How to Bring Your Dog or Cat to Australia – Process, Costs, and Timeline
We are always asked by clients how they can bring their other family member to Australia. Luckily there is a way to bring your pet with you. However, it is costly and does take a significant time. In this video, we discuss everything you need to know about how to bring your pet to Australia.
Can I bring my pet to Australia?
The simple answer is yes!
- It is possible to bring a dog or pet to Australia, but it involves a complex and highly regulated process due to the country’s strict biosecurity laws.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (www.agriculture.gov.au) is the website you need to familiarise yourself with if you are considering relocating to Australia with your pet. It provides an extremely detailed step-by-step process and guide on how to bring your pet to Aus.
Australia is known for its stringent quarantine and import requirements to protect its unique environment from the introduction of disease and pests.
The Australian Government has an approved list of countries where you can bring your family pet to Australia from, however being on this list is not the only requirement.
What are the Requirements?
First step 1 – Visit an approved VET to have your dog’s identity and breed recognized, along with ensuring your dog receives the necessary immunization shots and a comprehensive health check.
Second step 2 – Once this is all done, you can apply for an import permit to bring your pet to Australia. You generally have about 180 from receiving this to bringing your pet into the country.
Third step 3 – Depending on your county of origin, your pet may need to spend anywhere from 10 – 30 sys in a pre-travel quarantine facility. An important fact to note is that the pet can ONLY enter via Melbourne International Airport. (No other airport is accepted). This is because only Melbourne International Airport has a dedicated quarantine facility for animals traveling to Australia.
Fourth Step 4 -The Department of Agriculture will receive your pet and take it to a minimum of 10 days within the quarantine facility after another full health check.
Firth Step 5 – Once all the prior steps have been cleared, you can then pick up your pet and bring them home.
What are the Costs?
Costs may vary depending on the country of origin in which the animal is coming from. Summing up the vet checks, immunizations, flights, permits, and quarantine facilities, you may have to invest anywhere from $6000 to $10,000 at a minimum.
There are multiple companies that support you in this process, which we would highly recommend as it is not a process you want to mess up.
Please note that the above information is general in nature and you should contact a migration agent to find out more about your specific circumstances.
