Why Pet Air Travel Matters More Than Ever
As more South Africans treat their pets like beloved family members, the demand for safe, reliable pet air travel has grown rapidly. Whether it’s a family relocating to a new country, a holiday to another province, or the adoption of a rescue pet from overseas, travelling with animals involves a complex mix of care, compliance, and preparation.
Petworld understands that your pet isn’t just cargo — they’re a companion. That’s why we’ve created this in-depth guide to flying with pets in South Africa. It’s here to help you navigate both domestic and international travel requirements, choose the right airlines, understand documentation and crate standards, and make informed, compassionate choices for your furry friend’s comfort and safety.
Local vs. International Pet Travel: What’s the Difference?
Domestic pet travel within South Africa is simpler than international travel but still requires forward planning. When flying with pets locally, airlines like FlySafair, Airlink, and LIFT Airlines allow animals on board under specific conditions. For example, LIFT allows small dogs in the cabin if they weigh under 7kg, while FlySafair offers a PetLounge service for animals travelling in cargo with climate-controlled comfort and professional handling.
Flying with pets internationally is more involved. You’ll need to meet a host of additional requirements such as microchipping, vaccinations, government-issued permits, and sometimes quarantine protocols. Different countries have different rules — some require pets to undergo a rabies titre test (RNATT), others enforce waiting periods after vaccinations, and some don’t allow specific breeds or young animals to enter at all.
In short, domestic travel is about logistics. International flying with pets is about regulation — and the timeline for preparation can stretch over months.
Choosing a Pet-Friendly Airline
Not all airlines accept pets, and even those that do often have strict limitations when it comes to flying with pets. For domestic flights, FlySafair accommodates animals via PetLounge, which operates through BidAir Cargo. This service is specifically designed to make flying with pets safer and more comfortable, offering climate-controlled facilities and specially trained staff. Airlink permits cargo travel for pets, though owners must confirm routes directly with the airline.
LIFT Airlines is another great option for flying with pets within South Africa. It allows small dogs under 7kg to travel in the cabin on select flights — ideal for animals who are crate-trained and calm under pressure.
For international flying with pets, airlines such as KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Emirates offer varying degrees of pet-friendliness. Some allow cats and small dogs to travel in the cabin, while others require animals to fly in cargo, often through specialised pet programmes. Because the rules around flying with pets can differ significantly between airlines and destinations, it’s essential to confirm all details directly with the airline before booking — availability is limited and policies change frequently.
Documentation and Permits
The most important thing to remember about flying with pets is that the paperwork can take longer than you think — especially for international pet travel.
First, your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant 15-digit chip. This must be done before any vaccinations, otherwise the vaccine may not be considered valid. The microchip should be scannable at any port of entry or exit, ensuring smooth pet travel without delays.
Vaccinations come next. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 30 days before pet travel and no more than 12 months prior, depending on the destination. For dogs, additional core vaccines like distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus are commonly required. Cats need protection against rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. Vaccination certificates must be up to date, stamped, and signed by a licensed vet — a crucial requirement for any pet travel itinerary.
Some countries, including the UK, the EU, Australia, and Mauritius, require a rabies antibody titre test (RNATT). This is a blood test taken at least 30 days after your pet receives a rabies shot, and results must show sufficient antibodies to meet the destination country’s entry requirements. From the date of the RNATT, most countries impose a 90-day waiting period before your pet can proceed with international pet travel.
You will also need a veterinary health certificate, sometimes called a “fit-to-fly” certificate. For local flights, this document must typically be dated within 7 to 10 days of travel. For international travel, the certificate must be issued by a government-authorised veterinarian, and in some cases submitted to the Department of Agriculture for clearance before departure.
Finally, most international destinations require an official import permit. South Africa also requires an export permit for pets leaving the country and an import permit for those returning or arriving from abroad. These documents must be applied for well in advance — some take several weeks to process.
Crate Requirements and Crate Training
Pets must travel in an airline-approved IATA crate, which must comply with strict safety and comfort standards. The crate must be rigid, usually made from plastic or metal, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down without touching the top or sides. Ventilation holes, secure locking mechanisms, and water bowls are all required. Soft crates and wire cages are not accepted for air cargo or when flying with pets.
Measuring your pet accurately is essential when flying with pets. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail for length, and from the floor to the tip of the ears for height. Add a few extra centimetres to ensure room to move. Inaccurate measurements can result in an unsuitable crate, which may disrupt your plans for flying with pets.
Crate training should begin at least 30 days before the flight. In the first week, let your pet explore the crate without pressure. Feed them near or inside it and offer treats and praise. In week two, encourage naps in the crate with the door open. By week three, begin closing the door for short periods, gradually increasing duration. In the final week, simulate travel by taking car rides with your pet inside the crate, and introduce airport sounds and handling if possible. This gradual process helps reduce stress and prepares your animal for flying with pets in a calm and confident manner.
