Operation Pet Lyft
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Question:
If accepted, can individuals applying through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) take their pets with them?
Answer:
Yes, it is possible to take your pets with you—but it is entirely at your own expense. USRAP does not provide any assistance with pet relocation.
Bringing pets from South Africa to the United States can be both complex and costly.
There is some good news however: Operation Pet Lyft, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, was established to help pet owners navigate this process. They offer support and when available, even significantly reduced rates to help ensure your furry family members can join you safely.
More about Operation Pet Lyft and how they can help
Operation Pet Lyft is a registered non-profit organization based in Wyoming, USA, established to support refugee and crisis-affected families with the safe relocation and reunification of their pets—beginning with the urgent pet evacuation challenges currently faced in South Africa.
The organization works to eliminate the legal, logistical, and financial obstacles that often prevent vulnerable individuals from relocating their animals. This includes arranging access to subsidized veterinary services—such as rabies titre testing (RNATT)—and overseeing critical steps like international documentation, customs clearance, and flight planning. These efforts are made possible through the support of private donors, humanitarian programs, and government funding.
It’s important to note that Operation Pet Lyft is not a commercial pet transport company. Their mission is centered on keeping families together, with a strong focus on both animal welfare and the dignity of those they assist.
The initiative is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers, legal experts, and animal care professionals working across both South Africa and the United States. To ensure safety, consistency, and compliance, all logistics, final approvals, and flight arrangements are managed directly by the organization.
Operation Pet Lyft welcomes collaboration with other community partners, provided such partnerships respect the integrity of their mission and adhere to their non-profit principles.
Their website can be viewed at https://operationpetlyft.com/
Colonel Wyatt's Interview with Morgan Allsop about Operation Pet Lyft
In a recent YouTube podcast interview featuring Colonel Chris Wyatt and Morgan Allsop from Pet Lyft, several frequently asked viewer questions were addressed by Morgan. Below is a summary of the most relevant and commonly discussed questions and answers taken from that conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating Pets with Operation Pet Lyft
What is Operation Pet Lyft, and who is behind it?
Operation Pet Lyft (aka Pet Lyft) is a registered U.S. nonprofit helping South African refugees bring their pets during resettlement to the United States.
Key organizers include Morgan (U.S.), Marco, and Nikki, who manage operations, fundraising, veterinary coordination, and transportation logistics.
🔗 Website: https://operationpetlyft.com
Why do refugees need help relocating pets?
Relocating a pet internationally is a huge undertaking, it involves at minimum a deep understanding of:
- Veterinary testing and documentation
- Legal compliance with animal import laws
- Quarantine periods
- Airline crate and booking fees
- And more
For refugees with limited income or access, these requirements are often impossible to meet without support.
Does Operation Pet Lyft use WhatsApp groups?
No. At the moment, Operation Pet Lyft does not officially manage any WhatsApp groups. While some coordinators and volunteers may use WhatsApp for local support, these are not monitored by the core team.
Always verify updates and requests at: https://operationpetlyft.com
What is the real cost of relocating a pet?
While Morgan chose not to go into specific costs given the many variables involved, this rough breakdown is provided to give a general idea of the potential expenses that were alluded to.
Item | ZAR (Rand) | USD | Details |
RNATT (Rabies Antibody Test) | R1,800–R3,600 | $100–200 | Blood test proving rabies vaccine worked |
Microchip (15-digit ISO) | R360–R720 | $20–40 | Mandatory for ID & customs |
Basic Vaccinations | R540–R1,260 | $30–70 | Rabies, parvo, etc. |
Vet Consultation | R900–R2,700 | $50–150 | Exam, blood draw, certificate |
IATA-approved Travel Crate | R720–R1,080 | $40–60 | Reusable crate for flight |
Flight Cost (non-chartered) | R18,000–R50,400 | $1,000–2,800 | Price varies widely per animal & airline |
💡 Good news: Pet Lyft aims to help subsidize or eliminate most of these costs through donors and chartered flights.
What happens if I can't afford these costs?
Pet Lyft is actively seeking donations and NGO partnerships to subsidize or completely cover:
- Medical costs
- Charter flights
- Quarantine fees
- Crates
You won’t be excluded due to financial hardship, but delays can occur if demand exceeds funding. Communicate early and submit all forms via the Operation Pet Lyft Portal.
What are the veterinary and legal requirements?
Dogs
- Rabies vaccine (min. 30 days old)
- RNATT blood test
- 15-digit ISO microchip
- Health certificate from vet
- 48-hour U.S. quarantine
Cats
- Rabies vaccine (strongly advised)
- Microchip
- No RNATT required
- Health certificate
- 48-hour U.S. quarantine
Birds
- Avian flu and Newcastle virus swabs
- 30-day quarantine
- No hanging out in trees pre-flight! 😄
🐴Horses
- Vaccinations
- Health certificate
- 60-day quarantine
Will having pets affect my refugee application or priority?
No. Having a pet does not speed up or delay your refugee processing. Refugee cases are handled separately by international authorities. Pet Lyft works to align pet departure only if your refugee status is already approved and scheduled.
What happens once my pet arrives in the U.S.?
- Pets go directly into quarantine (see timeframes in previous question)
- Handled by trained veterinary staff (7 on duty full-time)
- Once cleared, transport is arranged at owners cost to bring the animal to your housing
- Suitable pet-friendly housing is used where possible for pet owners in the program.
Can I bring multiple pets?
Yes, as long as each pet has individual paperwork, crate, and medical clearance. You will not be denied just because you have more than one, but logistics will need to be handled on a case-by-case basis.
How is personal data handled?
All personal and pet information is:
- Securely stored
- Only accessible by trusted team members (e.g. Morgan, Marco)
- Compliant with data privacy laws (e.g. South Africa’s POPIA, U.S. privacy laws)
- Never sold or shared without consent
Do not share sensitive information through WhatsApp or with non-verified coordinators
What documents do I need to get started?
- Pet vaccination card (must show rabies shot)
- Proof of microchip
- Health certificate (from your vet)
- Blood results for RNATT (dogs only)
- Copy of your refugee ID or process ID
➡️ Submit these via the official portal or ask your assigned coordinator.
Can I donate, volunteer, or help the mission?
Yes! Operation Pet Lyft will gladly accept help and donations.
Contact the team directly through the web site.
Final Thoughts
Operation Pet Lift is not a business—it’s a rescue mission for animals and people alike. The team behind it is working around the clock to:
- Navigate complex legal hurdles in 2 contries
- Fundraise in two currencies
- Provide safe passage for pets and peace of mind for their humans
In the closing words of Colonel Chriss Wyatt – They do so with compassion, integrity, and under immense pressure. Please follow only official channels, avoid spreading misinformation, and support their cause if you can.