Prepare Your Pet's Move to Australia
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A Few Important Things to Know When Planning Your Move to Another Continent.
So, it has been decided – you relocate to Australia and take your pet along. Moving to Australia with your pet requires careful planning and preparation. Here are four major tips on how to make the move stress free for you and safe for your fur baby:
Firstly, plan early.
Planning early is essential when it comes to moving with pets. Here are some of the things to consider when planning your pet’s move:
– Allow more time for the process.
Due to the waiting times between each step, it takes a minimum of 7 months to prepare a pet to enter Australia. Multiple vaccinations and blood tests are required to be ready for the trip.
– Check Australia’s import requirements.
Also check Australia’s import requirements. Australia has strict import requirements for pets, which include a pre-export quarantine period, vaccinations, and various tests. Make sure you understand all the requirements and timelines well in advance of your move.
– Find a pet-friendly airline.
Look for airlines that have experience transporting pets and have the necessary facilities and protocols in place to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet during the flight.
– Get your pet microchipped.
All pets entering Australia must be microchipped. Make sure your pet’s microchip is ISO-compliant and matches the information on your pet’s health certificate.
– Vaccinate you pet.
Your pet will need to be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation, including vaccination certificates, to prove that your pet is up-to-date on its vaccinations.
– Book a quarantine facility.
Pets entering Australia must undergo a minimum of 10 days quarantine in an approved facility. Book a quarantine facility well in advance and make sure you understand the requirements and costs involved. (Read more on the quarantine below).
– Prepare your pet for the journey.
Help your pet get used to its travel carrier and ensure that it is comfortable and familiar with it. Provide your pet with plenty of food, water, and toys for the journey, and consider using natural remedies or medication to help with any anxiety or stress.
– Plan for your pet’s arrival.
Make arrangements to pick up your pet from the quarantine facility and ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and permits to do so.
Secondly, take into account high temperatures from December to February.
You should avoid planning a trip during these months. Historically, December, January, and February are the hottest months of the year in Australia. These months can be challenging for pets, and it’s essential to take steps to ensure their safety and comfort.
The risk of traveling during these months is not only in flight cancellations due to heat embargoes but also due to the heat stroke danger. Although pets are being transported in temperature-controlled vehicles, it takes time for the airline staff to unload the plane. So, your pet might have to wait on the tarmac to be transferred into the air-conditioned vehicle.
Thirdly, be aware of the minimum 10 days quarantine in Melbourne.
All pets originating in Canada enter the country via MEL airport (Melbourne) and quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility (PEQ). It is allowed for a pet to make a stopover via another country in case direct routing is unavailable. However, traveling to other cities within Australia can only be made after the mandatory quarantine is completed.
The quarantine center provides bedding for cats and dogs to suit their breed and age. We do not advise sending any toys or bedding with your pet. Due to biosecurity concerns, the center will destroy all bedding, toys, and comfort items that arrive with your pet.
All pets are exercised and fed with high-quality commercial dry food. If your pet needs a different kind of food, you will need to fill out a special request form and send it to PEQ.
All pets are bathed and groomed while they quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility. PEQ staff makes sure to bathe and groom pets properly due to hygiene and biosecurity reasons.
We know it might be stressful to have your pet stay at a place they are not familiar with. Hence, it might be helpful for you to know that PEQ staff has proved to be awesome when it comes to communicating any concerns to a pet owner. They will always let you know that there is a need to have a veterinarian check your pet. However, be advised that no news is good news.
And last but not least, consider hiring an agent.
Hiring a pet shipper that keeps up with all changes regarding shipping animals helps focus on other things concerning your move. Besides, Australian import regulations for pets are strictly regulated by the government. Pets that do not comply with the import regulations either stay in quarantine longer or are sent back to the country of origin – all at the pet owner’s expense.
In summary, hiring a pet shipper or agent can make the process of moving your pet to Australia smoother, less stressful, and safer. With their knowledge of regulations, logistics expertise, and focus on safety, they can help ensure a successful and stress-free journey for your furry friend.
Moving to Australia with a pet can be a complex process, but with careful planning and preparation, you can ensure a safe and stress-free journey for your furry friend.
