European Union (EU) Import Regulations for Pets 🇪🇺

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Quarantine Information

For Non-commercial shipments is quarantine required prior to departure?

No

Pets must travel and arrive at destination within 5 days of their owner or the person appointed by the pet owner to act on their behalf. Non-commercial declaration is required.

Is quarantine required prior to departure for commercial shipments?

No

Additional clearance charges and Customs VAT payable on arrival.
Considered a commercial shipment when the pet travels outside the 5-day window period or unaccompanied.

Is quarantine required at destination?

Is an import permit required at destination?

No

We can advise you

Protocol Information

Step 1

Microchipping

(Speak to your Vet)

All pets must have an ISO approved microchip implanted subcutaneously. Tattoos are not accepted.
Please inform your consultant if your pet has more than 1 microchip.

Step 2

Vaccinations

(Speak to your Vet)

Rabies vaccination is compulsory and must be older than 30 days but not older than 11 months. Acceptable vaccines include Zoetis Defensor 3, Nobivac Rabies and Merial Rabisin. RABIES VACCINE MUST BE ADMINISTERED AFTER MICROCHIP IMPLANT (same day is acceptable).
Dogs should be vaccinated against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Adenovirus and parainfluenza.
Cats should be vaccinated against Feline Panleaukemia (Distemper), Viral Rhinotracheitis Calicivirus, Pneumonitis and Leukaemia.
Pets arriving at or departing from Keringa Kennels require Nobivac Kennel Cough, Bronchicine or Pneumodog (dogs) and Nobivac BB intranasal (cats).

Count 31 Days from Date Of Rabies Vaccination (Compulsory Waiting Period)

Step 3

RNATT

(Speak to your Vet)

On day 32 after Rabies vaccination have your pet’s blood drawn for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT). Your family vet will submit bloodwork to an
approved laboratory for analysis. Results must show a titre value of more than 0,5 IU/ml to qualify for travel.

Count 92 Days from RNATT Blood Draw (Compulsory Waiting Period)

Step 4

Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC)

(Speak to your Vet)

Your pets require a Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) completed by your family vet the day before departure. Our consulting vet can complete the VHC on your behalf by prior arrangement. Dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites (specifically Echinococcus Multilocularis) on the same day. Validity of the VHC is 5 days for dogs and 10 days for cats and must be valid on arrival. Commercial certificates are valid for 48 hours.

Step 5

Submission to Petwings

(Speak to your Vet)

The following documents must be submitted to Petwings:
1. Original, unaltered vaccination booklet for each pet.
2. Original microchip certificate for each pet.
3. Original RNATT result for each pet.
4. Original Veterinary Health Certificate (VHC) for each pet.
(Microchip ID must be noted on all the above documents)
On the day of departure Petwings will submit these documents to the South African State Vet for certification and endorsement.

Step 6

Clearance at destination

It is advised that your pets arrive at their destination during the week and preferably during normal office hours. This will ensure timely clearance through Customs and the presiding State Vet while avoiding additional charges. Commercial shipments will attract Customs VAT and possibly additional clearance charges. Where applicable and unless stated otherwise, the consignee is responsible for import permit application and clearance at destination. For pets travelling to The Netherlands (Amsterdam), Malta and France (Paris) a clearing agent is required to do the customs clearance on your behalf (we can guide you).

Other important notes to consider

Puppies and kittens may not travel to the EU or Schengen States on their dam’s rabies vaccination. Their first Rabies vaccination may be administered at 12 weeks of age (3 months) after which the above protocols and waiting periods shall apply. This means they are eligible for travel with effect from 7 months (subject to protocols).

For your pet’s comfort during travel, we encourage you to include a favourite blanket, soft toy or old T-shirt with your scent which we will place in their travel box.
Chemical and other strong sedatives are NOT ALLOWED.
Mild herbal remedies such as Rescue, CalmEze, catnip spray, or other valerian root extracts are permitted.

If all of this sounds daunting, Keringa-Petwings can do just about everything for you!

Disclaimer:
Since airline and country protocols change often, we cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions, or alterations/changes. That said, Petwings pet travel agents keep up-to-date and are the best source of current rules and regulations – and they are friendly and helpful too!