Planning To Emigrate? Take Your Pets With You!

Too many emigrating pet owners are surrendering their beloved pets to shelters, causing heartbreak for the animals, stress for shelter staff, and financial strain on rescue organisations. This should always be a last resort. Rehoming can take months—or may not happen at all.

Good news: taking your pets with you isn’t as hard or expensive as you think!

💡 DIY pet travel can save you a lot of money. One pet owner took two large dogs to Europe for R12,000 each—and small breeds would’ve cost just R7,500.

Tips for Emigrating with Pets

✔️ Research Destination Country Requirements:

Each country has its own rules for bringing in pets, including vaccinations, rabies titre tests, and quarantine periods. Some countries (e.g., Australia, New Zealand, and the UK) have stricter requirements, while others are more lenient.

Check animal import laws early to avoid delays and ensure your pet meets all criteria.

✔️ Plan Ahead:

Rabies tests for the UK/EU take at least 3 months after a valid rabies vaccination (and your pet must be microchipped before or at the time of the vaccination).

For other countries, such as Australia, New Zealand, or the US, timelines may be even longer, so start preparing as soon as you decide to emigrate.

✔️ DIY Pet Travel:

You can arrange pet travel yourself from Cape Town Airport. In Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo), a pet travel agent is required due to stricter procedures.

Book flights directly with airlines like KLM, Air France, or Lufthansa for pets travelling in cargo or, for small breeds, in the cabin.

Save costs by purchasing a second-hand pet crate on Facebook Marketplace and handling the paperwork, vet requirements, and check-in process yourself.

✔️ Travel Companions & Boarding Options:

If your pet is not ready to travel with you, consider boarding them locally or leaving them with a trusted family member.

Find a travel companion through Facebook groups like EMBARK to accompany your pet later.

Remember: Most rescue organisations require you to return your pet to them if you can no longer care for it—don’t just give pets away. This ensures their safety and allows the rescue to oversee rehoming under a contractual agreement.

Taking your pets with you is possible—research, plan ahead, and make them part of your next adventure! 🐾