Moving a pet from South Africa to New York
FlyMyPet relocates dogs and cats from South Africa to New York — comparing live airline prices from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, and handling the paperwork, import permit, IATA crate and customs clearance door to door. Prices start from $2,954 for a single pet, all-inclusive.
South Africa to New York at a glance
| From price (1 pet) | $2,954 all-inclusive |
| Quarantine in United States | None for compliant pets |
| Microchip | Recommended (required by most airlines) |
| Arrival clearance | 1-2 hours |
| Airlines on this corridor | 8 carriers compared live |
Live prices from South Africa to New York
| Route | Airports | Options | From (1 pet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg → New York | JNB → JFK | 8 airlines | from $2,954 |
| Cape Town → New York | CPT → JFK | 5 airlines | from $2,954 |
| Durban → New York | DUR → JFK | 1 airlines | from $4,595 |
Real prices from our live rate engine for a medium dog (~40 kg chargeable), including documents. Your exact price depends on breed and crate size.
United States import requirements
Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. CDC requires rabies vaccination for dogs from high-risk countries. Cats have no federal requirements but check state regulations.
Full details on our United States pet import guide.
Leaving South Africa: the export side
Every pet leaving South Africa needs vet work by a DALRRD-registered vet, the destination import permit where required, and a health certificate endorsed by the State Veterinarian in the final days before departure. Pets fly as manifest cargo from Johannesburg (JNB) — home to OR Tambo's dedicated pet lounge — Cape Town (CPT) or via a domestic feeder flight from any other SA city.
How the move works, step by step
- 1 · Instant quote. Enter your route and pet details online — you see the exact all-inclusive price in seconds, built from live airline rates.
- 2 · Documents & vet work. We prepare the health certificate, import permit and vaccination checks for New York, and book the vet appointments in the right order.
- 3 · Crate & flight. Your pet travels in an IATA-approved crate sized to their breed, in the pressurised, temperature-controlled hold of a pet-safe airline.
- 4 · Arrival & delivery. Our destination agent clears customs and can deliver your pet to the door — while you follow every step live in the FlyMyPet app.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a pet from South Africa to New York?
Live all-inclusive prices start from about $2,954 for a single pet from South Africa to New York, depending on pet size and airline. Get your exact price instantly online.
Is there quarantine for pets arriving in United States?
No — compliant pets clear United States without quarantine when every import requirement is met.
How long does pet relocation from South Africa to New York take?
Most moves need 4–8 weeks of preparation for vet work and permits; destinations with rabies-titre waiting periods need several months. The journey itself is usually 1–2 days door to door.
Which airlines fly pets from South Africa to New York?
Air France, British Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Swiss.
