Homes & Relocation Detail
Don’t forget me
Relocating to South Africa should not be the reason to give away your family pet. Pets are happy to live wherever their owners are.
It may seem a daunting prospect, with health checks and a long haul flight but more than a million pets fly safely world-wide each year. South Africa is one of the most popular destinations for people emigrating and it's necessary to plan well ahead when considering taking your family pet as space in the livestock hold is limited.
South African Import Regulations require:
An import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture in Pretoria.
Permanent identification (i.e. micro chip)
Rabies vaccination at least 30 days before export. This is still optional for entry but advisable as it provides immediate protection for your pet on arrival.
Dogs only – Blood test for Leishmaniasis, Babesia Gibsoni IFAT, Babesia blood smear. Brucella Canis and Heartworm Microfilaria within 30 days of export. If dogs have been outside the UK an additional blood test for Trypanosoma Evansi is required.
Dogs & Cats
DEFRA export papers signed within 48 hours of export.
Check pets are to date with their annual vaccinations for their own protection.
It's best to seek advice for an update on requirements as they change periodically .
South African Flight & Destination Information - Pets travel comfortably in the livestock hold of direct passenger flights, are checked and watered at en route stopovers and may be collected after clearing customs.
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Air Kennels - Pets travel in IATA approved air kennels, large enough to enable the animal to stand, lie and turn around. Familiar bedding will help them to settle down to their long journey. Ask your vet for a natural pheromone spray called DAP for dogs and FELIWAY for cats. Spray this around the inside of the air kennel to help them remain calm. You could also add Bachs Rescue Remedy (Original Flower Remedy) to their drinking water for a few days before travel.
Together with your vet, employing the services of a recognised pet travel agent such as Airpets can help with all the above and are able to organise a specialist agent in South Africa to clear your pet through customs and deliver them to your new home. You'll have enough to do with just getting ready for the big move and if you'd rather pay someone to entrust your family pets to, a company like Airpets has 40 years experience and excellent facilities to make it easy for you to move your pet from the UK to South Africa. Being based at Heathrow their spacious heated kennels and 5* cattery is an ideal base for pets to rest before embarking on a long haul flight or dealing on the spot with any problems that may arise. Pet travel consultants are based on-site allowing them to have personal contact with the pets they are helping to move. Daily veterinary visits and minimum check-in time to Heathrow are just part of the special service they offer.
For many people pets are part of the family and only natural that they should come along too!
For more information go to www.airpets.com
