Moving pets overseas

Moving pets to Australia

Australia benefits from a lack of the diseases which are prevalent amongst pets and livestock in other countries. Obviously this is a beneficial situation for the country and Australian authorities wish to keep it this way. For this reason stringent laws apply with regard to the importation of animals. 

On the whole cats and dogs, as well as horses, are allowed to enter the country under the regulation of a permit system and quarantine laws. However, the importation of the majority of other pets is prohibited. This restriction applies to small rodents, birds, farm animals and ferrets amongst other animals. To further complicate matters there are restrictions which apply regarding the import of specifically breeds of dog. Pit bull terriers and American pit bulls are barred from entry along with the Japanese tosa, fila Brazileiro and dogo Argentino varieties.

The regulations regarding dogs’ health on import are also tight. Canines must be inspected for Leishmaniasis, Ehrlichia, Brucella Canis, and Leptospirosis by means of a blood test taken within 30 days of importation. Vetinary practices can arrange for these tests, which are priced at around £175 per animal. Standards require that dogs receive treatment with a long-lasting Acaricide within a day of testing. This treatment must then be noted on vaccination certificates for the animal.

It is important that dogs do not receive a Leptospirosis vaccination as this treatment regularly affects blood test results for other diseases. Vaccinations for other ailments should be made at least a fortnight and not longer than a year before exportation. Vaccinations should include treatment for: Hepatitis; Bordetella; Para Influenza; Distemper; and Parvo virus. The need for the administration of a Bordetella vaccination is particularly noteworthy as this treatment is not regularly included in the annual booster; it is otherwise known as the “kennel cough” injection.

Our feline friends are governed by somewhat less arduous regulations on importation. They must have vaccinations for Feline Flu and Enteritis at least a fortnight before export and not-longer than a year prior to such.

PETS passports are not a legal requirement for animals entering Australia. However, if there is even a possibility that you and your pet may ever wish to move outside of the country again it is a good idea to obtain one. This will save a lot of time and stress for yourself and your pet in future and can be organised by your local vet prior to your departure for Australia.

Most pets face quarantine for up-to six months after relocating to Australia. The quarantine holding areas in the major cities are open to visitors so you will be able to see your animal during his/her stay. DO NOTE that due to high levels of demand pet quarantine stations tend to be oversubscribed for most of the year. It is therefore very important to give as much notice as possible that your pet will need to stay. The earlier you contact the station, the better your chances of securing a place tend to be. The quarantine centres, once secured, provide excellent facilities for pets and owners, allowing the exercise of dogs in an outside yard and enabling (pre-approved) toys and treats to be brought into the centre for pets.

Permits for animals’ entrance to Australia are issued by The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (The AQIS). These are valid for just six months. A Ministry of Agriculture and Export health certificate (verified within two days of export) is needed to confirm that pets have been treated with protection from parasites. The permanent identification of imported cats and dogs is also a necessity.

If you need more information, you can visit The AQIS’s website (a new browser window will open).