Bringing Pets to Australia from Overseas
Bringing a pet into Australia can be a long and expensive process but it is one that is well documented and easy to follow if you read the guidelines.
A Typical Cost Example: Bringing a 20kg dog from the US to Australia:
| Airfare - International: | $1200AUD for a 20kg dog |
|---|---|
| ( Based on case weight of 35kg and dimensions of 90cm x 60 cm x 65 cm - you may be able to reduce the size and weight of the case but remember the packaging must meet the minimum requirements to keep the dog safe and be able to stand up and turn around ) | |
| Pet Container: | $200AUD |
| Testing and vaccinations: | $600 AUD |
| Import Permit: | $280AUD |
| Quarantine (30days) in Australia: | $730AUD |
| (Quarantine Entry $10 + Veterinary Inspection $71 + Document Clearance $27 + Transport from Airport to Quarantine Station $95 + Accommodation of Dog (food and board) $17.55 per day x 30days = $526 ) | |
| Total: | $3010AUD |
Photo: Inside Cat Enclosure at Eastern Creek - image courtesy of http://www.daff.gov.au
Here are the basic steps:
Step 1: Obtain an import permit Meeting all the requirements set out in the import permit application is the most complicated part. Permits are issued by AQIS, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. The application fee for cats and dogs is currently $280. AQIS offer an 18 step guide to meeting all the requirements here.
Step 2: Once the permit has been approved, book your pet into a quarantine station. Check the availability of the quarantine station in your area and try to book ahead as there are a limited number of spaces and they experience busy periods during the year which may encounter a waiting period. There are 3 quarantine stations in Australia - Eastern Creek in Sydney, Spotswood in Melbourne and Byford in Perth.
Step 3: Organise Shipment through your Airline or Shipping Company When shipping through an Airline, pricing is calculated based on freight cost. Qantas have a freight service for pets and can be contacted on 1300 368 747 for a free quotation.
Step 4: Pick Up from Quarantine Station The Quarantine Station will send you an invoice within around 10days of the pet's arrival. You must pay the charges before the pet is released. You may visit your pet while it is in quarantine and even spend time in its enclosure. Visiting times can vary between locations, but for example Eastern Creek allows visitors on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 - 3:30pm.
Photo: Dog Holding Facility at Eastern Creek - image courtesy of http://www.daff.gov.au
Major obstacles:
Breed Restrictions: The Australian Customs Service has guidelines which restrict the importation of certain breeds into the country. These are mainly concerned with "Dangerous Breeds" and for good reason. For example, with dogs, several fighting breeds such as the Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull, and Presa Canario are not allowed. For cats, certain cross bred hybrids such as some Bengal crosses are restricted. For a list of breeds not eligible for import into Australia, contact the Australian Customs Service on 1300 363 263.
Microchip: The pet must be microchiped and be scanned an every step in the health inspection process. Some countries now offer free microchiping services, best to ask your vet.
Time in Quarantine: AQIS rules specify a minimum period of 30days in quarantine. Note that AQIS also specifies 180 days between the satisfactory result of the RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test ), so make sure the dog gets the Rabies shot and RNATT test well before departure or the dog may be held in quarantine for 180days, raising your costs significantly.
Place of Arrival: Only Perth Airport, Mascot Airport in Sydney or Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne can process arriving pets. Veterinary Certificates A and B, blood test results and vaccination records must travel to Australia with your pet/s.