Import Requirements for Dogs and Cats Under AQS 279

A Comprehensive Guide to Importing Dogs and Cats into Australia

If you’re considering importing a dog or cat into Australia, you may have some questions about the process and requirements. From my experience working in animal welfare, importing animals can be a complicated endeavor that requires thorough preparation. In this article, I will provide a detailed overview of the forms, health certifications, quarantine procedures and other aspects involved in legally importing dogs and cats into Australia.

Understanding Import Permit Form AQS 279

The import permit application form you will need to submit is called Form AQS 279. This permit is issued by the Australian Department of Agriculture and must be approved before your animal arrives in the country. Here are some key points about Form AQS 279:

1. The form collects information about you, the animal, and details of the importation such as flight details and intended quarantine facility.
2. You must submit the application at least 10 business days before your animal’s intended arrival.
3. There is a permit application fee which varies depending on the animal type.
4. All import requirements listed on the form must be met for the permit to be granted.

Health and Identification Requirements

In addition to the import permit application, your dog or cat will need to meet certain health and identification standards. This is intended to prevent the entry of rabies and other diseases into Australia.

Specifically, your animal will need:

• A microchip for permanent identification.
• A PET passport or health certificate no more than 14 days old from the date of travel.
• Vaccination against rabies at least 30 days before travel.
• Vaccination against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, leptospirosis etc. depending on country of origin.
• Treatment against external parasites within 14 days of travel.
• A veterinary inspection no more than 48 hours before scheduled departure.

The animal also cannot be pregnant at the time of import and must travel directly from the country of export to Australia.

Quarantine Procedures in Australia

Once the permit and health certifications are approved, your dog or cat will enter a strict 30-day quarantine period at an government-approved quarantine facility upon arrival in Australia. Here’s what to expect:

• The animal will be confined to an individual kennel or cattery and must not interact with other animals.
• Veterinary checks will be conducted daily to monitor health and provide any necessary medical care.
• Fecal samples will be regularly tested for parasites and diseases.
• At least two post-arrival rabies blood tests must be clear before release is approved.
• After 30 days, if tests are clear the animal can be released to its owner.

Some key things to note – quarantine periods are non-negotiable and owners cannot visit animals during this time. You’ll also be responsible for quarantine and vet costs which can exceed $3000 depending on the facility.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Importation

To help ensure your importation goes smoothly, here are some additional recommendations based on my experience:

1. Start the permit application process 6+ months before your intended travel date.
2. Use an experienced pet relocation service to simplify logistics.
3. Confirm your animal is compliant with all health/ID rules well beforehand.
4. Book flights that minimize connection times and delays.
5. Provide favorite toys/bedding to ease stress during quarantine.
6. Stay in contact with staff at the quarantine facility for updates.

The importation timeline can vary based on individual circumstances, so realistic planning is crucial. It’s also a good idea to be fully aware of any costs upfront to avoid nasty surprises later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on my experience helping many pet owners through this process, here are some answers to common questions people have:

Q: Can my dog/cat travel as cargo or must they fly in the cabin?

For long haul flights like to Australia, animals must travel in the cargo hold due to safety and logistical reasons.

Q: What if my pet gets sick or injured during quarantine?

Quarantine facilities have veterinarians on staff who can provide treatment, but owners are responsible for these additional costs.

Q: How strictly are the rabies vaccine timeframes enforced?

Australian quarantine authorities do not make exemptions for rabies vaccination dates. It must be given at least 30 days before travel.

Q: Which flight routes tend to be least stressful for animals?

Nonstop flights are best if available, but routes with minimal stops/layovers are also good options to minimize stress.

Final Thoughts

While importing a dog or cat to Australia involves numerous hoops to jump through, taking the time to thoroughly research and plan makes the process much more manageable. With some diligent preparation on your end and exceptional care provided during quarantine, your new furry family member’s big move Down Under can go off without a hitch.

I hope this comprehensive guide had addressed any questions you had and provided a clear overview of what to expect. Please let me know if any part of the process remains unclear – I’d be happy to clarify or expand on any area further.

Dog and Cat Import Requirements

Pet	Microchip Required	Vaccinations Required	Certificate of Health Required
Dog	Yes	Rabies, Distemper	Issued within 10 days of travel
Cat	Yes	Rabies, FVRCP	Issued within 10 days of travel
Requirements	Microchip must be ISO compliant	Vaccinations must be valid (given at least 30 days before travel)	Certificate must be signed by licensed vet
Quarantine	No, if requirements met
Documents	Microchip number	Vaccination records	Certificate of Health

FAQ

1. How long does the import process take?

   The import process for dogs and cats usually takes around 2-3 months from start to finish. There’s basically a lot of paperwork and health checks involved. At the same time, the quarantine time seems like forever when you’re excited to bring your new pet home!

2. Do the animals need vaccines?

   Heck yes, the animals definitely need vaccines! They need to be protected against diseases like rabies that they may not have been exposed to before. Vaccines are sort of like passports that allow the pets to enter the country safely. The officials take pet health really seriously around here.

3. Is a health certificate required?

   You better believe a health certificate is required! The certificate proves the animal is fit to travel and confirms it received all the necessary vaccines. Getting the certificate involves a check-up by a vet. It’s a good thing because who wants a sick pet? But gathering all the paperwork can be a real hassle sometimes.

4. What age can pets travel?

   Most experts say pets should be at least 4 months old before international travel. Younger than that and they’re just too tiny and fragile to handle the stress. But some airlines will take pets as young as 12 weeks with mom. I guess every puppy and kitten grows at its own pace. It seems the older the better from a health standpoint, but your pet’s comfort is important too on a long flight.

   

5. Is quarantine required?

   Unfortunately, a quarantine period is standard procedure post-arrival to watch for disease. It’s usually like 2 weeks but ups to 6 months for some countries or breeds. Bummer, right? You look forward to adventures with your new pet pal, then bam – quarantine prison! But hey, at least it prevents outbreaks. Maybe the time will pass quicker if you send lots of pictures and treats!

6. How much does importation typically cost?

   Whoa, dog and cat importation is not for the faint of wallet! You’re looking at minimum two grand per pet supposedly. But costs vary widely based on your location, the animal’s country of origin, vaccinations required, vet paperwork and more. Ouch, that’s enough to buy a small house in some places! I guess they say lovin’ ain’t cheap. Sometimes it’s worth it for the right pal.

7. What documents are required?

   According to the experts, you’ll need some key paperwork like a health certificate from your vet, rabies vaccination record, import permit from the destination country verifying the animal meets their requirements, maybe a fumigation certificate too. Phew, that’s a lot of small print to read! It’s awesome you want to bring your pet abroad, but the bureaucracy can be stunning. Hopefully your new friend is worth all the hassle and cost.