At Tails In Transit, we understand that your pets are family. Our specialized services ensure safe, comfortable, and stress-free transport for dogs and cats from South Africa to the USA. From home pickup to final delivery, we handle every step of the relocation process, including documentation, flight arrangements, customs clearance, and kenneling when needed. Let our experienced, family-owned team provide the personalized care your pet deserves throughout their journey.
Have questions about international pet transportation or ready to start your pet's journey from South Africa to the USA? Fill out the form below and our dedicated team will assist you every step of the way. We’re here to make pet relocation safe, stress-free, and personalized for your furry family members.
Have questions about international pet transportation or ready to start your pet's journey from South Africa to the USA?
Have a look at the below questions. 😺
We provide end-to-end pet relocation from South Africa to the United States — and beyond!
Our services include:
Collection from your home and safe transport to the airport (if required)
Flight bookings and travel coordination
Customs clearance in both South Africa and the USA
Emergency kenneling when needed
Full guidance on paperwork, permits, and every step of your pet’s journey
We make sure your furry friend travels safely, comfortably, and with lots of love.
Get in touch — Complete our online form so we can learn about your pet/s.
We plan — We prepare your quote, route, and travel timeline.
Vet & documents — We guide you through all the health certificates and travel requirements.
Fly with love — Your pet is booked on the safest and most comfortable route.
Arrival & clearance — We assist with customs and make sure your pet gets safely home to you.
You’ll need:
A microchip that is ISO-Approved.
Vaccinations such as the 3-in-1 / 4-in-1 / 5-in-1 the vets will give the relevant vaccine based on the type of breed, a rabies shot or booster, and a dewormer. The dewormer is not mandatory, but preferred.
Export permit to leave SA
Rabies titre test (for USA entry, dogs only)
🐶 Dogs: Require a CDC import form and a rabies titre test for travel to the USA.
🐱 Cats: Have fewer restrictions — no CDC import form or titre test required.
Pricing depends on:
Your pet’s size and weight
Destination and airline choice
Handling and customs fees
Additional services (like collection or kenneling)
We always provide a clear and detailed quote before you confirm.
Most pets travel as manifest cargo, not in-cabin. We do our best to align your pet’s flight with your own for a smooth reunion when you land. However, if you cannot be joined on the same flight, they will travel in an temperature controlled, cargo hold.
Because we’re pet parents too — we know how much trust it takes to send your furry family member overseas.
With our hands-on care, trusted partners, and attention to every detail, we’re with you every pawstep of the way.
We have a complete guide on how to measure your loved ones, just click on the get quote and an-automated reply will be sent with the instructions, or you can scroll down a bit and find the downloadable PDF, or like this:
Step 1:
Gather a tape measure, scale, pen & paper.
Step 2:
In a standing upright position, here are the four points to measure in CM’s:
A: tip of the nose → base of tail (do not include tail)
B: from the ground → elbow joint
C: width at widest point (across shoulders or widest body point while standing)
D: height in a natural standing position from the floor to the top of the head or the ear tip (whichever is higher)
Step 3:
Place your pet on a scale, and measure the weight in KG’s.
If your pet is too large to fit on, maybe a trip to the vet is needed. 🤭
