SOUTH AFRICA

Pets

Importing Pets into South Africa:

1. Please complete the form - Application to Import Animals into South Africa in full for each animal you wish to import and send it with the R110.00 fee or proof of payment of the fee to the following address:

The Director of Animal Health

Import/Export Control

Private Bag X138

Pretoria

0001

South Africa

or fax it to : 011 - 27-12-329-8292

Permit Office:

Tel: 011 - 27-12-319-7514

011 - 27-12-319-7414

011 - 27-12-319-7475

Website: www.nda.agric.za/vetweb

2. An amount of R110.00 must be deposited into the bank account of the Department of Agriculture for each animal you wish to import. This may be done in one of the following ways:

a. If you have a South African Bank account a check for R110.00 can be made out to the Director General of Agriculture and sent with the application to the above address; or

b. R110.00 can be deposited into the Department of Agriculture's bank account by means of a credit transfer from any commercial bank in the USA. The bank particulars are:

S A Reserve Bank - Account Number : 8033-212-9

Branch Code : 910145

Any transfer fees payable to the bank must be paid in addition to the R110.00 fee.

A copy of the deposit slip (stamped by the bank) should then be sent with the application form to the above address.

c. As members of the public have been experiencing problems when transferring the fee of R110.00 to South Africa, arrangements have been made for an amount of $18.00 (in money order) payable to the South African Consulate General in New York to pay for the import fee. Mail the money order to:

South African Consulate General

333 East 38th Street, 9th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Attention: J. Mtirara

PLEASE NOTE :

NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. The money can only be paid by postal money order. All personal checks will immediately be returned.

A receipt for $18.00 will be issued and sent to you by the South African Consulate. You should then send this official receipt and your application form to the Department of Animal Health in Pretoria.

We have been informed that applicants may fax a copy of the official receipt, together with the application form to the Department of Animal Health, her fax number is (+27 12 329 8292). Such an application will be accepted and processed.

3. The Veterinary Import permit and Veterinary Health Certificate will be sent to you directly from South Africa.

4. If the Veterinary Health Certificate does not comply with the regulations the animal/animals will be returned to their point of departure or will be placed in quarantine for a period of 60 days, if accommodation is available.

Remember: Import permits are valid for a limited period only.

5. Please refer to the US Dept. of Agriculture's International Animal Export Regulations at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/animal_south_africa.shtml. There you will find information on the Veterinary Health Certificate.

It is recommended that you contact a local Veterinary Service Area Office to help you with details of your pet's travel.

6. Please note that it is a condition of the import permit that dogs/cats imported into South Africa should be booked as "manifested cargo" and NOT as "excess baggage".

7. The following helpful information was received from the South African Airways regarding the transportation of pets:

*Livestock enters South Africa as manifested cargo in the temperature-controlled hold of the aircraft. Cabin stowage is not permitted. Dogs and cats must be older than 8 weeks.

*As available space could be a problem you are advised to book well in advance when transporting pets.

*Contact the Airline you are using to find out what their specific requirements are.

8. The Director of Animal Health Sub-directorate Import-Export Control in Pretoria would be able to assist you should there be any further information required.

9. There are also vaccination and disease-free requirements.

General Information

The South African coast stretches 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) and borders both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. To the north of South Africa lie Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland, while the Kingdom of Lesotho is an independent enclave surrounded by South African territory.South Africa is known for its diversity in cultures, languages, and religious beliefs. Eleven official languages are recognized in the constitution.