Microchip & rabies vaccination

Your dog must have a compliant microchip and a valid rabies vaccination before export and have had: 

• Primary rabies vaccination: 30 days to 12 months before travel.

• Booster vaccinations: within 12 months of travel.

Keep your original rabies vaccination certificate safe.

Book your flight & apply for the import permit

Arrange your dog's flight as manifest cargo and ensure the arrival airport accepts live animal imports.

You must also obtain a South African Import Permit, which is required before travel and must accompany your dog throughout the journey.

Request the export health certificate

Nominate us as your Official Veterinarian and request EHC 6256 from DEFRA. Once issued, we'll complete the certificate and guide you through the process.

Complete the required blood tests

South Africa requires several laboratory tests before export, including screening for diseases such as:

• Brucella canis

• Trypanosoma evansi

• Babesia gibsoni

• Heartworm

• Leishmaniosis

Samples should typically be taken around 30 days before travel to allow enough time for laboratory processing.

Start heartworm treatment

Following blood sampling, your dog must begin an approved heartworm treatment and continue it for 6 months after arrival in South Africa. We'll prescribe an appropriate UK-licensed medication
and advise you on the treatment schedule.

Final veterinary appointment

Within 10 days of departure, we'll:

• Perform the final health examination

• Verify the microchip

• Review the blood test results and rabies vaccination

• Complete the required owner declarations

• Issue and sign the Export Health Certificate

Travel with your original documents

Carry all original paperwork, including:

• Export Health Certificate 

• South African Import Permit

• Rabies vaccination certificate

• Laboratory reports

• Any supporting declaration

Before travelling, check that all documents match your dog's identification details to avoid delays.