Travelling with pets information
We understand that pets are part of your family, which is why we accommodate these inexperienced travellers as best we can.
Conditions of acceptance
- With the exception of service dogs, pets cannot be carried in the passenger cabin.
- Service dogs are carried free of charge.
- Animals must be carried as manifested cargo in accordance with the IATA Live Animals’ Regulations.
- The weight of the animal and its container will be charged as excess baggage. It is not accepted as part of free baggage allowance.
- It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the animals are properly crated and accompanied by valid health and vaccination certificates, entry permits and other documents required by countries of entry or transit.
- If you wish to travel with your pets, please make the necessary arrangements with our Cargo department: +27 11 978 3366.
Back to top
Country restrictions
All live animals should travel as manifested cargo via countries that do not allow the importation of animals as checked baggage, namely:
- Angola
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Mozambique
- United Kingdom
- Zambia
All animals destined for South Africa on an international flight must be carried as manifested cargo. Other countries may have similar requirements; therefore, it is strongly recommended that the respective Embassy or Consulate be consulted. You will however, be responsible for obtaining the necessary permits, forms, container, as applicable, and must also be aware of the import regulations at your destination.
Back to top
Animal identification
All dogs, cats, reptiles and primates imported to South Africa need to have microchip implants for identification. The health certificate for animal imports includes a clause requiring a microchip number, and the location of the microchip for identification of the animal. If animals arrive in South Africa without the microchip, they will be placed under quarantine at the port of entry.
For more information, please contact the Directorate Animal Health:
Address: Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 12 319 6000.
Due to infrastructure problems at OR Tambo International Airport, live animals will no longer be accepted as excess baggage on all international flights with immediate effect.
Back to top