Pet Shipping Australia- its what we do!
As Australia pet shippers this is our summary information and requirements for the importation of cats and dogs into Australia. Please do contact us for further advice and assistance with any aspect of pet travel to Australia.
Australia have very recently changed their import policy for dogs and cats from group 3 countries. Please contact us for more information.
Animals must be shipped in IATA approved transit kennels that allow the animal to stand up without touching the top of the box, lie down and turn around. It is a requirement that cats and dogs are shipped as manifest cargo and not as excess baggage.
There is only one Quarantine Station in Australia based in Melbourne, so animals must enter Australia at this airport. If you are unable to collect your pet(s), arrangements for can be made for movement of pets from the Quarantine station to other cities in Australia. We are able to assist with this, just ask!
All Cats & Dogs will have to complete 10 days or 30 days in Quarantine on arrival. Cost for the quarantine are AU$2100-AU$3100 (exclusive of vet visits etc). Please be aware payment for quarantine accommodation for your animal(s) will be due at the time of making the booking with the quarantine station, directly.
Every destination country has their own particular import requirements which can be at first sight slightly confusing. We at Airsupply Pet Travel can provide a highly professional service, covering you and your pets’ wishes. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice as our caring staff are always on hand to help.
PLEASE NOTE: Previous changes to regulations means that the veterinarian that prepares the pet for export (takes the blood/administers the treatments etc) CANNOT be the OV that signs off the Export Health Certificate. There must be two separate veterinary practices involved. Please contact us for more information and assistance regarding this.
Animals must be accompanied by the following paperwork:
An Import Permit obtained from Australian Quarantine Services. The application for this is submitted online using the BICON system. We can apply for the import permit on your behalf. All animals must be microchipped (approved types only), have a valid Rabies Vaccination and Titre Test result for Rabies before an Import Permit can be applied for. One application must be submitted for each animal. The Import Permit will be valid for 1 year from the date of the blood test/blood arrival at the lab.
An Official Export Health Certificate (this must be applied for from APHA) - and is to be completed and certified by an OV within 5 days of the departure.
All UK Pets must be vaccinated against Rabies with an approved inactivated rabies virus vaccine at least 208 days prior to export and when the animal is at 12 weeks of age. If the animal has never been previously vaccinated, AQIS recommends that at least four weeks elapse between vaccination and blood sampling. From the date that the blood is received by the approved lab for testing (as long as the result is at or above the correct level) will be when the 180 days waiting period starts before the animal can be exported to Australia.
For cats, it is recommended that they receive vaccinations for feline enteritis, feline rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus at least 14 days before the flight and not more than 12 months beforehand. For dogs, vaccinations for Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Bordetella Bronchiseptica (DHPPi and KC) at least 14 days before the flight and not more than 12 months beforehand are strongly recommended. Your dog must also be fully vaccinated for Leptospirosis more than 14 days prior to export. Treatments against Ticks, Fleas & Worms are to be given within the required schedule and repeated as per the manufacturers recommendation
In the case of dogs only, blood samples to be tested for Leishmaniosis and Brucella Canis (not required if dog has been desexed) and must be submitted to the relevant authority (APHA, Weybridge, Surrey) within 45 days of the flight. The dog must be treated with a long lasting acaricide (Frontline is recommended) 30 days or more prior to departure. This must be kept continuous until export. If other acaricide is used please refer to manufacturers' dosage instructions.
A blood sample to be tested for Leptospirosis (L. interrogans serovar canicola) within 45 days - only if the dog has not received the vaccination against it. If the blood test receives a positive result the vaccination must be given and must be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to departure. All blood test results MUST accompany the Export Health Certificate.
