Lead time needed
16-20 weeks
Quarantine
30 days
Route complexity
High
Airlines
10 carriers on this route
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ZA
BR

Pet Transport from South Africa to Brazil

Bringing your dog or cat from South Africa to Brazil takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Around 16-20 weeks is sensible here, with a few steps that must happen in a strict order. Your pet will spend 30 days in quarantine after …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from South Africa to Brazil typically takes around 16-20 weeks. Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test is not required.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Step by step

The South Africa to Brazil import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
First step: must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Brazil

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

4
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

6
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

7
Immediately on arrival: mandatory
Quarantine on arrival (30 days)

Responsible: Brazil quarantine authority

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Brazil

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel
Rabies titre test
Not required for dogs and cats.
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: MAPA quarantine station
Import permit
Required. Issued by: MAPA
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue
Export permit
Required for all live animal exports. Apply through provincial State …
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and …
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Import permit application fee (Brazil)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.

Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. …
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for …
Cabin and Cargo
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa …
Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to …
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM …
Cabin and Cargo
Delta Air Lines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in …
Cabin and Cargo
American Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. …
Cabin and Cargo
Air Canada
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in …
Cabin and Cargo

Meeting Brazil's entry requirements

The requirements for Brazil are thorough rather than difficult. Work through them methodically and confirm anything you are unsure about with the official source.

Advice worth following

Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 16 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Brazil. Your pet will stay for 30 days at MAPA quarantine station on arrival. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
No, Brazil does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from South Africa. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, an import permit is required from Brazil’s authority (MAPA). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in South Africa. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Brazil’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
  • British Airways
  • Air France
  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • KLM
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • Air Canada
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Brazil.

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ZA BRSouth Africa to Brazil
International pet transport route
Lead time16-20 weeks
Quarantine30 days
ComplexityHigh
Airlines10
ServiceDoor to door
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