Relocating Your Pets to the United States

1. Bringing Your Furry Family Members Along

For most Saffers, relocating to the United States is not complete without bringing their beloved dogs and cats along. However, because the US is highly protective of its rabies-free status, pet importation is heavily regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Before planning your move, it is critical to recognize that dogs and cats face completely different entry requirements. Dogs require months of strict medical preparation due to South Africa's rabies classification, while cats are governed by much simpler rules.

2. Strict CDC Guidelines for Importing Dogs

The CDC categorizes South Africa as a high-risk country for dog rabies. Under the updated CDC dog import regulations, all dogs entering the US from South Africa must meet strict documentation and boarding protocols before takeoff:

Baseline Requirements for All Dogs:

• Minimum Age: Your dog must be at least 6 months of age at the time of travel. Puppies younger than 6 months are strictly prohibited from entering.
• ISO Microchip: Your dog must have an ISO-compliant (15-digit) microchip. Crucially, the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered; otherwise, the vaccination is considered invalid by the CDC.
• CDC Dog Import Form: You must submit the official CDC Dog Import Form online prior to travel. You will receive a digital receipt that must be presented to your airline before boarding and to US Customs upon arrival.
• Health Status: The dog must appear healthy on arrival.

Mandatory Ports of Entry & Animal Care Facilities (ACF)

Because your dog is entering from a high-risk country and is foreign-vaccinated, they cannot enter the United States at any random airport or land border crossing. They are restricted to entering the country through one of only six designated US airports equipped with a CDC-registered Animal Care Facility (ACF).

You must secure a paid, advanced reservation at the designated facility for a veterinary examination and vaccine verification before your flight is booked. The approved ports of entry are:

1. Atlanta (ATL): Dandie Scottie Kennel
2. Los Angeles (LAX): Kennel Club LAX / Rue's Kennels
3. Miami (MIA): Pet Limo
4. New York (JFK): The ARK Pet Oasis
5. Washington Dulles (IAD): Pender Pet Retreat
6. Philadelphia (PHL): Gateway Animal Care Center

For complete federal guidelines, step-by-step checklists, and access to the online import form, visit the official CDC Dog Importation Portal.

3. CDC Guidelines for Importing Cats

Unlike dogs, the CDC does not require rabies vaccinations or microchips for domestic cats being imported into the United States. Cat importation is significantly simpler, though you must still comply with basic transit standards:

• Health Inspection: Cats must appear healthy upon arrival. If a cat shows signs of an infectious disease during customs screening, it may be subjected to a veterinary examination at the owner's expense.
• Airlines & State Rules: Even though the federal CDC does not require a rabies vaccination for cats, almost all international commercial airlines and individual US state laws do require proof of rabies vaccination and a recent USDA/State Vet health certificate. It is highly recommended to microchip and vaccinate your cat exactly as you would a dog to ensure smooth transit.

For official regulations regarding feline importation, visit the official CDC Cat Importation Portal.

4. Reputable South African Pet Travel Agencies

Navigating airline cargo restrictions, state vet endorsements, and CDC quarantine bookings can be incredibly overwhelming. Employing a professional IPATA-registered pet relocation agency in South Africa is highly recommended to manage the logistics safely. The two leading specialists for South African-to-US relocations are:

• Keringa Petwings

  Pet Travel Made Safe, Simple, and Stress-Free: Whether youre planning a move to another town or country, Keringa has the experience, facilities, and dedicated team to transport your dogs and cats safely and professionally, as they have been doing for 51 years. Transporting pets from South Africa to the USA involves a massive amount of planning and documentation. From vaccinations, blood tests, and required medical procedures to State Vet endorsements, import permits, customs clearances, and flight bookingsKeringa handles the entire process.

• Pets Abroad

  High-Quality International Pet Transport Services: Pets Abroad provides professional international pet relocation services and pet immigration solutions, assuring a stress-free experience for pet owners migrating their furry friends across borders. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, they specialize in getting your dogs and cats from Gauteng and surrounding areas to their final destinations in the United States with ease. Their competent staff brings over 10 years of experience with the successful international relocation of thousands of family pets.