South Africa has seen a surge in emigration in recent years, with many families seeking new opportunities abroad. While this move can promise a brighter future, it has also led to a heartbreaking trend: pets being abandoned by owners who fail to plan for their furry companions.
These loyal companions are suddenly left behind, often hungry, confused, and afraid.
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The heartbreaking story of Port Elizabeth’s ‘Pontos’
One such case that shocked local animal lovers recently was that of Pontos, a dog left behind in Port Elizabeth after his owners emigrated. A Facebook post by a user named Lorine Smith shared the heart wrenching story.
For six months, Pontos wandered the city’s beachfront and suburbs, desperately searching for the people who once called him family.
Despite a community-led effort to help him, his life ended alone, tired, and broken — a tragic reminder of what can happen when we fail to plan for our pets during a move.
His story is not an isolated one. With each flight taken to greener pastures, some families forget that their pets cannot speak for themselves. If you’re emigrating, it’s vital that you put your pet’s welfare front and centre from the start.
Pexels / Christin Hume
Taking your pets with you
If you’re moving abroad and want to bring your pets along — which, if at all possible, you should — start planning early. Pet relocation can take several months to arrange, depending on vaccination requirements, paperwork, and quarantine rules in your destination country.
Reputable pet relocation companies that have helped South African families safely move their animals include:
- PETport – Specialises in international pet relocation and offers end-to-end support, including quarantine arrangements, documentation and transport.
- Global Paws – Offers personalised pet travel plans, veterinary checks and home collection.
Always check that your chosen service is registered with IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) and has good reviews from clients.
If you can’t take them with you
Sometimes, bringing your pets along may not be possible due to health concerns, breed restrictions, or financial constraints.
If this is the case, and there truly is no other option, rehoming must be handled responsibly and with care.
Here’s what to do:
– Start early. Give yourself at least three months to find a suitable home.
– Avoid posting your pet for free online — it may attract the wrong kind of attention.
– Work with a reputable rescue or rehoming organisation, such as the SPCA, Tears Animal Rescue, or local breed-specific rescue groups.
– Personally vet the new home. Ask questions, visit the space, and ensure it’s a good fit.
– Create a transition plan — include medical records, favourite toys, food preferences, and notes about behaviour and routines.
What not to do:
– Do not leave your pet with a friend or neighbour without proper handover and agreement.
– Do not abandon your pet in hopes they’ll find another home — this almost always leads to trauma, suffering, or death.
Pexels / Naik
Your pet is your responsibility
Moving overseas is stressful, but pets rely entirely on us for their wellbeing. You once committed to loving and caring for them — that doesn’t end because your postcode changes.
Let Pontos’ story serve as a haunting reminder of what happens when that bond is broken. He deserved a warm bed, a kind voice, and a loving hand — not the cold streets and a lonely death.
If you truly can’t take your pet with you, then give them the gift of a safe, loving new home. Honour their loyalty with compassion, not convenience.
Useful resources:
- IPATA directory – www.ipata.org
- PETport – www.petport.co.za
- Global Paws – www.globalpaws.co.za
- Tears Animal Rescue – www.tears.org.za
- SPCA South Africa – www.nspca.co.za
Animals are not disposable. If you’re planning a new life overseas, make sure you’re not building it on the heartbreak of the one soul who would’ve followed you anywhere — your pet.
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Feature Image: Pexels
