How much does pet emigration cost from South Africa?

For most pet parents, leaving their cherished hound or feline companion behind when emigrating just doesn’t bear thinking about; after all, they’re part of the family. Well, we like to think so anyway, even though, in most cases, we are merely pet butlers kept on hand by our furry friends to provide tasty treats on demand! However, butler duties aside, while most pet parents understand that taking their pets abroad requires careful planning, many have no clue what costs are involved.

Factors affecting pet emigration costs

Unfortunately, pet immigration to New Zealand from South Africa or to anywhere else in the world involves a cost. How high a cost depends on several factors. For instance, your chosen airline may have particular tariffs based on your pet’s weight and size; larger breeds typically attract higher fees.

In addition, your country of destination may charge inspection and import fees, and you will need to ensure your pet is microchipped and has had all the required vaccinations and booster jabs to prevent them from being barred entry at the border. Furthermore, some countries like Australia, New Zealand and Japan insist on airport-based pet quarantine periods to avoid spreading pesky diseases like rabies. For example, when entering Australia, pets must complete a mandatory ten-day quarantine period (at your cost), during which they are monitored by a vet for health issues and diseases.

As you can see, these costs can add up to an eye-watering bill even before your pet sets paw on greener, pet-friendly pastures. However, thankfully, for most animal lovers, it’s a paltry price to pay compared to leaving their beloved fur baby behind.

Cost of pet emigration by destination

Ask anyone considering emigration what the cost of moving pets to New Zealand from South Africa entails, and you will most likely be met with some ‘haven’t a clue’ looks. Thankfully the FinGlobal team can help. Below we have covered some top destinations Saffa pet parents and their furry friends emigrate to and the costs incurred.

How much does it cost to take a dog to Canada from South Africa

• Pet Quarantine – not required.
• Import Fee – advised by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency).
• Microchipping – not mandatory for domestic pets (dogs and cats) travelling with their owners.

Canadian laws regarding emigration for dogs

Canada doesn’t require pets to quarantine. However, dogs from South Africa and other countries not recognized as rabies-free must have a rabies vaccination certificate unless they are under 3 -months old. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulates import fees (yes, we saw that too, food agency? Who is that hungry?). And while microchipping isn’t mandatory, it can prove useful should you lose your pet when out walking with your hound on foreign soil!

How much does it cost to take a dog to Australia from South Africa

• Pet Quarantine – 10 quarantine period costs around $2200 (AUD) per dog.
• Import Fee – approximately $480 (AUD) for the first dog and $240 (AUD) per additional dog.
• Microchip Fee – mandatory requirement; the cost depends on your South African vet rates.

Australian laws regarding pet emigration

Pet immigration to Australia from South Africa can be tricky due to strict rules down under! Aside from the mandatory rabies jab and Rabies Titre test, additional blood tests and parasite treatments (internal and external) are required. This, in addition to flight fees and essential pet travel gear such as pet crates, can leave you wishing you had never asked, ‘how much does it cost to take a dog to Australia from South Africa?’

Other top destinations for pet emigration

America and the UK are also popular pet parent emigration destinations. As a result, many furry felines and canines regularly cross the proverbial pond. So what is the actual cost of flying a dog from South Africa to the UK or the US?

Dogs destined for the bright lights of London or Washington DC can expect their pet parents to fork out in the region of a few hundred pounds or dollars to a fair few thousand! Flight prices very much depend on the size and weight of your dog and specific airline prices.

Pet immigration from South Africa to the UK is pretty straightforward; as long as you follow the below basic rules, your pet (dog, cat or ferret) won’t be subject to a quarantine period.

• All pets must be microchipped – R250-R450, South African vet dependent
• Have a health certificate from your South African vet – costs depend on local SA vet rates
• Rabies vaccination – R470 – R500, fees depend on local SA vet charges
• Rabies Titer Test – lab fees can be expensive and depend on the lab/vet used
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs – R200 – R1000 (brand and vet dependent

Additional requirements govern pet immigration from South Africa to the UK; these can be found on the UK government website.

Final paw-se for consideration

Depending on your country of destination and their respective restrictions and requirements regarding pet emigration, the costs can be quite expensive, especially if you get it wrong! Therefore, we recommend enlisting the help of a professional pet exporter or transportation company to ensure your pet travels safely and meets all the pet emigration rules of your new country of residence.

Expert advice for SA expats right here at FinGlobal

For professional advice tailored to meet your unique emigration requirements, FinGlobal is the team you need. Assisting expats for over ten years, our accredited team members provide the emigration support required at every stage of your emigration journey.

From pensions to tax residency advice, South African retirement annuities and forex, FinGlobal can assist. Give them a call today and get your emigration journey started!

To discuss your unique needs with our team, simply get in touch with us. Give us a call on +27 28 312 2764 or send us an email at info@finglobal.com, and we will assist you promptly.