Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The South Africa to Canada pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is ISO standard and pre-dates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and valid
Responsible: Your vet
Verify vaccination dates and validity period.
3
Apply for DALRRD export permit
Responsible: Owner, DALRRD State Vet
3-4 weeks before travel.
4
Book cargo space on chosen route (Emirates via Dubai or BA via London)
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks ahead.
5
Travel to Canada. CFIA inspection on arrival.
Responsible: Airline, CFIA
On travel date. No quarantine for compliant pets.
Which Canada rules depend on a pet coming from South Africa?
Canada sets different rules for 3 groups of countries, and the official wording does not settle on its own which group covers South Africa. Check the group table in our Canada guide before you plan.
None of the Canada rules we have verified names South Africa on its own.
The rules that apply to every pet entering Canada, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Canada guide.
What does South Africa require before your pet leaves?
We are still checking the export rules of South Africa against official government pages, so they are not shown here yet.
Pet transport agent (South Africa side): ZAR 5,000-15,000
Total typical range: CAD 1,500 to CAD 4,500 (GBP 900 to GBP 2,700)
Critical points to read before you book
There are no direct flights from South Africa to Canada. All routes involve a connection, most commonly via Dubai (Emirates) or London (British Airways). The connection city adds travel time and, depending on the airline, may require the pet to clear customs in transit.
Tick and parasite treatment before departure is strongly recommended. South Africa has significant tick-borne disease risk. While Canada does not formally require tick treatment as an entry condition, arriving with an infested pet is a welfare concern.
DALRRD processing times can vary. Start the export permit application 4-6 weeks before your intended travel date.
Commercial dog import to Canada is subject to a moratorium on dogs imported for resale. This does not affect personal pets but clarify your situation with CFIA if you have more than 2 dogs.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
EMIRATES
Emirates
Johannesburg or Cape Town to Toronto/Vancouver via Dubai. Emirates SkyCargo. Commonly used for this route.
Cargo Only
BRITISH
British Airways
Johannesburg to London Heathrow, then connect to Canada. IAG Cargo. Two-leg journey.
Cargo Only
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
No direct South Africa service. Connections via London or other European hubs.
Cargo Only
FAQ
Common questions about South Africa to Canada pet transport
Emirates via Dubai to Toronto or Vancouver is the most commonly used route for this journey. Emirates SkyCargo has experience with South Africa to North America pet moves. British Airways via London and then Air Canada to the Canadian city is another option. Both involve a connection; discuss the transit conditions with the carrier when booking.
Canada does not formally require tick treatment as an entry condition. However, South Africa has significant tick-borne disease risk, and a dog that leaves South Africa with a tick infestation or active tick-borne infection may become seriously ill after arrival. Tick prevention and, ideally, tick-borne disease testing before departure is strongly recommended by pet transport agents who work on this route.
Allow 3-4 weeks for the export permit from DALRRD. The health certificate itself is issued within 10 days of travel by the DALRRD-authorised vet. In total, start the DALRRD process 4-6 weeks before your travel date.
Airline guides
Emirates
British Airways
Air Canada
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm
current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.