Taking a pet from the United States to South Africa

What the USDA APHIS page for South Africa says about exporting a pet there.

What this destination requires

Alert All pet veterinary health certificates to South Africa MUST BE endorsed by USDA-APHIS, including Service and Emotional Support Animals.

All disease testing, including test type, must comply with the requirements outlined on the veterinary health certificate.

Failure to comply with the requirements in the veterinary health certificate may result in the pet being returned to the U.S. or euthanized.

Cats A veterinary import permit is required for all cats traveling to S.

CDC high-risk for dog rabies. CDC lists South Africa as high risk for dog rabies, which affects bringing a dog back into the United States.

Read the source

This page summarises the USDA APHIS page Pet Travel From the United States to South Africa. That page is the authority; read it in full before you travel.

Open the APHIS page for South Africa →

Source: USDA APHIS — https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-south-africa. Record retrieved September 2026; APHIS last modified this page January 12, 2026.

This page summarises a U.S. government page and is not legal or veterinary advice. Rules change; confirm the requirements with APHIS and your destination country before you travel.