Pet Transport from South Africa to France
Planning to move your pet from South Africa to France? Get Your Quote
Pet transport from South Africa to France is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.
At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test with a waiting period after the result, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.
Use the step-by-step timeline below to plan your preparation, and get in touch if you want us to coordinate the process for you.
Step-by-Step Process
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)
Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies vaccination
At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)
Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets
Responsible: You + airline cargo desk
France Import Requirements
What France requires for pets entering the country.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or at same time as rabies vaccination
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Standard EU protocol. 21-day wait from first vaccination.
Rabies Titre Test
Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries. Not required for: Pets from EU and listed third countries (all P1 countries listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw
Quarantine
No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant
Import Permit
No formal import permit. EU pet passport or AHC serves as documentation.
Health Certificate
Required
Exporting from South Africa
What you need from South Africa before your pet can leave.
Export Permit
Required for all live animal exports. Apply through provincial State Veterinarian office.
Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.
- Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
- IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
- Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
- Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
- Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)
Important Warnings
Frequently Asked Questions
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