card. Just like the rabies vaccination, these vaccines have to be administered at least 30 days before and less than 12 months before travelling.
4. Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titration Test (RNATT)
30 days after your pet received his rabies vaccine, the Rabies Neutralising Titration Test (RATT) should be done. If the blood test is run for the RNATT before 30 days, your pet will not receive State Vet Clearance and might not be allowed to enter your destination country or might be subject to quarantine on entry. It’s very important to keep in mind that your pet’s entry to the European Union may take place a minimum of 90 days after the drawing of blood for the RNATT, no sooner entry is permitted.
Where can I find quarantine requirements for my destination country?
Unfortunately, there is no one single source for quarantine and country requirements for exporting pets. Even professional pet shippers have to get in touch with the Embassies and Consulates to obtain the latest requirements for each shipment.
Steps to follow when emigrating with your pets
1. Get professional advice
Since all countries have their own regulations for pet travel, it’s advisable to consult with a professional per relocation agency, preferably a provider that’s registered with the International Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA), so you’ll have all your ducks in a row. You might need to obtain a pet import and export permit, but not all countries require these. If you need them, speak to your vet about how you can obtain them. You may also have to get your paperwork legalised for official use abroad, but again, this isn’t a requirement in all countries.
2. Get your pet cleared for travel
Once you have a rough idea of what you’ll need to relocate your pet, it’s time to get your pet to the vet so he or she can be cleared for travel. This is where you’ll be issued with a Veterinary Health Certificate which confirms your pet is fit to travel. It’s important to ensure you obtain the right type of certificate for the country you’re entering and to have it certified by the State Vet.
3. Get the chipping and vaccines sorted
As mentioned earlier, your pet needs to be fitted with a valid ISO, 15-digit microchip and also needs to have the rabies vaccine administered. After the rabies vaccine is administered, there might be additional vaccines that have to be administered and then it’s time for the RNATT test.
4. Research your pet’s travel logistics and the airline you’ll use
Get some recommendations from your vet about the right kind of travel equipment like crates and other travel accessories. Opt for an airline that’s known to be pet-friendly because you really want to be sure that your pet is well looked after during the travel process. You also need to consider the most convenient route for your pet to help minimise stress and fatigue as much as possible.
