Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The South Africa to Germany pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test at EU-approved laboratory. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: State vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
2
Book cargo from JNB to FRA on Lufthansa or Emirates.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
3
Obtain DALRRD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: State vet or DALRRD-authorised vet plus DALRRD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
4
Depart JNB. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs
Travel day
Which Germany rules depend on a pet coming from South Africa?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and South Africa falls in “Non-listed third countries and territories”.
Rabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
Rabies titre test: Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries. Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
Rabies titre test: The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries. Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026
Rabies titre test: The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries. Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Germany, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Germany 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.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DALRRD vet certificate and export permit: ZAR 1,000-2,500 (approximately EUR 50-130)
Cargo JNB to FRA (Lufthansa direct or Emirates via DXB): EUR 900-2,200 depending on crate size
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,300
Critical points to read before you book
South Africa is not EU-listed: FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not the date results are received.
Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state.
DALRRD certificate must be EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
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.
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa operates direct from Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) to Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo handles live animals in temperature-controlled holds. Frankfurt is Germany's main live animal cargo hub.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates operates from JNB to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Frankfurt and other German airports. Emirates SkyCargo has established live animal handling at Dubai and in Germany.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo
Ethiopian Airlines routes from JNB to Addis Ababa (ADD) with connections to European hubs including Frankfurt. A three-leg journey but sometimes competitive on rates.
Cargo Only
FAQ
Common questions about South Africa to Germany pet transport
Yes. South Africa is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Yes. Lufthansa Cargo operates direct from JNB to FRA and accepts live animals in the temperature-controlled hold. Emirates SkyCargo via Dubai is an alternative. Book four to six weeks ahead.
From the blood sampling date for the FAVN titre test, not from when results arrive. If blood is drawn on 1 April, travel to Germany is not possible before 1 July.
Cargo from JNB to FRA typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,200 depending on crate size. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test, EUR 50-130 for the DALRRD certificate, and EUR 80-250 for a crate if needed. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,300, with five months preparation.
Airline guides
Lufthansa Cargo
Emirates SkyCargo
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo
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.
IATA· International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations