Planning a pet relocation from France to South Africa is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. This is a middle of the road route, and about 6-10 weeks of …
Rabies vaccinationRequired. At least 30 days before import …
Rabies titre testFrance has a bilateral veterinary …
QuarantineNo routine quarantine for compliant pets …
Import permitRequired. DALRRD Veterinary Import …
Health certificateDDPP-endorsed health certificate in …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from France to South Africa
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
Verify timing carefully against planned travel date.
Microchip and vaccination confirmed current (30-365 days before SA arrival)
Responsible: Your French vet
2
4-8 weeks before travel. Start immediately once move is confirmed.
Apply for DALRRD Veterinary Import Permit
Responsible: You or agent
3
2-4 weeks before travel.
Book Air France Cargo or Lufthansa CDG-JNB
Responsible: You or agent
4
Within 10 days of travel.
DDPP-endorsed health certificate in DALRRD format
Responsible: DDPP-authorised vet + DDPP
5
3-4 hours before departure.
Cargo check-in CDG. DALRRD inspection at JNB on arrival.
Responsible: You + airline + DALRRD
Checklist
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 30 days before import and within 12 months. Post-microchip.
Rabies titre test
France has a bilateral veterinary agreement with South Africa. No titre test required from France.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets with DALRRD permit. DALRRD inspection at Port of Entry.
Import permit
Required. DALRRD Veterinary Import Permit. Apply 4-8 weeks in advance.
Health certificate
DDPP-endorsed health certificate in DALRRD format, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit
No formal export permit for personal pets from France.
Health certificate
Official health certificate endorsed by DDPP in DALRRD format. Issued within 10 days of travel.
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Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
Air France
Air France Cargo operates CDG-JNB direct. National carrier of origin, strong CDG cargo infrastructure.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt FRA to JNB. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai DXB to JNB. Summer heat embargoes may apply.
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways
Via Doha DOH to JNB. Good live animal handling.
Cargo Only
South African Airways
SAA Cargo where available. DALRRD familiarity at JNB arrival.
Cargo Only
Costs
What this route typically costs
Air France Cargo fees CDG-JNB
IATA-compliant crate
DALRRD Import Permit fee
DDPP health certificate endorsement
Agent fee (recommended for DALRRD permit)
Critical points
DALRRD import permit takes 4-8 weeks. Apply the moment the move is confirmed.
No titre test required from France (bilateral agreement) but vaccination must be 30-365 days before SA arrival.
DALRRD requirements can change. Verify at dalrrd.gov.za before starting.
The rules for bringing a pet into South Africa
South Africa has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
How to keep this move on track
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions
No. France has a bilateral veterinary agreement with South Africa that removes the titre test requirement. The main requirements are microchip, rabies vaccination within 30-365 days of SA arrival, a DALRRD import permit, and a DDPP-endorsed health certificate.
Apply through DALRRD’s Directorate of Animal Health at dalrrd.gov.za. Allow 4-8 weeks. An experienced agent can manage this. The permit must be in hand before travel.
No routine quarantine for properly documented pets. DALRRD conducts an inspection at the Port of Entry (usually O.R. Tambo International Airport). With complete documentation, your pet is released the same day.
6-10 weeks. The DALRRD import permit (4-8 weeks) is the main timeline driver. No titre test or extended waiting period applies from France.
Air France Cargo operates direct CDG-JNB, making it the first choice. Lufthansa via Frankfurt is a solid alternative with strong cargo infrastructure, though it involves a transit.
Ready when you are
Move your pet
to South Africa.
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