Pet Travel Timeline at a Glance
Planning your pet’s travel takes time — here’s a high-level guide to keep you on track:
3–6 Months Before:
- Microchip your pet
- Administer rabies vaccination
- Start researching destination country rules
- Contact relocation agencies (if needed)
90–120 Days Before:
- Do RNATT test (if required)
- Begin crate training
- Apply for import/export permits
30–60 Days Before:
- Book flights
- Confirm airline pet policies
- Finalise crate and supplies
7–14 Days Before:
- Vet health certificate
- Freeze water bowls for flight
- Finish crate training
Travel Day:
- Feed light meal 6 hours before departure
- Exercise or toilet break
- Pack documents and comfort items
- Stay calm — your pet senses everything
Cat-Specific Travel Considerations
Cats often find air travel more stressful than dogs due to their sensitivity to change and dislike of confinement. For air travel, you’ll need a hard-sided crate that meets IATA standards. Line it with absorbent material and include a familiar-scented blanket or item to reduce anxiety. Feliway or other pheromone sprays can help soothe nervous cats.
Feed your cat no less than six hours before travel and limit water access in the two hours before the flight to reduce the risk of vomiting or urination. For long-haul flights, it’s unlikely your cat will use a litter box — so use puppy pads or disposable crate liners instead.
If your cat is particularly anxious, speak to your vet about natural calming aids. Sedation is generally not recommended unless specifically prescribed, as it can impair your cat’s ability to regulate body temperature or respond to stress.
Booking Your Flight
Booking flights when flying with pets is not as easy as adding a ticket to your cart. Many airlines require direct communication and approval before confirming space for a pet. Ideally, book flights at least a month in advance for international travel and at least 7–14 days in advance for local journeys when flying with pets.
Opt for direct flights whenever possible. Transfers increase stress and the likelihood of delays or miscommunication. Some airlines also impose embargo periods during extreme weather — particularly during summer heatwaves or icy winters — where flying with pets may be restricted or banned outright.
Whenever possible, travel on the same flight as your pet. If that’s not feasible, a certified pet relocation service can manage the logistics, ensuring that flying with pets is handled with full compliance, care, and attention to detail.
Breed & Weather Embargoes to Watch Out For
Important Restrictions: Breed & Weather Embargoes
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Persian cats are often banned from cargo due to respiratory risk.
- Summer heat embargoes may block pet cargo travel entirely during hot months (especially in destinations like the UAE or Australia).
- Winter weather delays are common for pets flying into Europe or Canada due to sub-zero cargo tarmac conditions.
- Some airlines will only allow these breeds in-cabin (if weight allows) — otherwise, they must fly via special pet carriers.
Always ask your airline if any restrictions apply to your pet’s breed or travel dates before finalising your booking.
What Happens During the Flight?
Pets flying in cargo are placed in a dedicated, climate-controlled, pressurised section of the aircraft. These holds are kept dark and quiet to reduce stress during flying with pets. Airlines with premium services, like FlySafair’s PetLounge, offer enhanced care through trained handlers and priority loading and unloading.
If your pet is flying in the cabin — allowed only for animals under 7kg on certain airlines — they must remain in a soft carrier under the seat at all times. In-cabin flying with pets is typically more comfortable for the animal and reassuring for the owner, but not always available on longer or non-direct flights.
All crates must be labelled with your contact details, the pet’s name, and feeding instructions. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag and that a printed copy of their documents is attached securely to the outside of the crate when flying with pets.
Arrival and Customs
Upon arrival, pets entering a new country must go through customs and veterinary inspection. Customs officers will verify documentation, scan your pet’s microchip, and possibly perform a brief health check. Some countries, like the UAE or Mauritius, require owners to collect pets at designated animal facilities near the airport.
After the flight, offer water immediately and give your pet time to decompress in a quiet, familiar space. Monitor for signs of fatigue, anxiety, or illness. A post-travel vet check is recommended if your pet shows any unusual behaviour or distress.
For pets arriving in South Africa, present your import permit and vet documents to the Department of Agriculture for clearance. Unauthorised or incorrectly documented pets may be held in quarantine.
Helping Your Pet Emotionally Adjust After Travel
Flying is a big change — and even the calmest pets may need a few days to settle. After arrival, watch for these common signs of emotional stress:
- Withdrawing or hiding
- Restless pacing or whining
- Toilet accidents, even in house-trained pets
- Appetite changes
- Clinginess or sleep disruption
To support their emotional recovery:
- Keep your home environment quiet and familiar
- Avoid introducing new people or pets for a few days
- Use calming sprays or chews to reduce anxiety
- Re-establish routines with feeding, walking, and playtime
- Offer reassurance, but also give them space to decompress
A little patience goes a long way. Within a few days, most pets return to their usual personalities. Click here for more information on resolving pet anxiety.
