Africa
Pet travel to Durban
DALRRD import permit management and State Vet reception at DUR — the warmest city in South Africa, with beach promenades and bush nature reserves.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
DAFF import permit obtained prior to travel
- 2
ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit)
- 3
Rabies vaccination — minimum 30 days before entry, not older than 3 years
- 4
Health certificate endorsed by national competent authority
- 5
External and internal parasite treatments within 7 days of departure
These are the official entry rules for South Africa.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for South Africa.
South Africa's DALRRD import permit must be obtained before travel — allow 4–6 weeks. Dogs from some countries require a 14-day quarantine at a registered facility. King Shaka International Airport (DUR) has a State Veterinarian inspection point. We coordinate the full DALRRD permit application and airport reception.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Durban.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Durban.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Durban.
King Shaka International (DUR) serves Durban with domestic and some regional routes. International pet arrivals from outside Africa typically clear DAFF at JNB and continue by domestic connection or 6-hour road transfer to Durban.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
30–60 days
Ready to travel to Durban?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Durban.
Audacia Manor Boutique Hotel
Audacia Manor Boutique Hotel is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed in designated rooms for no additional fee. Cats are also welcome.
VRBO Durban
Pet policies are determined by the individual owner of each Vrbo property. For more information on the pet fee, weight limit and other restrictions
Burnham House B&B
Burnham House B&B allows dogs of any size in designated rooms for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Durban.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Durban. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Durban with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Private Cars
Uber and our vetted network operate city-wide and from King Shaka Airport. Essential for North Beach, Umhlanga, and Shongweni destinations. All transfers confirmed pet-friendly in advance.
Public Transit
Gautrain connects Durban to Johannesburg via the national network. Local buses and taxis cover the city; pets in carriers accepted on selected routes.
On Foot
The Point Precinct, Florida Road, and the Umhlanga Promenade are walkable coastal zones. We provide maps of the Golden Mile promenade, permitted beach sections, and off-lead reserves.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Durban, with your dog.
Pet-Friendly Dining
Eat out, dog in tow.
Verified dog-welcoming restaurants, cafés, and markets in Durban. Policy notes confirmed by our local team.
Terrace Dining
The Chairman
Florida Road
Outdoor garden terrace on Florida Road — dogs welcome at outside tables with advance notice.
Casual
9th Avenue Bistro
Morningside
Pavement terrace seating on Florida Road; dogs welcome outside — water bowls provided.
Market
Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market
Shongweni
Durban's premier outdoor weekly market — dogs welcome throughout all outdoor grounds.
Supply & Stores
Pet food & supply stores
Premium Pet Boutique
Pet Heaven Umhlanga
La Lucia Mall, William Campbell Dr, Umhlanga 4319
Premium pet nutrition and accessories; coastal subtropical climate pet care advice available.
Big Box
Petzone Durban
Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Palm Blvd, Umhlanga 4319
Full prescription diet range including Hill's, Royal Canin, and Eukanuba; grooming available.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
VETCO Animal Clinic Durban North
Export Clinic
Umhlanga Veterinary Clinic
19 Chartwell Dr, Umhlanga Rocks 4320
0.5 km from The Oyster Box
Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00, Sat 8:00–13:00
Boarding & Daycare
Doggy Day Care Durban
50 Florida Rd, Morningside, Durban 4001
2 km from The Benjamin Hotel
Mon–Fri 7:00–18:00
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Durban.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Durban.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Durban: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Durban and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Durban.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
