Taking Dogs To South Africa » Fly Your Dog to South Africa from UK
Moving your dog to South Africa? We’ll get them there safely.
South Africa has specific requirements for dogs entering the country, particularly around heartworm prevention and blood testing. It sounds complicated, but we’ve been doing this for 30 years and know exactly what needs to happen and when.
The key is timing everything correctly. Get it right, and your dog arrives without a hitch. We’ll make sure that happens. Ring us on 01206 330332 to talk through your dog’s move.
Getting Your Dog to South Africa
Your dog will fly to one of South Africa’s main airports: Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Durban or Cape Town. We work with pet export agents in all these cities who can collect your dog on arrival, clear customs, and either deliver them to your home or meet you at the airport for handover.
Your dog travels in an IATA compliant crate that we build ourselves in our Colchester workshop.
Each one is custom made from high quality plywood on a strong wooden frame with welded wire mesh panels for ventilation and security. We fit a water container with an external funnel so airline staff can refill it during the flight without disturbing your dog.
The crate is sized precisely to your dog’s measurements, giving enough room to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably without being so large that they get thrown around during turbulence.
Inside goes veterinary grade bedding that’s super absorbent, and non allergenic and machine washable: keeping your dog dry and comfortable throughout the journey.
We don’t ship dogs destined for resale or pet shops. Your dog’s microchip must be registered in your name, matching the booking details. We help families relocate, not facilitate trade.
What Your Dog Needs Before Flying to South Africa
South Africa has specific requirements, and timing is crucial. Here’s what needs to happen.
Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO standard microchip before any vaccinations are given. The microchip number gets recorded on all veterinary certificates to identify your dog throughout the process.
Your dog needs a rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel, but no more than 12 months before. If this hasn’t been done in the UK before travel, it will be required on arrival in South Africa.
Dogs need a set of blood tests within 30 days of shipment. Following these blood tests, your dog must have a series of heartworm medication. The first treatment gets given in the UK at the time of the blood test, then a further six months of treatment must be administered in South Africa after arrival.
You’ll need to sign a declaration stating you’ve received this course of treatment and will administer it as directed by your vet. We’ll advise you and your vet on the current products that are approved by the South African Government and supply the declaration for you to sign.
Within 10 days of travel, a DEFRA Official Veterinarian or Local Veterinary Inspector must examine your dog and issue an Export Health Certificate. This certifies your dog is fit to travel. Most veterinary practices have at least one OV working there, and we can help apply for this on your behalf.
You’ll also need an Import Permit from the Director of Veterinary Services in Pretoria, South Africa. There’s a charge in South African Rand that accompanies each application. We can obtain this permit on your behalf through our agents and charge your account accordingly if you prefer.
Pre shipment veterinary work can be carried out by our own vets, including blood tests, parasite treatments and the Export Health Certification. Or if you’d rather use your usual vet, we’ll guide both you and your vet through each step to ensure total compliance with current regulations.
Arriving in South Africa
Your dog lands at the airport and our agents collect them, clear customs, and either deliver them to your home or meet you at the airport for handover. The good news is there’s no quarantine period for dogs entering South Africa.
The Cost
Flying a dog from the UK to South Africa costs between £1,600 and £6,500, depending on your dog’s size and breed. The wide range reflects everything from small terriers to giant breeds.
Want to know exactly what you’ll pay? Get a free quote from us. No obligation, just clear figures.
Fetchapet Is Here To Assist
We can manage everything for you. Flight booking, crate building, paperwork, blood tests, vet coordination, import permit applications, the works.
Or if you prefer to handle certain parts yourself and just need support with specific aspects, that’s fine too.
We’ll collect your dog from anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales. Or you can bring them to our premises in Colchester. Or we can meet you at Heathrow airport.
If your dog needs somewhere to stay before the flight, we work with excellent local kennels in Colchester for short or long stays. We offer clear guidance and as much support as you need on what tests and treatments must be done, and when to do them, to prepare your dog for South Africa.
Reach us on 01206 330332 or info@fetchapet.co.uk. Office hours are 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, though we often reply to emails outside those hours.
FAQs About Flying Dogs To South Africa
Between £1,600 and £6,500 depending on your dog’s size and breed. Request a free quote and we’ll give you exact pricing for your specific dog.
South Africa requires dogs to have blood tests within 30 days of travel, followed by a series of heartworm treatments. The first treatment is given in the UK at the time of the blood test, then six months of treatment must continue in South Africa after arrival. We’ll guide you through the approved products and supply the declaration you need to sign.
Yes, we have pet export agents in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Cape Town who can collect your dog on arrival, clear customs, and either deliver them to your home or meet you at the airport for handover.
No, we can obtain the import permit on your behalf through our agents in South Africa and charge your account accordingly. Or if you prefer to handle it yourself, we’ll guide you through the process.
