Please note that South Africa has implemented a temporary South African import protocol for pets evacuated from War-Affected Middle Eastern Countries. Only a select few South African Pet Transport Agencies have been given permission to assist pets under these special conditions, and AeroPets is one of them.
Emergency Pet Import to South Africa: Temporary Requirements for Dogs and Cats from Iran and Other Conflict-Affected Countries
As conflict continues to impact parts of the Middle East, many families are being forced to evacuate their homes on short notice. For pet owners, this raises an urgent and emotional question: how can pets safely relocate with their families?
To assist individuals evacuating from the region, South African veterinary authorities have introduced temporary emergency protocols for importing dogs and cats into South Africa. These measures provide additional flexibility where the normal import process cannot be fully followed due to war-related disruptions.
The temporary protocol currently applies to pets relocating from the following countries:
- Iran
- Israel
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- United Arab Emirates
- Syria
Because of the exceptional circumstances, each import application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The goal is to support evacuating families while still maintaining South Africa’s animal health and biosecurity standards.
Below is a detailed overview of the temporary pet import requirements for dogs and cats entering South Africa from conflict-affected countries.
Veterinary Import Permit for Pets Entering South Africa
Even under emergency circumstances, all dogs and cats entering South Africa must have a valid Veterinary Import Permit issued in terms of the Animal Diseases Act (Act 35 of 1984).
Pet owners are encouraged to comply with as many of the normal pet import requirements as possible. However, if the conflict prevents full compliance, applicants should include:
- A written explanation outlining why certain requirements cannot be met
- Any available supporting documents related to the pet
This flexibility allows veterinary authorities to review each situation and determine whether special dispensation can be granted for the import of the animal.
Emergency Dispensation for Pet Imports
In addition to the Veterinary Import Permit, applicants must submit a request for emergency dispensation due to the extraordinary circumstances in the region. AeroPets would apply for this on your behalf.
Where available, the following information should be provided:
- Microchip number(s) of the pet
- Rabies vaccination certificate(s)
- Details of completed or planned veterinary testing
- Expected departure date (noting that travel plans may change)
Authorities will evaluate each case individually and issue a dispensation tailored to the needs of the pet and owner.
To assist individuals evacuating during the conflict, dispensation fees are currently being waived.
Blood Test Requirements for Dogs Importing to South Africa
Under standard regulations, dogs importing to South Africa must complete certain disease screening tests before export. However, these tests may not always be possible in war-affected regions.
Where required blood tests cannot be completed prior to travel:
- Instead of the usual 7 day quarantine option, Dogs will be placed into 14 days of quarantine upon arrival in South Africa
- The required blood tests will be conducted during the quarantine period.
If any dog tests positive for diseases that require negative certification under South African regulations, the authorities may require that the animal:
- Be returned to the exporting country if feasible, or
- Be humanely euthanised by a veterinarian, in accordance with animal health regulations.
These testing requirements apply only to dogs.
Quarantine Requirements for Dogs and Cats Arriving in South Africa
All pets entering South Africa under these emergency provisions must have quarantine arrangements confirmed before travel. AeroPets will arrange this on your behalf.
Advance coordination is essential to ensure that quarantine facilities are prepared before the pet arrives in South Africa.
Animal Improvement Act Import Permit (Dogs Only)
Dogs entering South Africa must also comply with the Animal Improvement Act (AIA) import requirements. AeroPets will apply for this on your behalf.
An AIA import application must include:
- Proof that the dog has been sterilised
- Copy of the owner’s ID or passport
This requirement applies only to dogs. Cats are exempt from the Animal Improvement Act permit.
Veterinary Health Certificate Requirements
Pet owners should review the Veterinary Health Certificate template required for pet import into South Africa.
Where certain clauses cannot be complied with due to emergency conditions, applicants should clearly indicate:
- Which clauses cannot be fulfilled
- The reason compliance is not possible
Providing this information helps veterinary authorities assess and process emergency applications more efficiently.
Import Requirements for Cats
Cats have simpler import requirements than dogs under the emergency protocol.
If cats cannot fully comply with standard import requirements:
- They will undergo a clinical veterinary examination during quarantine
- A Rabies vaccination will be administered if valid proof of vaccination within the past 12 months cannot be provided
Once these procedures are completed, the cat may be released from quarantine.
Important notes for cats:
- Cats do not require blood tests
- Cats do not require an Animal Improvement Act permit
Proof of Pet Residency in the Exporting Country
Authorities require reasonable evidence that the pet lived in the exporting country prior to evacuation.
Because of the current circumstances, authorities will accept several types of documentation, including:
- Veterinary records
- Rabies vaccination certificates
- Microchip registration details
- Flight bookings or airway bills
- Any official documentation confirming the pet’s presence in the country of export
Providing as much documentation as possible helps support the import application and confirm the pet’s origin.
Relocating Pets to South Africa During Emergency Evacuations
South Africa’s temporary emergency protocol is designed to support families who must evacuate quickly from conflict-affected regions while keeping their pets safe.
By allowing flexibility in documentation and processing import applications individually, veterinary authorities aim to balance compassionate relocation with strict biosecurity protection.
Pet owners planning to relocate their animals to South Africa should begin the application process as early as possible and gather all available documentation to support their application.
For many families, pets are not just animals — they are family members. These emergency measures help ensure that pets can travel safely and reunite with their owners in South Africa during an incredibly challenging time.