How It Works
At SkyPets, we make the process of transporting your pet as simple and stress-free as possible. From getting an accurate quote to ensuring your pet’s comfort during their journey, we handle every detail with care. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how we manage your pet’s travel, so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.
Get a Quote
Book the Flight
Handle the Paperwork
Custom Crates
A Stress-Free Journey
What You Need To Know
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Pet
Flying your pet internationally can be complicated, but we at SkyPets are here to guide you every step of the way. While some destinations only have one airline option, like British Airways for the Bahamas, others offer multiple choices. However, not all airlines accept pets, or have the right facilities, so it’s important to choose carefully.
Here’s a breakdown of some top airlines and their pet policies:
Emirates offers one of the best pet travel options. Pets are transported in the cargo hold, which is temperature-controlled and safe. They don't allow pets in the cabin, except for service animals.
Qantas is known for long-haul flights and offers both direct and connecting routes from South Africa to Australia, including via Singapore or Perth. They are one of the few airlines that accept snub-nosed pets (with additional conditions), making them an ideal option for many travellers.
Swiss Airlines permits small pets (up to 8kg, including the carrier) to travel in the cabin. Larger pets travel in the cargo hold. Their services are known for being pet-friendly and organised, with clear communication about pet handling throughout the journey.
KLM allows small pets to travel in the cabin (up to 8kg, including the carrier), while larger pets travel in the hold. Their pet policies are quite flexible, so if you're traveling with a small animal, KLM is a great choice.
Turkish Airlines allows pets in the cabin (up to 8kg with the carrier) and in the cargo hold for larger animals. Their transit hubs, such as Istanbul, provide good facilities for pet handling during layovers.
While British Airways has a dedicated pet check-in area, they only accept bookings up to 6 weeks before departure. Pets travel in the cargo hold, and the airline offers a unique "OK to forward" policy, which ensures the person receiving your pet is contacted before departure.
Lufthansa offers one of the most comprehensive pet travel services. Small pets (up to 8kg with the carrier) can travel in the cabin, while larger animals are transported in the cargo hold. They also have dedicated animal lounges in some airports to ensure pets are well cared for during transfers.
Qatar Airways is renowned for its excellent pet transport services. They allow pets in the cargo hold, ensuring a temperature-controlled and comfortable environment. Their customer service team is highly responsive when it comes to handling inquiries and special requests for pets.
Other Airlines:
Air Mauritius and South African Airways offer good options for regional flights within Africa.
Etihad Airways and Lufthansa offer reliable cargo services but do not allow pets in the cabin.
What You Need to Know
While choosing an airline, it’s crucial to consider:
- Whether pets are allowed in the cabin or only in the cargo hold.
- Breed restrictions (some airlines have lists of banned breeds).
- The level of care and monitoring pets receive during transit.
We recommend booking your pet’s flight well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during busy periods, to secure a spot. And, always contact us at SkyPets for assistance with flight bookings, documentation, and ensuring a smooth travel experience for your pet.
SkyPets: Expert Pet Travel Services in South Africa
At SkyPets, we’re dedicated to helping you and your beloved pets travel safely and comfortably to destinations worldwide. Whether you’re flying with your pet or need assistance transporting them to join you abroad, we provide tailored solutions to meet your needs. From booking flights to handling veterinary requirements and documentation, we’re here to make pet travel stress-free for you and your furry friend.
Why Choose SkyPets?
We’re proud to be IATA and IPATA certified and bring over 30 years of expertise in pet travel. With established relationships with airlines that accommodate pets, we ensure a seamless journey for animals of all sizes. If it’s possible for your pet to fly, we’ll find the best route to get them there.
Our team includes trained veterinarians and animal care experts who ensure every detail is managed with your pet’s welfare in mind. We handle export certificates, health checks, and crate requirements so you can focus on reuniting with your pet at their new destination.
Every Detail Counts
Transporting pets is a big responsibility, and their comfort and safety are our top priorities:
- Custom Crates: Our wooden crates are made specifically for your pet’s size, ensuring they have enough room to move without risking injury. We include soft veterinary bedding and absorbent pads to keep them comfortable during the flight.
- Calming Features: Crates are treated with calming pheromones to help relax pets during their journey.
- Careful Route Planning: We work with trusted airlines to plan the fastest, safest routes for your pet, avoiding unnecessary layovers whenever possible.
How Pets Travel
Pets are transported in the hold of the plane, a secure, pressurised, and temperature-controlled area. It’s designed specifically to keep animals safe and comfortable. If allowed by airline policies, you can include a familiar item in their crate to provide extra reassurance during the trip.
Flexible Travel Options
Plans change, and we’re here to help. If you need to adjust your pet’s travel dates or make last-minute changes, our team can handle rescheduling and paperwork quickly. Additional boarding and veterinary checks can also be arranged if necessary.
