It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

An import permit is required.

Information about the process required to import animals into South Africa can be found on the Republic of South Africa Government website.

There are new importing country requirements in force that all dogs imported to South Africa must be sterilised (desexed), unless they are a breeding dog which must be pre-approved by Animal Improvement Act 1998 (AIA) registered registering authorities.

Contact

VetPermits@daff.gov.za

As required by the importing country.

All dogs imported to South Africa must be sterilised (desexed), unless they are a breeding dog.

1. a) Declared companion dogs (not meant for breeding) imported to South Africa permanently must be sterilised.
2. b) Dogs imported to South Africa temporarily for certain purpose (e.g. vacation) should be sterilised temporarily using chemical castration and proof of such must be provided (e.g. certificate from a registered veterinarian).
3. c) Dogs imported to South Africa as breeding dogs must be registered with the registering authorities recognised by the AIA in South Africa.
   
   1. This includes dogs imported for shows, competition and hunting dogs.
4. d) Puppies less than 8 months old are prohibited to be imported into South Africa unless they are accompanied by their dam.
   
   1. Puppies older than 8 months are required to be sterilised or approved by AIA registered registering authority before being imported into South Africa.

Note

1. The Babesia gibsoni IFA test is currently unavailable in Australia. For dogs being prepared for export to South Africa, the Department allows this test to be performed at the South African Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI). An import permit for the diagnostic (i.e. blood) sample may be required from the South African authority to enable testing.
   
   All other tests must be performed at laboratories located in Australia.
   
   
2. The department has been advised that only Dirofilaria immitis treatments administered from the date of negative testing until export should be included on the health certificate.
   

Transport requirements

The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.

If your animal is returning to Australia, you should make yourself familiar with the Department's requirements for importing live animals into Australia. This is important as your animal may have been exposed to diseases that do not occur in Australia.

Based on importing country website and information.

Entry last reviewed 5 December 2025.