• Must pets travel as manifest cargo to South Africa?

Yes. There are no veterinary officials at the passenger terminals. All pets have to arrive at the cargo section.

• Is the cargo hold temperature controlled and pressurised?

Yes, the cargo hold is heated to approximately the same temperature as the cabin and is pressurized.

• Is sedation allowed?

No, Sedation is strictly not permitted. You can however speak to your local vet about herbal calming medication.

• Should I feed my pet before travel?

You pet should be fed about 5 hours before check in. That should give them enough time to go to the toilet. Pets that travel on full tummies are more likely to get air sick and / or mess in their kennel. If they must travel in that mess it will be very uncomfortable for them. They are given enough water for the flight.

• Does anyone check on the pets?

The captain can check on the temperature and the controls to make sure that they are ok but the pets are not physically checked on during the flight.

• Can I arrange my pet travel on my own?

Any pets travelling internationally will need export customs clearance from South Africa. Unless you are registered to do so, you will need an agent to assist with this. Most of the international airlines will also only deal with clients who hold accounts with them.

• Should I get the travelling kennel in advance?

Yes! We believe that this is the most effective way of alleviating stress when travelling. We recommend getting the kennel as far in advance as possible and then “kennel training” them so that they are comfortable in their travelling kennel.

• What else can I do to prepare my pet for travelling?

Getting pets used to walking on a lead and wearing a collar, if they don't already, is a great preparation tool.

• What happens to my pet between the flights?

All the reputable airlines have proper care and facilities at the transit point. They offer services such as, feeding, cleaning the kennel, placing the pets in larger enclosures so that they can have a chance to go to the toilet and stretch their legs and some airlines will even walk them and give them a bath if needed.

• Flammable and Combustible Liquids such as Acetone (Nail Polish Remover), Lighter Fluids, fuel, certain paints and glues, alcohols, perfumes or colognes, etc.

• Compressed Gasses such as spray cans (Deodorants, Insect repellents etc), diving cylinders, soda cannisters, Self Defence Spray etc.

• Lithium Ion Batteries or other restricted batteries such as Laptops, Mobile phones, Tablets, Rechargeable batteries, Cordless Power Tools, etc.

• Corrosive Liquids such as acids and bleach etc.

• Explosives such as fireworks etc.

• Poisons such as rat poison or insect poison etc.

• Flammable Solids such as matches etc.

• Magnetized Materials such as magnets etc.

• Polymerizable Materials such as raw polystyrene etc.

• Radio Active Materials

• Noxious or Irritating Substances

• Other articles possessing characteristics that could damage aircraft structures