South Africa Pet Import Requirements

Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination. In the case of primary (first) vaccination the vaccination must be given not more than 12 months and not less than 30 days before the date of import. In the case of a booster vaccination the vaccination must be given not more than 12 months before the date of import. Vaccination against rabies is not required for cats/dogs imported from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom but vaccination against rabies for cats/dogs imported from these countries is advised. This will ensure that the cat/dog has sufficient immunity against rabies on arrival in South Africa to prevent it from contracting rabies in South Africa.

Cats:

No diagnostic tests are required for cats entering South Africa.

Only dogs are to be tested for import into South Africa. The following tests are required:

• Brucella canis: serum agglutination / rapid slide agglutination test
• Trypanosoma evansi:  card agglutination test and giemsa blood smear
• Babesia Gibsoni:  Immunofluorescence antibody test OR Elisa using the Bg TRAP antigen (Test result must mention Bg TRAP method) and Giemsa blood smear OR Real Time PCR
• Dirofilaria immitis: microfilarial filtration test
• Leishmaniosis: Indirect fluorescent antibody OR ELISA OR Direct agglutination test OR Western blot/membrane immunoassay

**Test should not be older than 30 days from the date of blood draw on arrival into SA

** Please ensure that test results list the correct testing methods as per the above list. If not mentioned, the dog will be quarantined or refused entry.

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IMPORTATION OF ANIMAL SPECIMENS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING INTO SOUTH AFRICA

1. The consignment must be accompanied by a copy of this original Master import permit.
2. An original veterinary health certificate duly completed in full, issued by a veterinarian authorised thereto by the Veterinary Authority of the exporting country OR a registered veterinarian of the exporting country to the effect that:
   2.1 The consignment contains only samples from dogs and cats for diagnostic testing.
3. The specimens must be securely packed and transported in leak-proof containers, sealed by an authorised official of the Veterinary Authority of the exporting country or a registered veterinarian of the exporting country.
4. Prior to shipping of the specimens, arrangements must be made with the Director: Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (ARC-OVI) for receipt of the consignment and testing at the ARC-OVI.
   Tel (int): +27-12-529-9272, Fax (int): +27-12-529-9275.
5. The consignment must be air freighted to O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), for direct delivery to the Director, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute.
   Samples may only be imported as manifest cargo under an air waybill number and may not be imported as personal luggage.

The State Veterinary Official: O.R. Tambo International Airport
Telephone number: +27-12-319-6588
must be advised timeously of the arrival of the consignment and the consignment may not be released without his/her written permission.

Dogs Only: Quarantine of 14 days will be imposed on some dogs, depending on the country of origin of the dog.

Quarantine indemnity Form

 

Pets must enter as manifest Cargo; Live Animals may not enter South Africa as excess Baggage.

Dogs and Cats must have either been continuously resident in the exporting country since birth or have been continuously resident in the exporting country or South Africa for the last six months.
Import of birds are allowed into South Africa.