How do I move with pets in Australia

Australia is quite pet-friendly as a country. There are pet-friendly public spaces and many pet-friendly activities you could enjoy. However, the country has various pet transportation requirements and regulations. Thus, you should know what it takes to move with pets in Australia.

Find out how to move your pet interstate and things to know before bringing your pet to Australia.

How to Move Your Pet Interstate in Australia

Moving your pet across state borders can involve stress, but pet removalists can make the process easy. After all, it's a more straightforward process compared to moving your pet overseas. There is less worry about passing through rigorous quarantine and customs requirements.

However, pets may feel anxious in their travel crates as their ears begin to pop or as they experience some turbulence. Here are some factors you should consider for a smoother pet interstate move:

• You can begin the process by preparing a pet moving checklist.
• Some states, such as Queensland, consider certain pets (like rabbits) pests and place pet restrictions.
• You have to pay attention to your airline's regulations and requirements for moving pets.
• Be sure to get any required pet vaccines or health certificates before travel.
• Do your research on the best kinds of travel crates and measures for a more comfortable trip for pets.
• You may leave a chew toy for your pet to help with ear popping.
• It's easier for your pet to settle in new surroundings if you set up the home before the pet arrives.
• Do your research on pet relocation services well ahead of the move.
  

Requirements Before Bringing Your Pet to Australia

There are strict biosecurity regulations for moving pets to Australia. This is understandable due to the fear of exotic diseases.

Here are some things you should know before bringing your pet to Australia:

• Australia's pet import regulations are complex and are strictly enforced.
• Your dog or cat has to meet all biosecurity regulations to be let into Australia.
• You need to complete some of the processes at the correct time. Other processes require documentation and health checks.
• Failure to meet these necessary requirements could lead to entry denial, further testing, or prolonged quarantine time for your pet.
  

Moving cats and dogs into Australia

• Only cats and dogs from approved countries are allowed into Australia.
• Cats and dogs specifically should not be over 40 days pregnant or suckling at the moving date.
• You must treat your dogs and cats against internal parasites twice before entering Australia.
• If you bring cats to Australia, you must treat them against external parasites twice. Both treatments should be 14 days apart. 
• The second treatment for cats or dogs travelling to Australia must be within five days before the move date.
• Your dogs must have a test and treatment for Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, Babesia canis, Leishmaniasis, and Ehrlichia canis. This is the case if the dog has visited mainland Africa at any time.
• Pets travelling from certain countries must have lived there since birth or for 90 days before the move date.
• Pets should not be under quarantine at the point of moving and should be at least eight weeks old.
• Only selected species of birds and pet rabbits are allowed from certain countries.
• All pets entering Australia need an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implant. The scanned microchip number has to be correct on your pet's documents.
  

Country category for pet travel to Australia

You must check what category you fall into in DAFF's country categorisation. There are four categories, which depend on the level of risks pets from other countries may pose. However, note that you still need to meet all veterinary requirements.

You need to know your country's category and what is permissible. For instance, dogs and cats travelling from a non-approved country can first move to a Category II or III country for six months before eligibility.

Pet vaccinations when moving to Australia

• Pets travelling from a Category I country do not need a rabies vaccination. Such countries are rabies-free. 
• Cats and dogs from Category II and III countries need microchip implantation and subsequent valid rabies vaccination. 
• A rabies titre test performed around four weeks after immunisation and testing from an approved laboratory are needed for pets from Category III countries.
• If the results from the blood sample are satisfactory after 180 days, your pet is eligible to enter Australia.
• An official government veterinarian must check and sign all rabies titre test results.
• Mandatory vaccinations for all dogs travelling to Australia include vaccinations against hepatitis, distemper, para-influenza, parvovirus, and Bordetella.
• Meanwhile, vaccinations for cats travelling to Australia include those against rhinotracheitis, feline enteritis, and calicivirus.
• The above vaccinations need to remain valid throughout the quarantine period.
  

Import permit for pet transportation into Australia

It would be best to have an import permit to import your pet into Australia. The process involves submitting your application and supporting documentation. The supporting documentation includes the following:

• Rabies vaccination
• Rabies titre test declaration 
• Rabies titre test laboratory report
  

You should also note that every supporting documentation needs to have a clear microchip number of your pet. Furthermore, import permits can have a processing time of up to 20 days and have a 12 months validity period from the issued date.

You need to ensure your documentation and application is correct. Otherwise, the department may put them on hold.

Health certificate requirement

• A government-approved vet has to perform a pre-export clinical examination on your pet within five days of flying.
• This examination must include a check for external parasites and any sign of infectious or contagious diseases.
• After that, a veterinary health certificate has to be issued. This certificate must bear the signature of an official government veterinarian from the country of export.
  

Quarantine facility requirements

• Cats and dogs entering Australia will need a 10-day quarantine period in the quarantine facility if they are from Category II and Category III countries. 
• On the other hand, if your pet arrives from Category I (an approved country), there is no obligatory quarantine stay after the post-arrival inspection.
• However, there are veterinary requirements to fulfil all the same.
• If you have pets travelling from a non-approved country, you must spend at least six months in an approved country before moving to Australia. Your pet still has to stay in the quarantine facility for a 10-day quarantine period.
• You should note that some purebred dogs have been banned from entering Australia. These breeds include American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Perro de Presa Canario.
  

Tips for Moving With Pets into Australia

Before arriving in Australia, your pet needs you to prepare correctly for a comfortable move. That is why you should make all arrangements for moving abroad and adjusting to expat life well before your pet arrives in Australia.

The following moving tips will help you meet Australian requirements:

• Your dog or cat needs time to adjust after your move into your new home. So introduce them slowly to other rooms and the environment.
• You should take measures to ensure the air kennel used for pet travel is an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved air kennel.
• The import permit application assessment can take 10 to 20 days. Therefore, you should submit your application early enough.
• Before starting your import permit application, keep your supporting documents handy. This includes a rabies vaccination certificate, RNATT test result, RNATT test declaration form, and Rabies Antibody titer test results. They must be uploaded onto the BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions) System.
  

Cost Considerations for Pet Moving into Australia

International pet transportation involves more than arranging air transport for your pet's travel. You must consider many things when you move pets, including the cost implications.

You have to consider the following costs:

• Cost of living in the new environment
• Cost of flights and bookings
• Pet transportation costs
• Any cost at the post-entry quarantine facility
  

Get Your Pets Expertly Moved

The process of bringing your beloved pet into Australia can seem so challenging. You have many things to consider from the point of departure, arrival in Australia, and even post-arrival.

This is due to the Australian government's pet import regulations. However, you do not need to do it alone. You can get expert movers experienced in pet moves to help out. This ensures your pet is moved safely and without hassle.