If you’re a dog owner, you probably can’t imagine going anywhere without your faithful friend. While taking a road trip with your dog to a nearby city is nothing to worry about, taking a flight to a whole other country is much more complicated. Especially if it’s a country like Australia which has strict guidelines regarding the import of pets. So, unless you want to suffer the same fate as Johnny Depp’s , it’s best to be informed and prepared before booking your dog a flight. With that being said, here’s what you need to know before coming to the land Down Under.
You Need to Get a Permit
First and foremost, you need to obtain an import permit. However, there are several requirements your dog needs to fulfil before you can file for an import permit. The first requirement is that the dog is micro-chipped with an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Additionally, you also need to make sure your dog has to be vaccinated against hepatitis, para-influenza, Parvovirus, Distemper, and Bordetella Bronchiseptica. It also needs to be treated against Brucellosis, Ehrlica canis, Leishmaniosis and Leptospirosis. If your dog isn’t coming from a group 1 or group 2 country which are considered rabies-free, it will need to receive a vaccine against rabies and undergo a rabies titer test 30 days after the vaccination. Once the dog passes the test and all the other requirements are completed, you can apply for an import permit. The import permit is valid for 12 months after the issue date.
Quarantine Stay Is Mandatory
After your dog has received its permit you need to book a spot for it in Australian quarantine. As soon as dogs and other animals land in Australia, they must spend at least 10 days in the quarantine facility in Mickleham, Melbourne where they will undergo tests that prove they don’t present a biosecurity threat. During its dog quarantine Melbourne stay, your pet will be provided with professional care for its needs, including being fed, walked, played with and provided with medication if necessary. After the 10 day stay at the dog quarantine Melbourne facility, you can arrange for your dog to be picked up by a professional pet transport company. This is a convenient solution if you’re located at a distant part of the country or simply can’t pick up the animal yourself.
A Pet Transport Company Can Be of Great Help
Currently, pet travel is a lot more complicated than human travel. Although you won’t need to lug around a heavy suitcase for your dog, you’ll be faced with a mountain of documents you need to sort out. Besides the country’s regulations, you also need to meet airline regulations which can be just as strict. Considering how this can be a complex and time-consuming ordeal, it’s recommended to enlist the help of a professional pet transport company. The pet transport company can help make all necessary arrangements on your behalf – from booking a flight to making quarantine reservations and picking up and transporting your dog to its final destination after it has finished its quarantine stay.
