Pets travelling to the USA are not subject to any quarantine time upon arrival, but dogs may need to travel into one of six ports in order to re-add minister a rabies vaccination.
All pets travelling to the USA require microchip as well as annual vaccinations which include; 5-1 for dogs and 3-1 for cats both species require a rabies vaccination. Annual vaccinations needs to be older than 30 days but less than a year.
Dogs do require a blood draw – RNATT and at least 45 days in South Africa before departure, they also require a Screwworm declaration before departure.
PETport will prepare all your veterinary health certificates and government endorsements for you and make sure that you comply with the latest rules and regulations for the USA. Please note that the USA and the CDC have changed regulations for dogs entry periodically since COVID so do you advise you to get the latest estimate from our team which would have the most up-to-date regulations for entry.
How to Immigrate with your Pet from South Africa to the USA.
There are many rules and regulations around immigrating with your pet to the USA from South Africa. PETport is here to ensure that the process is as easy, stress-free and streamlined as possible for you.
RABIES VACCINATION
A valid rabies vaccination is required for entry into the USA. Your pet needs to have this registered in its vet book and all originals need to travel with the pet. Rabies vaccinations need to be older than 30 days but less than a year upon entry.
MICROCHIPPING AND VACCINATIONS
When exiting South Africa a valid microchip is required and also required for entry into the USA. This microchip needs to be a ISO compliant and 15 digit. Please note that any vaccinations recorded before microchip are not valid. So please make sure that your vet administers implants the microchip first before annual vaccinations. Dogs do require a valid Screwworm declaration upon departure.
DOCUMENTATION FOR IMPORT INTO THE USA.
PETport will prepare all your Veterinary Health Certificates and Government Endorsements for you.
This documentation will state that your pet is fit and healthy to travel and will meet all the necessary rules and regulations for your pet’s entry into the country.
QUARANTINE
As long as they have a valid Rabies vaccine, the USA does not have a quarantine period for dogs and cats.
Exceptions to this rule are Hawaii and Guam which do have a quarantine period.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Prices to bring your pet over to the USA from South Africa vary. It all depends on whether your pet is a dog or cat and how large it is. PETport will be happy to give you a personalized quote so contact us today!
The good news is that there is no quarantine period for dogs and cats coming into the USA (as long as they have a valid Rabies vaccine certificate that is older than 21 days.
The only exception is Hawaii and Guan where there is a quarantine period.
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PETport recommends preparing your pet for travel as far in advance as possible. Here is what we advise doing to get the ball rolling:
Consult with your vet and tell them you plan to take your pet to the USA. Your vet will examine your pet for any obvious health problems preventing it from flying
Ensure that your pet has an up to date Rabies vaccination and any other vaccines recommended by your vet
Contact PETport for a quote
Once you confirm you want us to assist, we will prepare all the necessary documentation
Your pet will be placed in the hold of the plane but in the heated and pressurized area. It will travel in a secure animal carrier and PETport will ensure that it is as comfortable as possible. You may want to include your pet’s favorite blanket in the carrier to help soothe them.
No, it is not safe to give your pet a tranquilizer as they would need a vet to monitor their vital signs and ensure they don’t have an adverse reaction throughout the flight and this is not possible.
Most vets recommend using Calmeze tablets for dogs and Calmeze gel for cats. This can be administered an hour before travel and has a highly effective calming effect on your pet and can relieve stress.
Although the flight to the US from South Africa can be quite long, it is actually quite an easy process to immigrate with your pet. PETport recommends preparing in advance, though, to avoid unnecessary panic at the last minute.
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