Should You Use a Pet Relocation Service?
International pet travel can be stressful — for both animals and owners. If you’re dealing with complex paperwork, high-anxiety pets, or unfamiliar regulations, a professional pet relocation company may be worth the investment.
Top South African providers include Animal Travel, JetPets, and PetPort. These agencies offer a wide range of pet travel services, from document handling and crate procurement to veterinary appointments, customs clearance, and even home pick-up and delivery.
Costs range from R10,000 to over R30,000, depending on destination and service level, but the peace of mind and reduced risk of delays or denials make them a popular choice for first-time pet travel flyers or families moving abroad.
Pet Travel Insurance: Is It Worth It?
Most pet parents insure their luggage, but not always their pets — and that's a missed opportunity. Some travel insurers and specialist providers now offer pet-specific insurance cover, especially for international journeys.
Benefits may include:
- Reimbursement for cancelled or delayed pet transport
- Coverage for emergency vet care while abroad
- Protection against lost or mishandled pet cargo
- Rebooking fees if pet-related documentation delays travel
Before you fly, ask your travel insurer or vet if a pet-specific policy is available, or check with relocation services who often partner with insurance providers. It’s a small extra step that could prevent large, stressful setbacks.
Top 5 Must-Have Pet Travel Products
Before you travel, stock up on these proven essentials to keep your pet safe and calm:
-
IATA-Approved Crate
Required for all flights. Must be airline-compliant and properly sized. -
Calming Aids
Pheromone sprays, chews, or vet-approved calming solutions can reduce anxiety naturally. -
Collapsible Travel Bowls
Easy to pack and perfect for mid-journey water breaks or feeding after arrival. -
ID Tag & Travel Harness
Attach a tag with your contact info, and use a snug, escape-proof harness for airport walks. -
Absorbent Crate Liners or Pads
Especially useful for long flights or pets prone to nervous accidents.
You’ll find all of these — and expert advice — at your nearest Petworld store.
Conclusion: Petworld’s Promise
Flying with pets doesn’t have to be a stressful, complicated process. With the right preparation, accurate information, and a focus on your pet’s emotional and physical well-being, you can ensure a pet travel experience that’s safe, humane, and smooth.
At Petworld, we’re here to support you at every stage of your pet travel journey. From airline-approved crates to calming aids, nutritional support to vet advice, our team is dedicated to making pet travel easier and more compassionate. Visit us in-store or online at Petworld.co.za to start your pet’s travel journey on the right paw.
Frequently Asked Questions: Flying with Pets in South Africa
1. Can I take my pet in the cabin with me on a plane in South Africa?
Only a few South African airlines allow in-cabin pet travel, and it’s generally limited to small dogs under 7kg. LIFT Airlines permits this on select routes. The pet must be carried in a soft-sided, airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Cats are not currently accepted in the cabin on South African airlines.
Internationally, airlines like KLM, Air France, and Lufthansa do allow cats and small dogs in the cabin, provided weight and size restrictions are met. Always confirm these policies directly with the airline when booking.
2. How much does it cost to fly a pet locally or internationally?
Domestic pet flights in South Africa (via cargo) generally cost between R800 and R2,500, depending on size, weight, and route. Add-on services like PetLounge (offered via BidAir Cargo for FlySafair) may incur additional fees.
International pet transport is more expensive. Expect to pay between R10,000 and R30,000+ once you include:
- Vet consultations and vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Crate purchase
- RNATT testing (if required)
- Permits and customs paperwork
- Freight and handling fees
- Optional relocation agency fees
If using a professional relocation service (e.g. JetPets, Animal Travel, or PetPort), package pricing is often available.
3. What is the minimum age for a pet to fly?
Most airlines and international regulations require pets to be at least:
- 10 to 12 weeks old for domestic travel
- 16 weeks or older for international travel, depending on vaccination schedules
Your pet must be old enough to receive a valid rabies vaccine and complete the waiting period (usually 30 days post-vaccine, or 90 days post-RNATT for some destinations).
Puppies and kittens younger than 3 months are often denied entry to certain countries — including many EU states — due to incomplete immunisation.
4. Do I need special documentation for my pet to fly?
Yes. Documentation depends on the destination but typically includes:
Domestic Flights (within South Africa):
- Vet-issued health certificate (valid 7–10 days)
- IATA-compliant crate
- Airline pre-approval or booking confirmation
International Flights:
- Microchip certificate
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Full vaccination booklet
- Veterinary health certificate (issued by government-authorised vet)
- RNATT certificate (for countries like UK, EU, Australia)
- Import/export permits
- Flight-specific documents (e.g. airway bill, cargo declaration)
Failure to produce the correct documents may result in denial of travel or quarantine on arrival.
