Planning a pet relocation from Germany to South Africa is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Allow around 6-10 weeks and follow the steps in order to stay on track. Pets with …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Germany 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 Germany to South Africa import process
01
Verify at vet visit. Vaccination must be 30-365 days before SA arrival.
Microchip and rabies vaccination confirmed current
Responsible: German vet
02
4-8 weeks before travel. Start immediately.
Apply for DALRRD Veterinary Import Permit
Responsible: You or agent via DALRRD
03
2-4 weeks before travel.
Book Lufthansa Cargo or Emirates FRA-JNB
Responsible: You or agent
04
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain health certificate in DALRRD format, endorsed by German authority
Responsible: DENV-authorised vet + German authority
05
3-4 hours before departure.
Cargo check-in Frankfurt. DALRRD inspection at JNB on arrival.
Responsible: You + cargo airline + DALRRD
Requirements
South Africa entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Administered at least 30 days before import and within 12 months. Must be post-microchip.
Rabies titre test
Germany has a bilateral veterinary agreement with South Africa. No titre test required from Germany.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant pets with DALRRD import permit. DALRRD inspection at Port of Entry.
Import permit
Required. Veterinary Import Permit from DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development). Apply well in advance, processing can take 4-8 weeks.
Health certificate
Official health certificate in DALRRD format, endorsed by German competent authority, issued within 10 days of travel.
Leaving Germany
Export requirements
Export permit
No formal export permit for personal pets. Health certificate endorsed by German competent veterinary authority.
Health certificate
Official health certificate in DALRRD format, endorsed by the German competent authority. Issued within 10 days of travel.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Lufthansa Cargo or Emirates fees FRA-JNB
IATA-compliant crate
DALRRD Import Permit fee
Health certificate and German authority endorsement
Agent fee (recommended for DALRRD permit complexity)
Critical points
The DALRRD import permit must be in hand before your pet travels. Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Apply immediately.
No titre test is required from Germany (bilateral agreement), but the vaccination must still be 30-365 days before SA arrival.
Always verify current DALRRD requirements at dalrrd.gov.za before starting, South African requirements have been known to change.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Lufthansa
Lufthansa Cargo operates FRA-JNB direct. One of the most reliable options from Germany to South Africa. Frankfurt hub handles live animal cargo efficiently. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai DXB to JNB or CPT. Emirates SkyCargo. Summer heat embargoes at DXB may apply. Good alternative to direct Lufthansa service.
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways
Via Doha DOH to JNB. Qatar Airways Cargo. Seasonal brachycephalic restrictions. Good cargo record.
Cargo Only
South African Airways
SAA Cargo where available. South Africa's national carrier with DALRRD familiarity at JNB. Check current availability as SAA has restructured.
Cargo Only
Kenya Airways
Via Nairobi NBO to JNB. Longer routing. Kenya Airways Cargo as an alternative hub option.
Cargo Only
How South Africa handles incoming pets
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.
What experienced owners do
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 about this route
No. Germany has a bilateral veterinary agreement with South Africa that removes the titre test requirement. The main requirements are microchip, rabies vaccination within the 30-day to 12-month window, a DALRRD import permit, and an official health certificate.
Apply directly to the DALRRD Directorate of Animal Health at dalrrd.gov.za, or through an experienced pet transport agent. Allow 4-8 weeks for processing. The permit must be in hand before your pet travels.
No routine quarantine for properly documented pets from Germany. DALRRD conducts an inspection at the Port of Entry at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport. With complete documentation including the DALRRD permit, your pet is released the same day.
6-10 weeks. The DALRRD import permit is the main timeline driver, taking 4-8 weeks. If your pet’s vaccinations are current and within the required window, no additional waiting periods apply.
Lufthansa Cargo operating direct FRA-JNB is the first-choice option, with strong Frankfurt cargo infrastructure and regular experience on the SA route. Emirates via Dubai is the main alternative, though summer heat embargoes at Dubai can restrict acceptance.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
Emirates
Qatar Airways
South African Airways
Kenya Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.