Moving a Pet to Australia
Thanks to its diverse beauty, fun-loving culture and endless possibility for outdoor adventure, Australia is a popular destination for expatriates. The transition to Australia seems like it should be pretty smooth - especially for travellers coming from another English-speaking country - however it’s important to do some careful research before you begin your journey.This is especially true if you’ll be bringing a pet with you, as Australia imposes strict import requirements on animals. In accordance with the Rabies Prevention Law, Australia requires that pets undergo a period of quarantine upon entry. This isn’t as scary as it sounds (the facilities are temperature-controlled and allow visitors), but it does mean that moving a pet to Australia will take longer and require more planning than you might expect.
Moving Pets from the US to Australia
From the United States, it actually takes a total of 150 days to plan and carry out a pet move to Australia, and on top of that, a 30-day quarantine must be completed upon arrival.
Pets moving to Australia must:
- Be implanted with a microchip
- Receive several required vaccinations
- Undergo a series of blood tests
Furthermore, the USDA must check a departing pet’s paperwork not once, but twice. The first time will be before you apply for the Australian Import Permit, and the second time will be directly before departure. At the time of the second USDA examination, the pet’s travel crate will be officially sealed and must remain unopened until the pet lands in Australia. It’s for this reason that companies such as PetRelocation.com recommend that travellers book the flight from Los Angeles or another West Coast destination in order to simplify the process and cut back on the time your pet spends in the travel kennel.
The governing body in Australia that oversees all incoming and departing pets is called the Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Travellers will need to coordinate with AQIS to secure all permits and reserve a spot in an approved quarantine facility (located in Melbourne, Perth or Sydney). Due to the time difference, it’s best to communicate with AQIS by email and allow ample time for arrangements to be made.
Finally, it’s important to book a flight with a reputable and pet-friendly airline. Choose a carrier well in advance, but note that most don’t accept reservations for pet travel until you’re within 10 days of the date of departure.
As you can see, moving your pet to Australia can’t be planned overnight, so starting early will certainly make this life-changing endeavour more manageable.
Living with Pets in Australia
This laid-back country is a welcoming and pleasant place to have a pet. Cities
such as Perth offer an array of parks and pet-friendly outdoor cafés, and the rugged terrain found across the continent is promising for the dogs who love hiking, camping and swimming. Though not all of Australia’s beaches are dog-friendly, places such as Tallow Beach in Byron Bay and Muirs Beach in Tasmania offer beautiful scenery and designated dog areas.Though generally pet-friendly, certain rules and restrictions must be observed in the country of Australia. No matter where you are, it’s smart for expatriates to be conscious of their surroundings and be respectful of local customs.
Hiring a Pet Relocation Company
To help navigate the import requirements for a move to Australia, it’s best to hire a pet relocation service. Professional relocation specialists are well-equipped to assist expatriates during what can be a stressful time and can also offer advice about what to expect upon arrival.
About the Author
Caitlin Moore works for PetRelocation.com, a pet travel company that arranges the door to door relocations of pets worldwide. She can be reached at Caitlin@PetRelocation.com or 512-264-9800.
