If you’ve made the decision to emigrate to another country, you’ve likely considered taking your pets with you. You may be concerned that costs will be exorbitant, but this isn’t always the case. The emigration process takes time – for many, a good number of years, so if you are serious about taking your pets, you will have plenty of time to save for these expenses.
As our pets are part of our family, one of our biggest concerns are the quarantine period. Here’s the latest update on quarantine requirements:
Australia No quarantine in SA required. Preparations start seven months before departure. Pets must be microchipped and receive a rabies vaccination 30 days prior to the first blood draw at six months before departure (the rabies vaccination must be older than 30 days but younger than one year relating to the date of departure). Ten days quarantine on arrival.
Canada No quarantine is required. Rabies vaccinations must be older than 30 days but younger than one year relating to the date of departure. Microchipping and vaccinations must be up to date.
European Union countries, including the United Kingdom If the country is an EU member no quarantine is required. Drawing blood for a rabies neutralising and titration test must be done 90 days before departure. The owner must travel within five days of the pet or the pet is deemed a commercial consignment and other protocols must be followed, including pre-export quarantine.
New Zealand No quarantine in SA required. Microchipping and rabies vaccination prior to first blood draw done at four months before departure. Ten days quarantine on arrival.
United States No quarantine required for dogs or cats. Microchipping and vaccinations must be up to date. The rabies vaccination must be older than 30 days but younger than one year relating to the date of departure. A health check must be done prior to departure.
For answers to your questions about emigrating with your pets, click here.
