Taking Your Dog to South Africa from the UK

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Your Dog to South Africa

Step 1: Apply for an Import Permit & Book a Flight

All dogs travelling to South Africa require an import permit from the Department of Agriculture. The application process includes:

• Payment to the department’s bank account

• Completing the correct import form

For the latest application form, visit: South African Government Website.

Several airlines allow pets to travel to South Africa from the UK. Most of our clients use British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and South African Airways.

Step 2: Microchip & Vaccination Requirements

• Microchip: Your dog must have an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip for identification.

• Rabies Vaccination: Not mandatory for UK dogs but strongly recommended, as South Africa has rabies regulations. If administered, the vaccine must be given at least 30 days before travel.

Note: Routine vaccinations are not mandatory for travel but are strongly recommended for your pet’s overall health.

Step 3: Chose a DEFRA-approved Vet and apply for the DEFRA Export Health Certificate (EHC)

• Pet owners must choose a DEFRA-approved Vet to help them with the Travel Paperwork.

• Once they have one, they must apply for a specific Export Health Certificate (EHC 6256) via DEFRA: Export dogs to South Africa: certificate 6256

• DEFRA will issue the certificate to your chosen DEFRA-approved vet for completion.

Step 4: Pre-Travel Veterinary Health Check

• Book a veterinary health check with your DEFRA-approved vet within 10 days of travel to ensure your dog is fit to fly and to finalise the EHC.

Step 5: Blood Tests & Heartworm Treatment

• Dogs must undergo blood tests within 30 days of travel to rule out exotic diseases, including heartworm, babesia, leishmania, brucella, and trypanosoma. We recommend to have these tests done about 30 days before your trip, since some of them can take up to 20 working days to process.