home about contact us news
You are here:

Home: About us: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Veterinary and public health

  1. I am going to Namibia on holiday and I would like to take my dog or cat with me, what do I need to do?

  2. Can I take meat into Namibia from SA for personal use (holiday etc)?

  3. I'm going game hunting in Namibia. Do I require a permit to bring back the meat?

  4. I am moving to the EU/United Kingdom and I would like to take my dog or cat with me, what do I need to do?

  5. I want to export animal products or by products, what do I need to do?

  6. There is a stray dog in my neighbourhood, what can I do about it?

  7. I want to move my horse into the Western Cape Province, what do I need to do?

  8. I would like to import animals or animal products into South Africa, where can I get a permit?

  9. Can I take meat into Namibia from SA for personal use (holiday etc)?

  1. I am going to Namibia on holiday and I would like to take my dog or cat with me, what do I need to do?
    Your dog or cat needs to have a valid rabies vaccination. A valid rabies vaccination is one that was given not less than 30 days but not more than 12 months ago. You need to take this form to your private veterinarian within 7 days of crossing the border. The private veterinarian will perform a health check and fill in the certificate for you. You then need to bring the certificate to our offices for a stamp and signature by the state veterinarian. Office hours for signing permits are 8am to 12pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours clients are assisted by appointment only.

    2. top

  2. Can I take meat into Namibia from SA for personal use (holiday etc)?
    No, due to the current FMD and AI outbreaks in South Africa, Namibia are not allowing any meat for personal consumption to be brought into the country.

    3. top

  3. I'm going game hunting in Namibia. Do I require a permit to bring back the meat?
    Yes. If less than 25 kg then no documentation is required, provided the meat is from the Foot and Mouth Disease free area. However, if more than 25kg and up to 250kg you require a South African Import permit and Veterinary health certificate from Namibia. If more than 250kg then a commercial licence is required to bring meat into SA. Contact person for permits at the National Department of Agriculture in Pretoria, Veterinary Services Animal Health is Ina Labuschagne on (012) 319 7514 / 319 6000. Biltong over 10 kg - also requires a permit as above.

    4. top

  4. I am moving to the EU/United Kingdom and I would like to take my dog or cat with me, what do I need to do?
    For pets travelling for the first time, the process will take 4 months

    1. Your pet MUST be microchipped
    2. Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination. A rabies vaccination is only considered valid if it was administered after the implantation of the microchip
    3. After the rabies vaccination, you must wait a MINIMUM of 30 days before taking your pet to a private veterinarian for a rabies antibody titre blood test
    4. You must wait a MINIMUM of 3 months after the date the blood was drawn for the test and the results of the test must be above the limit set by the EU.
    5. Within 7 days of travelling, your pet must see a private veterinarian for a health check and the private veterinarian must complete the health certificate with the correct translation for the country to which you are travelling. You may contact your local state vet office if your private veterinarian does not have the correct certificate.
    6. You must bring the completed health certificate as well as the following documents to your local state vet office for authorisation:

      1. Blood test results
      2. Vaccination booklet
      3. Proof of date of microchip implant

    top

  5. I want to export animal products or by products, what do I need to do?
    You will need to get an import permit from the country to which you wish to export. This import permit will stipulate the requirements that the products need to comply with. The products or by-products need to have been produced at a facility authorised to produce products for export by the Veterinary Administration of South Africa.

    6. top

  6. There is a stray dog in my neighbourhood, what can I do about it?
    Stray or nuisance animals are dealt with by your local municipality. Contact your local municipality to find out about the by-laws applicable to your area.

    7. top

  7. I want to move my horse into the Western Cape Province, what do I need to do?
    The Western Cape Province has the only African Horse Sickness free zone in the country and thus horse movements into the province are controlled. Please see the African Horse Sickness Control Policy Brochure for more information.

    8. top

  8. I would like to import animals or animal products into South Africa, where can I get a permit?
    The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries issue all import permits. Their contact number is: 012 319 7514 Alternatively you can access information via this link: http://www.nda.agric.za/vetweb/ImportExport/how_to_apply.htm

    9. top

  9. Can I take meat into Namibia from SA for personal use (holiday etc)?
    No, due to the current FMD and AI outbreaks in South Africa, Namibia are not allowing any meat for personal consumption to be brought into the country.

    10. top