If you are planning Pet Travel for your dog/s from South Africa to the United States, understanding the veterinary and import regulations for successful Pet Transport is essential.
At AeroPets Worldwide, a trusted Pet Travel Agency based in Johannesburg, we specialise in International Pet Travel and ensure every requirement is handled professionally, compliantly, and with your pet’s safety as our top priority.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the current USA Import Regulations for Dogs, combined with our service structure to help you plan confidently.
USA Approved Ports of Entry – Mandatory for All Dogs
Dogs travelling from South Africa to the United States must enter via one of the six approved ports of entry:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York (JFK)
- Washington DC (IAD)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
These airports have established quarantine facilities required for entry.
Mandatory Quarantine on Arrival
All dogs entering the USA from South Africa must undergo a mandatory quarantine stay of 1–3 nights, depending on arrival date and final destination.
During this time:
- Dogs are revaccinated by a USDA-approved veterinarian
- A USDA-approved Rabies vaccination is administered
- Documentation is verified
This short quarantine period is compulsory. Following the veterinary steps below correctly will help prevent extended quarantine stays.
Veterinary Import Requirements for Dogs Traveling to the USA
Proper veterinary preparation is critical for successful Pet Relocation to the United States.
ISO Approved Microchip
All dogs must have a valid, working ISO-approved microchip implanted on or before the date of their last Rabies vaccination.
You will need:
- A certificate confirming the microchip type
- The implantation date
Common ISO-approved microchips include:
- Identipet
- Virbac Backhome
- FiveStar
- GetMeKnown
If your dog has a valid rabies vaccine but is not microchipped, your vet must:
- Insert the ISO microchip
- Re-administer the Rabies vaccine
Important: Once re-vaccinated, there is a mandatory 31-day wait before blood can be drawn.
The day of vaccination is Day 0 — not Day 1.
Valid Rabies Vaccination
A rabies vaccine is considered valid when it is:
- Older than 31 days
- Not more than 1 year
If a rabies booster is given, dogs cannot travel for 30 days after administration.
Dogs must also be a minimum of 6 months old before they are eligible for travel.
RNAT (Titre) Test
Once the rabies vaccine is valid (older than 31 days but within 1 year), your dog will need an RNAT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre) test.
What to know:
- Blood can only be drawn 31 days after vaccination
- Blood must be drawn before the rabies vaccine expires
- The vaccination day counts as Day 0
- The blood draw date is also Day 0
The titre result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml
There is a mandatory 28-day waiting period after the blood draw before your dog is eligible to travel.
This wait is calculated from the blood draw date — not from when results are received.
If rabies vaccinations are kept up to date and never lapse (not even by one day), the titre test remains valid for USA travel.
Approved South African Labs:
- IDEXX
- Onderstepoort
Both laboratories are acceptable for USA import requirements.
CDC Certificate of Foreign Rabies Vaccination & Microchip
All dogs require a CDC Certificate of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip.
This must:
- Be completed by a private veterinarian
- Be endorsed by a government veterinarian
The CDC certificate:
- Is valid for 30 days
- Must be valid on arrival in the USA
- Is often required to confirm a quarantine booking
We recommend completing this approximately 2 weeks prior to departure.
Final Health Certificate
Dogs must have a final veterinary health check before departure.
The health certificate:
- Must be signed by a veterinarian
- Is valid for 5 days
- Must be valid upon entry into the USA
AeroPets Worldwide – Service & Pricing
As a leading Pet Travel Agency Johannesburg, AeroPets Worldwide offers professional Pet Transport and international Pet Relocation services tailored to your needs.
Door-to-Arrival-Airport Service
This includes:
- Collection from your home in South Africa
- Travel documentation guidance
- Flight booking
- IATA-compliant travel crate
- Liaison with U.S. import teams
- Arrival handling at the approved port of entry
This option excludes U.S. import clearing and quarantine fees.
Many clients prefer settling U.S. import and quarantine fees directly to:
- Avoid additional Forex charges
- Avoid international transfer fees
- Maintain direct control over final-stage payments
However, we are happy to provide an all-inclusive quote if preferred.
Comparing Pet Travel Quotes – What to Watch For
When comparing Pet Transport quotes, always compare apples with apples.
Airlines charge per crate space — not per pet.
Smaller crates may reduce flight costs and make a quote appear cheaper. However, inappropriate crate sizing can compromise comfort and compliance.
At AeroPets Worldwide, we:
- Quote according to breed-appropriate crate sizing
- Prioritise comfort and airline compliance
- Provide a realistic, transparent cost structure
- Deliver a first-class Pet Travel experience
Our Partnership & Educational Resources
We are proud to partner with Emigrate2USA, a trusted emigration consultancy assisting South Africans with their move to the United States.
Recently, AeroPets Worldwide collaborated with Emigrate2USA to host an informative webinar where we answered a wide range of questions about Pet Travel, Pet Transport, USA import regulations, quarantine procedures, and veterinary timelines.
This session is a valuable resource for families planning their relocation and wanting clarity on moving their pets safely and compliantly.
Why Choose AeroPets Worldwide for Pet Travel?
✔ Experienced international Pet Travel specialists
✔ Personalised guidance throughout the process
✔ Full compliance with USA import regulations
✔ Transparent pricing
✔ Dedicated support from start to finish
International Pet Relocation can feel overwhelming — but with the right team, it becomes seamless.