Issues with bringing dog from US to South Africa

Expert Info

Posted by

on 9 Jun 2013

Hello all! I've been in country for 3 weeks and expect to work here for approximately 18 months on assignment. My husband will be joining me from the US in 1 month. The most difficult decision regards our dog...do we bring her or not? She has never flown before and hates high winds after living through hurricanes in Houston. Has anyone heard of issues with Customs? How is the process returning to the States? What is the chance of having problems getting her back into America? While we are in RSA she will remain in Secunda the entire time. Thanks so much!!!

Anonymous (not verified) on 10 Jun 2013 - 10:49

Hi Mabels Momma,

Transporting pets overseas is a big decision, especially if the move is not permenant.

Moving pets to South Africa does require a Vetinery Health certificate and could involve a quarantine peiod of three to six months.

Then on the way back, your pet will also be kept in quarantine. Regulations vary from state to state so will need to read up on this.

It maybe a good idea a relocation expert to offer you more insight into the whole process.

Shantalie

Anonymous (not verified) on 27 Aug 2013 - 16:04

No quarantine, only when you come from an Island, like the UK is ;-) I brought dogs in from Holland, Switzerland and my neighbour from Canada. Dogs will be released just after landing. francois

Anonymous (not verified) on 30 Aug 2013 - 22:50

I don't have experience with bringing dogs into South Africa, but I posted your question on my Facebook page for my blog, Joburg Expat. Will post answers here if I get any! And good luck to you and your family!

Anonymous (not verified) on 1 Sep 2013 - 16:37

Hi MabelsMomma,

so I posted it on my blog and got plenty of helpful comments. Here they all are. Feel free to go to Facebook and search for Joburg Expat, and you will be able to comment on the page yourself and get more questions answered if you like:

It's complicated! And expensive. It cost more for us to bring our dog than our three kids combined. The required tests cost about $1200, the flight from MIA to DC was $300, then DC to Joburg was about $800. Also, you have to send or take paperwork to a USDA Office. SAA is the only carrier slowed to bring dogs in and the dog has to be examined by a state vet so you have to watch the timing of the flight arrival -- if its after 4:00, SARS wont be open to sign off nor will the vet be able to see the dig. It's also traumatic -- our dog has never quite been the same. I am happy to provide detailed information if they'd like. Personally, if its only for 18 months, I'd try to find a nice friend or relative to take care of their dog.

Like · Reply · 2 · August 30 at 11:20pm via mobile
$5k EACH direction....and then inevitably when (not if) they travel, they must pay to kennel. Most relocation services fly them through Amsterdam. For an added fee, you can have them groomed and cleaned before arriving to your home. I love a spa day right after that trip, so I'm sure dogs do too. My friend had no problems repatriating.

Like · Reply · August 30 at 7:52pm via mobile
I agree with Stephanie, very expensive for a short term assignment and preferable to find someone to take care of your pet. If you do decide to bring your pet, our research found that if your pet arrived in Joburg by Tuesday, goes straight to quarantine, the state vet only takes blood for tests on Wednesday and if all clear they can be out of quarantine by Friday or you have to wait for the next Wednesday.

Like · Reply · 1 · Yesterday at 2:28am via mobile
To return to USA, there are a few pet relocators in Joburg. The one we liked the best was www.aeropets.co.za
Mikki and her colleagues were very helpful, gave us lots of information. When we head back to SA I'll request our pet relocators to use them as their agents in SA to handle our pet.

Like · Reply · Yesterday at 2:39am via mobile

Anonymous (not verified) on 18 Nov 2013 - 15:59

I ended up writing a blog post about pet relocation to South Africa, and think all your questions will be answered there: http://www.joburgexpat.com/2013/10/relocating-your-pet-to-south-africa.html.

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