Pet Transport and Pet Boarding Specialists
What many of our clients say helped them breathe easier was understanding how pets actually travel. The process is far more structured, thoughtful, and closely monitored than most people realise.
How Pets Really Travel
Pets don’t fly in the dark, noisy chaos we sometimes imagine. They travel in a temperature-controlled, pressurised section of the aircraft, with the same conditions as the passenger cabin. They’re handled by trained staff who work with animals daily, and every step of their journey is logged, checked, and double-checked.
And then there’s the travel container — something that surprises many owners in the best possible way.
Keringa-Petwings custom-makes world-leading, wooden travel containers sized to each individual pet. They’re solid, secure, and naturally quieter than plastic crates, which helps many animals feel more settled.
Inside each container, everything is designed with safety and comfort in mind:
• Secure stainless-steel water and food bowls, topped up during transit
• Absorbent bedding to keep pets dry
• Space to include a favourite toy or a T-shirt with your scent
Many owners also find reassurance in being able to track their pet’s journey in real time via airline cargo tracking tools.
To give you breathing room during this transition, we’re offering: One Week of FREE Boarding at Keringa-Petwings (Valued at R4 809.00)
Let your pets enjoy a deluxe Forest Log Cabin (for dogs) or a luxurious Candy-Striped Kitty Cabana at Keringa-Petwings while you get settled in the USA. It’s our way of giving you peace of mind.
1. Vaccinations & Microchipping
All pets travelling to the USA must:
• Be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip
• Be vaccinated against rabies
Depending on the state you’re entering, the type of rabies vaccination and timing may vary. This is where a pet travel agent becomes invaluable, as requirements differ between U.S. states.
2. Veterinary Health Checks
Your pet will need:
• A pre-export veterinary examination
• A health certificate issued by a registered veterinarian
• In some cases, a USDA-endorsed document, depending on routing and airline
These documents ensure your pet meets all CDC and USDA entry criteria.
3. Flight Routing & Airline Requirements
The USA has strict rules about:
• Accepted breeds
• Heat restrictions during summer
• Airline-specific crate sizes and materials
• Approved flight routes for animals
Keringa-Petwings manages these logistical complexities to keep pets safe and compliant.
4. Arrival in the USA
On arrival, pets undergo:
• Document checks
• Visual health inspection
• In some cases, quarantine or an additional rabies booster, depending on CDC classification at that time
This is usually quick and straightforward when all paperwork is correctly prepared.
Want to Know the Full Protocol? Let Keringa-Petwings Guide You Step-by-Step
Every family’s journey is a little different. Some states require additional paperwork. Some airlines have seasonal restrictions. Some pets need custom routing based on breed, age, or special needs. That’s why many families choose to have a video call with a Keringa-Petwings consultant, where we walk them through:
• Timelines
• Required documents
• Flight planning
• Costs
• Comfort and safety preparations
• And we meet you and your pet face-to-face!
Keringa-Petwings is a Certified IPATA Pet Shipper and accredited to transport snub-nose (brachycephalic) breeds.
Over the years, our clients have told us how much calmer they felt once they understood each step – and we can offer you the same peace of mind:
