Helping South African Refugees Bring Their Dogs, Cats, and More to Safety

Operation Pet Lyft: Relocate to the USA with Your Pets from South Africa

What Is Operation Pet Lyft?

Operation Pet LYFT is a registered Non-Profit Organization based in Wyoming, USA, dedicated to addressing the urgent pet evacuation and reunification needs of refugee and crisis-affected families—starting with the current pet refugee crisis in South Africa.

Our mission is to remove the legal, logistical, and financial barriers that prevent vulnerable individuals from safely relocating their animals. We do this by coordinating access to subsidized veterinary care, including rabies titre testing (RNATT), and managing international documentation, customs compliance, and flight planning through a combination of private donors, government grants, and humanitarian programs.

Operation Pet LYFT is not a commercial pet transport service—we exist to keep families together, focusing on animal welfare and refugee dignity above all else. Our work is driven by volunteers, legal specialists, and animal professionals across both South Africa and the United States.

For safety, consistency, and integrity, we handle all final approvals, logistics, and flight coordination directly. We welcome collaborative efforts with other community groups, provided they align with our non-profit mandate and do not compromise the structure or intent of the project.

How to Relocate Your Pets from South Africa to the USA

STEP 1

Apply Statement of Interest

Make sure to submit your U.S. Refugee Program application via the U.S. Embassy in South Africa website.

Please complete your forms to get your pets listed on our database. This is the first step to show interest in our program and start your journey with Operation Pet Lyft.

The 2 forms are:
– Afripuppers form – all pets on 1 form
– Pets to USA – 1 per pet please

STEP 2

Vaccinate & Microchip

Dogs need 5-in-1 and rabies vaccines;
cats need 3-in-1 and rabies.

All pets must be microchipped
(15-digit ISO-approved).

STEP 3

RNATT Test

Wait 30 days after the rabies vaccine, then complete the RNATT test ($100 + vet fees).

STEP 4

Travel Prep

After 28 days post-RNATT, your pet is cleared to travel (minimum 58 days total prep).

Buy a travel crate from us for $40-$60.

Step 5

Arrive Together

Land at a U.S. entry point (e.g., Dulles Airport) with support for quarantine and onward travel.

Join Our Facebook Community Today!

Connect with South African refugees relocating with their pets. Our Facebook group offers real-time updates, answers to your questions, and a supportive community. Once you join, you’ll get guidance on completing the forms to start your pet’s journey. Click below to join now!

Frequently Asked Questions About Operation Pet Lyft

What do I need to qualify for Operation Pet Lyft assistance for South African refugees relocating to the USA with pets?

You must have applied for the U.S. Refugee Program via the official U.S. Embassy in South Africa website. Dogs need 5-in-1 and rabies vaccines plus a 15-digit ISO-approved microchip. Cats require 3-in-1 and rabies vaccines and a microchip. The rabies vaccine must be given 30 days before the RNATT test, and pets can travel 28 days after—a minimum of 58 days preparation. Other pets (e.g., rabbits, birds) must be registered with us for specific requirements.

What is the RNATT (Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test), and how much does it cost for South Africans relocating pets to the USA?

The RNATT is a mandatory blood test for U.S. entry, taken 30 days after the rabies vaccine. A valid test signed by the State Vet lasts 12 months. Otherwise, we arrange bulk testing through an approved lab for $100, plus a vet fee (R300-R700). Pay your vet directly—we provide a code for the process. Beware of overcharging; we monitor this closely.

I haven’t been called for my U.S. refugee interview—how can my pet leave South Africa with me?

You and your pet travel together. Operation Pet Lyft syncs your refugee application with your pet’s transport via the U.S. Embassy, ensuring no pet leaves without its owner.

What happens to my pet when we arrive in the USA if I don’t have a home yet?

We arrange quarantine and care facilities upon arrival. We’re exploring Emotional Support Animal (ESA) options for housing. Temporary foster care or kennels are available if needed—your pet won’t be left behind.

I want to go to a specific U.S. state—will my pet come with me after arriving in the USA

All evacuees arrive at a central point (e.g., Dulles Airport). You’ll then head to your assigned or requested state. Your pet’s onward travel is your cost, but our volunteers help keep it affordable.

How much will it cost to bring my pet to the USA from South Africa through Operation Pet Lyft?

Costs are less than $200 per pet: $100 for the RNATT test, $20-$40 for the vet blood draw, and $40-$60 for a travel crate (donated back after use). Payments go to your vet, not us. Flights may be covered by sponsors—stay tuned for updates!

How can I get support and updates about relocating my pet to the USA with Operation Pet Lyft?

Join our Facebook group to connect with members, get updates, and ask questions. After joining, you’ll receive form instructions. Our volunteer admins assist as time allows—please be patient and respectful.

Is my personal information safe when I join the Operation Pet Lyft Facebook group?

Yes, we’re protected by the POPI Act—no one can copy or share your private info. If contacted by press, just say “No Comment.” Your privacy is our priority.

Can I bring more than one pet to the USA through Operation Pet Lyft from South Africa?

Yes, you can bring multiple pets, but each requires individual vaccinations, microchipping, and RNATT testing. Costs apply per pet (under $200 each), and we’ll coordinate logistics for all. Contact us via WhatsApp for multi-pet planning.

What if my pet’s microchip is not 15 digits or ISO-approved for travel from South Africa to the USA?

Scanners in the USA only read 15-digit ISO-approved microchips. If your pet’s chip is older or non-compliant, you’ll need a second chip with a 15-digit code. Contact your vet to update it promptly.

How long does the entire process take to relocate my pet from South Africa to the USA?

The minimum preparation time is 58 days: 30 days after the rabies vaccine for the RNATT test, plus 28 days post-RNATT before travel. Additional time may be needed for your refugee interview and paperwork—start early!

Do I need to buy a travel crate for my pet, and how do I get the right size from South Africa?

Yes, buy a crate from us for $40-$60, which you donate back after use. Measure your pet: length from nose to tail base + 5 inches, height from floor to ear tips + 5 inches, and width at shoulders. Our specialists can advise further.

What if my pet is sick or injured before traveling from South Africa to the USA with Operation Pet Lyft?

Contact us immediately via WhatsApp. We’ll coordinate with your vet to assess health. Sick pets may need treatment or delay travel to meet CDC and APHIS standards—your pet’s safety comes first.

Will Operation Pet Lyft cover the cost of flights for my pet from South Africa to the USA?

We’re negotiating with sponsors, grants, and the U.S. government to cover flight costs (typically R35,000+). You won’t pay this directly, but stay updated via our WhatsApp group for confirmation.

What documents do I need to prepare for my pet’s relocation from South Africa to the USA?

You’ll need vaccination records, a 15-digit microchip certificate, RNATT test results, and customs clearance forms. We handle import/export documents with the Embassy, CDC, and State Vet—join WhatsApp for form details.

How can I donate to Operation Pet Lyft to help other South African refugees with their pets?

Once our fundraising site is live, you can contribute to cover costs like RNATT tests and crates. Join our WhatsApp group for donation links and updates on supporting more families.