We get a lot of questions about traveling to Australia with a pet. It is an exciting and beautiful destination and worth spending time exploring with your pet.
Australia just announced changes to its import policies which will make it easier and less expensive for pet owners to bring their dog or cat Down Under. Starting in February 3, 2014, pets will be able subject to reduced quarantine (30 days to 10 days) if they have a Blood Titer Test (RNATT) done between 6 and 24 months prior to entry. (Presently, regulations call for 3 months ahead of time.) This will reduce costs for quarantine, much less time spent away from our pets.
There is another important change to the rules for pet import to Australia. Dogs and cats originating in non DAFF approved countries can enter Australia through an DAFF approved country as long as they meet the regulations to enter the approved country. No longer must pets reside in the approved country for six months prior to entering Australia.
You will still need an Import Permit and your pet will need a 15 digit microchip and veterinary health certificate. There are also vaccination requirements and tests. If you are planning a trip to Australia with a pet and you already have an Import Permit, you can change your permit as long as you remit a fee and are not importing your pet until February 3, 2014.
There are other changes as well. You can find current regulations to import your dog or cat to Australia here.
Need a pet friendly hotel in Australia?
David – it will take a minimum of 180 days to prepare your cats for import to Australia from Hong Kong. They must fly into Melbourne as air cargo for a mandatory 10 days of quarantine. You can find requirements here: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/australia.cfm.
Susan
Hi I would l like to bring my two cats both are 8 years old to Australia from Hong Kong, how much is the cost and what other information i need to know and consider?
Thank you
Jasvinder – India is not an approved country for direct import to Australia. Although you can start the process in India with the 180 day rabies titer test, you will need to move your Pug to an approved country 6-8 weeks prior to import for another titer test and more tests and treatments before importing to Australia. You can find requirements to import your dog to Australia here: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/australia.cfm. See step #7 for importing from non-approved countries.
Susan
I want to bring my pug 2 year old from india to australia
Nikharika – you can start the process in India with the 180 day rabies titer test as long as the blood sample is processed in an approved laboratory. About 6-8 weeks ahead of transport to Australia, you will need to import your Shih Tzu to Malaysia for another titer test and further tests and treatments. Your cat will need to conform to regulations to enter Malaysia which you can find here: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/Malaysia.cfm. You can find regulations to import your Shih Tzu to Australia here: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/australia.cfm. Know that your dog will need to enter Australia at Melbourne via air cargo and few airlines will transport Shih Tzu breeds in the cargo hold. Qantas will as long as temperatures are moderate.
Susan
Hi!
I would like to bring my Shitzu (1year old) from India to Melbourne via Malaysia.
Kindly let me know how long would it take and what is the process that it involves.
All his vaccines are up to date.
Yolanda – the titer test must have been done within 24 months of entering Australia and the blood sample must have been processed at an approved laboratory. (https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/australia.cfm). The quarantine was $29AUD last we checked.
Susan
Hi there. If my dog has her titre test done and all other things she needs. Does she need another titre test done when she lands in Australia again. She’s coming from South Africa. And how much is the quarantine for the 10days
Shika – unfortunately, India is not an approved country for direct import of dogs and cats to Australia. Although you can start the process in India, about 6 weeks before travel, you must move your dog to an approved country for another rabies titer test and other tests and treatments. The entire process will take a minimum of 180 days to complete. You can find the requirements here and take note of step #7: https://www.pettravel.com/immigration/australia.cfm.
Susan
Hi i want to bring my dog in melbourne from india . Plz help me with the procedure.