Flying Cats
With years of experience flying cats, including larger breeds like Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest cats, we ensure every feline passenger is safe and comfortable. We can even create custom double crates for cats traveling together.
Flying Dogs
We specialise in flying dogs of all sizes and breeds. Whether your dog is traveling on a short domestic flight or a long-haul international journey, we’ll ensure their experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Relax and Let SkyPets Handle the Details
Flying with pets can feel overwhelming, but SkyPets is here to simplify the process. Whether it’s short-haul or long-haul travel, you can trust us to handle everything with care and professionalism.
Have questions? Reach out to our experienced team today, and we’ll guide you through every step of your pet’s travel journey.
Animal Health Certificates
When traveling internationally with pets, proper documentation is crucial to ensure a smooth journey. At SkyPets, we guide you through the process of obtaining an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), a document required for traveling with cats, dogs, and ferrets from South Africa to many destinations worldwide.
Key Requirements
Microchip
Your pet must have a microchip for identification. Before receiving their rabies vaccination, your veterinarian will need to scan the microchip and record it in their clinical notes or on your pet’s vaccination record. Pets must be at least 3 months old to receive the rabies vaccine.
Validity of the Certificate
The AHC is issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel and is valid for:
- 10 days for your pet to leave South Africa.
- Up to 4 months for your pet to return, depending on the destination country’s requirements.
Returning to South Africa
For pets returning to South Africa, the process depends on the country you’re traveling from:
- From certain listed countries or regions, pets must meet standard veterinary requirements.
- Dogs require a vet check and a tapeworm treatment administered 1–5 days before re-entry.
- Cats generally don’t require additional treatment before returning.
Destinations Requiring Animal Health Certificates
Here are some countries and regions where an AHC is commonly required for entry:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and more.
- Territories: Azores, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Madeira, and Réunion.
- Others: Norway, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
For a full list and specific requirements, contact SkyPets or consult your destination’s official guidelines.
Ready to Travel?
SkyPets makes the process of obtaining an Animal Health Certificate straightforward and stress-free. Our team works with certified veterinarians to ensure your pet has all the necessary vaccinations, documentation, and treatments for a safe journey.
Get in touch today to learn how we can assist you in preparing your pet for international travel.
Importing & Exporting Pets
Transporting pets internationally can seem daunting, but SkyPets is here to help streamline the process. Whether you’re relocating to South Africa or moving abroad, we simplify the journey for your furry friends and ensure all requirements are met for a hassle-free experience.
Importing Pets to South Africa
Pets entering South Africa from certain countries no longer need to undergo quarantine if they meet strict entry requirements. SkyPets assists with customs clearance for pets arriving at major airports such as OR Tambo International (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International. We also offer delivery services to most locations in South Africa, including same-day delivery, depending on the distance.
For pets arriving from countries outside specific agreements, a customs broker or clearance agent will be required. SkyPets specialises in navigating these regulations and provides guidance to ensure your pet’s arrival is seamless.
Why Choose SkyPets?
- Proactive Document Checks: While it’s your responsibility to ensure compliance, we request and review copies of all paperwork in advance to confirm everything is in order.
- Avoid Costly Delays: Incorrect or incomplete documentation can result in pets being held at customs at your expense. We work with you to prevent this, ensuring your pet is cleared as quickly as possible.
- Simplified Process: We handle the coordination with relevant agencies, allowing you to pay one upfront fee for a comprehensive service.
Is Importing Pets Expensive?
Transporting pets internationally involves multiple fees, including customs, handling charges, and other administrative costs. SkyPets provides transparent pricing and competitive rates to ensure you’re getting the best value for a stress-free process.
Exporting Pets from South Africa
For pets traveling from South Africa to other countries, we recommend working with a local pet transport agent familiar with the export requirements of the destination. This ensures compliance with international regulations and avoids unnecessary delays or additional fees. If you need assistance finding a reliable agent, SkyPets can provide recommendations or direct you to the IPATA website at www.ipata.org.
Commercial Pet Imports
Pets are classified as a commercial import in South Africa under the following conditions:
- The pet is less than 6 months old.
- Ownership of the pet has been less than 6 months prior to shipment.
- The pet is being transferred as a gift, rescue, or sale.
Commercial imports may require additional documentation and could be subject to customs duties, including VAT, based on the shipment’s value. SkyPets can guide you through these requirements to ensure full compliance.
Need Help?
Whether you’re bringing your pet to South Africa or sending them abroad, SkyPets provides expert assistance every step of the way. From document preparation to customs clearance and delivery, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
Contact us today for detailed pricing and personalised guidance tailored to your pet’s travel needs!