For many, moving pets to Australia can be a confusing and stressful experience. We know how important your pet is and how it’s often impossible to say goodbye. That means bringing your furry friends with you to the land down under is a necessity. This also means navigating tough and biosecurity laws and pet relocation processes which have caused confusion for many online.
As Australia’s leading international removalists, Overseas Packers & Shippers know how important it is to get you and your pets to move to Australia right. We’ve gathered and answered some of the internet’s top FAQs around pet relocation, which along with official information from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) will help simplify moving with your pets to Australia.
Can I bring my pet to Australia?
Currently, the only species which you can bring to Australia as pets include cats, dogs, horses and selected species of birds. While you can bring other exotic animals to Australia, their importation as pets is not allowed.
There are also some restrictions on the breeds of permitted animal species. In dogs, this includes a selection of regular dog breeds such as the pit bull terrier and hybrid dog-wolf crosses.
What’s the quarantine process like?
Australia currently has one animal quarantine facility, located in Mickleham (Melbourne, Victoria). In quarantine, your pet will spend a minimum of ten days in isolation as their health and physical condition is monitored by the DAFF.
However, this minimum quarantine period may be longer depending on where your pet is arriving from and whether the animal is eligible for microchip identification.
What vaccinations and health checks are required?
The health checks required for your pet will depend on their species and country of origin. All pets entering Australia must receive health checks from a government approved vet and be up to date with their vaccinations. If your pet is coming from a DAFF category 3 or an uncategorised export country, additional rabies testing and vaccinations are also required.
How far in advance do I need to start planning?
If your pet is coming from a category 2 or 3 export country, the DAFF recommends a minimum of six months to complete their required health checks, tests and paperwork. Rabies testing and vaccination processes are particularly lengthy and can take up to 120 business days to finalise.
Planning early is important when transporting pets to ensure you find the right pet transportation partner and allow yourself time to organise the rest of your move to Australia.
What are the costs of moving a pet to Australia?
Working out the cost of moving your pet to Australia will require some budgeting and largely depends on the size of your pet and the export country. Moving a larger pet will cost more, due to additional air freight charges and the need for a larger travel crate.
Moving from a country further away from Australia or from a category 3 nation will also increase the costs, due to additional travel costs and importation processes.
What if my pet is older, anxious or has health issues?
Moving with a pet that is older, anxious or has health issues can be challenging. Travelling via plane can be stressful for animals and is not suitable for every animal. While some might look to travel sedation to make moving easier, it is often discouraged, due to its health risks and unpredictability. Consulting a vet for expert advice ahead of your pet’s move to Australia is the best way to ensure their wellbeing while travelling.
Do I need a pet relocation service?
While you can DIY moving your pet to Australia, getting a pet relocation service is recommended. Using a pet relocation service is the best way to help take the guesswork and stress out of moving for you and your pet.
A good pet relocation company should assist with tricky importation requirements, finding suitable flights, provide specialised animal transportation crates and transport your pet between the airport, quarantine and home.
Bonus: Reddit Questions and Answers
You’re not alone if you’re desperate to move to Australia with your furry friends. Many other Reddit users have also faced the same rollercoaster of pet importation.
Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAustralian/comments/1gs7hip/people_who_have_moved_a_pet_from_canada_to/
This Reddit user knows well the struggle of organising cat relocation to Australia. Fortunately, members of r/AskAnAustralian were on hand to help with multiple users recommending the use of a pet relocation company and for the user to start planning immediately. One commenter even reported a nine month turnaround time for their approvals, again highlighting the value of early planning when moving pets to Australia.
Final Tips & Resources
When planning to move pets to Australia, Overseas Packers & Shippers recommend planning ahead, using a pet relocation service and cross checking with the DAFF as your source of official information. When selecting a pet relocation service, it’s important to pick a reliable and experienced team to ensure your pet is cared for at every step of their journey.
Are you shipping your household and furry friends from Australia? Overseas Packers & Shippers can help with all your overseas shipping needs. Contact us to get your fur family ready for takeoff today!
