Transfur Animals – Moving your pet to Australia

Can I take my pet with me to Australia?

If you own a cat or dog the answer in principle is YES. However all other types of domestic including rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, snakes and mice are not permitted for import into Australia.

Pets have to meet specific conditions for entry into Australia. Eligibility guidelines vary from country and species but taking the UK as an example your pet will need to have:

1. Been resident in UK for a period of six months or since birth
2. Not been under quarantine restriction 
3. To be at least 12 weeks old at the time of export
4. To be not more than three weeks pregnant at the time of export

Certain breeds of dog are prohibited and therefore are not eligible for importation into Australia. These are:

1. Dogo Argentino
2. Filo Brazileiro 
3. Japanese Toza 
4. Pit Bull Terrier 
5. American Pit Bull Terrier 
6. Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario

Also, generally domestic/non-domestic hybrids such as wolf crosses or Bengal cats are not eligible for importation into Australia.

In addition to the above certain breeds of Brachycephalic Animals (snub nosed) are not accepted for travel by certain airlines. These include Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekinese. For more information on what breeds please check with Transfur.

Special conditions

An Import Permit is required for each pet. These are currently valid for a period of six months. Once the import permit (specific to each quarantine station) has been issued, quarantine can be arranged at one of Australia’s three State Quarantine Stations located in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Under AQIS rules all pets are required to serve a mandatory period of thirty days quarantine upon arrival into Australia, the cost of which is borne by importer.

Before leaving the UK your pet will be required to undertake a series of tests including blood tests. These should start approximately twenty eight days prior to departure from UK, the details of which will need to be recorded by your veterinarian onto your pet’s Export Health Certificate, which will be issued by Defra. A rabies vaccination is not required.

Travelling

A Pet Passport is not required for entry into Australia but if you feel your pet may return to the UK, then you may wish consider obtaining one to avoid the statutory six month quarantine period that applies to the UK

Your pet must travel in an airline approved travel container which has to conform to IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. The travel container must be of a sufficient size so as to allow your pet to stand up, lie down, sit up and turn around inside it.

As a condition of importation into Australia pets must travel as manifested cargo. Australia is served by many international airlines most of whom require your pet to undergo a transfer procedure at intermediate points en route. It is recommended where possible direct flights are utilised thus reducing the effects of any stresses and strains the journey may place upon your pet. It also minimises the risks of your pet missing connecting flights and remaining in en route airports for extended periods of time.

Sedation of pets is not recommended by most veterinarians as their effects at altitude can be unpredictable. It is highly recommended that you consult with your veterinarian before administering any type of sedative or tranquilliser.

Costs

The cost of transporting your pet very much depends upon its size and the size of travel container it will require. Almost certainly you will be paying for the amount of space your pet’s travel container occupies on the aircraft and not its weight.

When your pet arrives in Australia it will be taken directly from the aircraft to your preferred choice of quarantine station where it will remain for the thirty day quarantine period. During the period of quarantine you will be allowed to visit your pet. The cost of food and boarding is included in the quarantine fees. However if your pet should need the attention of a qualified veterinarian this will be arranged by the quarantine station, the costs of treatment and medication being borne by the importer.

About us

Transfur is one of the UK’s leading Pet Relocation companies and a member of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transport Association). Transfur is well versed in organising pet relocation and by putting your pet’s transportation needs into their hands not only will you relieve yourself of the stress and strain of the exercise, but allow you to concentrate upon the other important aspects of your move to Australia.

For further information in transporting your pet to Australia please contact Andy Symons at www.transfuranimals.com or tel. 01403 212900

What our clients say

"Beattie and Ruby have finally arrived at their new home from Sydney where they have been in quarantine. Thank you so much for your help and support in getting them here. I’m sure I probably drove you all crackers! It is a very traumatic process from that first decision to send beloved pets to them actually arriving at their final destination. I have recommended Transfur’s services to another British nurse who thought she would not be able to easily arrange the shipping of her dog. I appreciated your friendly and very tolerant service far more than I can say. Many, many thanks."