Taking Cats To South Africa » Fly Your Cat to South Africa from UK

Heading to South Africa with your cat? Let’s sort the details.

South Africa isn’t the most complicated destination for cats, but there are a few specific requirements you’ll need to get right. Rabies vaccination timing matters, and there’s paperwork that needs doing in a particular order.

We’ve been flying cats to South Africa for three decades. We know what the authorities want, when they want it, and how to make sure nothing gets missed. Ring us on 01206 330332 when you’re ready to start planning.

Requirements for Entry

South Africa’s requirements are straightforward:

• Microchipping comes first. Your cat needs an ISO standard microchip before any vaccinations happen. This microchip number gets recorded on all veterinary certificates for identification.
• Rabies vaccination is required at least 30 days before travel, but no more than 12 months before. If it hasn’t been done in the UK before your cat flies, it will be required on arrival in South Africa.
• Within 10 days of departure, a DEFRA Official Veterinarian or Local Veterinary Inspector examines your cat and issues an Export Health Certificate confirming they’re fit to travel. Most veterinary practices have at least one OV on staff, and we can help you apply for this if needed.
• You’ll need an Import Permit from the Director of Veterinary Services in Pretoria. There’s a fee in South African Rand that goes with each application. We can sort this through our South African agents and charge your account, or you can handle it yourself with our guidance.
• Pre shipment veterinary work can be done by our own vets, including blood tests, parasite treatments and Export Health Certification. Or we’ll work with your usual vet to make sure everything’s completed correctly and on time.

Travel Crates Built for Comfort

Every travel crate is built in our own workshop to your cat’s exact measurements.

High quality plywood construction on a strong wooden frame, welded wire mesh panels for airflow plus a water container with external funnel fitted so airline staff can top up fluids without opening the door. Your cat gets enough space to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, but not so much room that they slide around when the plane hits turbulence.

And yes, veterinary grade bedding goes inside. Super absorbent, non allergenic & machine washable. Nervous cats typically burrow underneath it to feel hidden, which helps them settle during the flight.

We also supply IATA approved plastic vari kennels in different sizes if your cat prefers more enclosed spaces. We’ll recommend what works best based on your cat’s temperament and size.

Landing in South Africa

Your cat can fly into Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Durban or Cape Town, depending on where you’re settling. We work with pet export agents in all four cities who handle collection from the airport, customs clearance, and either home delivery or airport handover, whichever suits you better.

Your cat arrives, our agents collect them from the airport, clear customs, and either bring them to your home or meet you at the airport for handover. No quarantine period, which makes the whole process much simpler.

Fetchapet Is Here To Make Cat Travel Easier

We can handle the entire process. Flight arrangements, crate building, paperwork, vet coordination, import permits, agent liaison in South Africa. Or you might want to manage certain aspects yourself and just need our expertise for specific parts. Either way works.

We’ll collect your cat from anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales. Or you can deliver them to our Colchester premises. Or we can meet you at Heathrow. If your cat needs pre flight boarding, we work with excellent catteries in Colchester for any length of stay. We also partner with Rayvonley in Wisbech for longer term arrangements. Our staff have access to make sure all veterinary procedures are done properly before travel.

We offer clear guidance on what needs doing and when, so nothing gets missed and your cat’s ready to fly on schedule.

Please note: We don’t ship cats for resale or pet shops. Your cat’s microchip has to be registered in your name, matching the booking details exactly. We relocate family pets, nothing else.

Contact us on 01206 330332 or info@fetchapet.co.uk. We’re here 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and often respond to emails outside those hours.

FAQs About Flying Cats To South Africa