5. What’s the RNATT and when do I need it?
The Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) is a blood test that proves your pet’s rabies vaccine has created sufficient antibodies to protect against infection.
It is required by:
- UK
- European Union
- Australia
- Mauritius
- Some parts of Asia and the Middle East
The process:
- Performed 30 days after rabies vaccination
- Blood is sent to an EU-approved lab (often in France or the UK)
- If results are sufficient, you must wait 90 days before travel
Without a successful RNATT and the waiting period, your pet will not be allowed entry to these countries.
6. Is sedation safe for pets on flights?
Sedation is not recommended for most pets during air travel. Sedatives can:
- Interfere with body temperature regulation
- Suppress breathing
- Cause disorientation at altitude
- Increase risk of cardiac or respiratory issues
If your pet is extremely anxious, consult your veterinarian about natural calming aids or low-dose, travel-specific medications that are airline-approved. Some options include pheromone sprays (like Feliway or Adaptil), herbal chews, or prescription anxiety medication only under vet supervision.
7. What size crate does my pet need?
Your crate must meet IATA standards and be appropriately sized. Your pet should be able to:
- Stand fully upright without ears touching the top
- Turn around comfortably
- Lie down naturally
To measure:
- Length = nose to tail base + 5–10 cm
- Height = floor to top of ears
- Width = across the shoulders
The crate must have:
- Metal door and secure locking mechanism
- Water and food bowls
- Ventilation on all sides
- Absorbent lining
A crate that is too small will be rejected by the airline — or worse, will cause discomfort and stress during the journey.
8. How do I prepare my cat or dog for a long flight?
30 days before travel, start crate training with short, positive sessions.
7–10 days before:
- Ensure vaccinations and paperwork are up to date
- Book your pet’s final health check
- Introduce pheromone sprays and crate bedding
24 hours before:
- Freeze a small water bowl to thaw gradually during the flight
- Feed a light meal, ideally 6 hours before departure
- Limit water 1–2 hours before to avoid in-crate accidents
Day of travel:
- Exercise dogs or let cats roam safely before crating
- Keep calm — your pet will sense your anxiety
Always attach copies of documents, feeding instructions, and your contact info to the crate.
9. What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If a flight is delayed, airlines usually hold pets in a temperature-controlled holding area (like the BidAir PetLounge) until they can be boarded again.
If your flight is cancelled and rescheduled:
- Your pet may need to be collected and rechecked in
- Health certificates might need updating if new departure date exceeds validity
- If flying internationally, import permits and RNATT timing must still be valid
Always travel with backups of all documents and be ready to act quickly. A pet relocation agency can be invaluable in this situation.
10. Can I fly my pet unaccompanied?
Yes — pets can fly unaccompanied as manifest cargo, meaning you’re not on the same flight. However, this increases complexity and responsibility.
You’ll need:
- To deliver the pet to cargo check-in (not passenger check-in)
- A responsible person at the destination to clear customs and collect the animal
- All documents must be in perfect order
It’s strongly advised to use a registered pet relocation service for unaccompanied travel — especially for international journeys.
Sources for Pet Travel in South Africa & Internationally
Airlines & Airline Pet Policies
- FlySafair PetLounge via BidAir Cargo:
https://www.flysafair.co.za/about-us/partners/bidair-cargo-petlounge - LIFT Airline – Travelling with Small Dogs:
https://www.lift.co.za/LIFT-Extras/travelling-with-small-dogs - KLM – Travelling with Pets:
https://www.klm.co.za/information/pets/reservation - Air France – Flying with Pets:
https://wwws.airfrance.co.za/information/passagers/voyager-avec-son-animal-chien-chat - Qatar Airways – Live Animal Cargo:
https://www.qrcargo.com/services/live-animals - Emirates SkyCargo – Animal Transport:
https://www.skycargo.com/our-solutions/live-animals/
Pet Relocation & Transport Services
- Animal Travel South Africa – Pet Relocation & FAQs:
https://animal-travel.com/services/
https://animal-travel.com/faq/
https://animal-travel.com/travelling-to-south-africa/ - JetPets Worldwide South Africa:
https://jetpetsworldwide.co.za/
https://jetpetsworldwide.co.za/measurements/
https://jetpetsworldwide.co.za/vaccinations/
https://jetpetsworldwide.co.za/rnatt/
https://jetpetsworldwide.co.za/microchipping/
https://jetpetsworldwide.co.za/embargo/ - PetPort South Africa – Pet Relocation by Airline:
https://www.petport.co.za/pet-travel-by-airline/
Regulations & Import/Export Guidance
- South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD):
https://www.dalrrd.gov.za/ - UK Government – Bring Your Pet to the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-uk - EU Pet Travel Guidelines (Europa.eu):
https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation_en - USDA APHIS (for importing pets to the USA):
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel
