Pet & Animal Transport into Australia

How to immigrate with your Pet from South Africa to Australia

The process of shipping a pet to Australia requires a lot of preparation. Good news is that you do not need to do it alone! At PETport our team of experts will make sure you know everything you need to make the move to Australia problem-free. 

The requirements for bringing your pet into Australia is dependant on what ‘group’ the country you are coming from falls into. South Africa is a group 3 country which means it is a part of the approved countries or territories where rabies is absent or well-controlled.

IS YOUR PET APPROVED?

At this time only dogs and cats may be brought into and imported to Australia. There are a some exceptions so talk to us if your pet is not a dog or cat.

MICROCHIPPING AND VACCINATIONS

All pets entering to Australia must have microchip identification. The microchip needs to be implanted before the rabies titer test is carried out. Don't forget to get your certificate. Once everything is added up you will require 4-5 vet visits. Good news is that we can manage this for you and make sure everything is done according to plan. Recommended vaccinations for dogs: - Distemper - Hepatitis - Parvovirus - Para-influenza - Bordatella

BLOOD TESTS

All animals entering Australia need to have a Rabies Antibody Titer Test after receiving an inactivated rabies vaccination. The point of this is to check that the vaccine has provided your pet with the right levels of the rabies antibody. Talk to us at PETport about choosing the right lab that is approved to undergo this test.

DOCUMENTATION FOR IMPORT TO AUSTRALIA

Be warned the documentation can a few months to complete so start ahead of time if possible. The good news is when you choose PETport we will handle this process for you. The documentation can range from 10-14 pages and it is important not to make any errors. Doing this correctly is required to book your pet's quarantine at Mickleham.

QUARANTINE IN MELBOURNE

There has been a great improvement in the quarantine process when immigrating your pet to Australia. In the past, the quarantine period was lengthy but now there is a new facility in Melbourne that only has a 10-night stay for your pet. You can book your quarantine as soon as your import permit has been successful. PETport will make sure your pet arrives safely at the facility.

In Summary:

  • Valid Vaccinations (5in1 for Dogs; 3in1 for Cats) – over 30 days less than 12 months
  • Valid Rabies Vaccination – over 30 days less than 12 months
  • Microchipping
  • Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titration Test (RNATT)

Entry to Australia may only take place a minimum of 6 months after the bleed date for the Rabies Titre blood test that yields a valid test result

There are numerous additional blood tests and treatments for dogs and cats that need to be carried out in the last 45 days prior to departure.  A detailed and personalised export schedule will be provided by PETport on setting of exact travel dates which will show the specific testing and treatments required before departure done at very specific timings to coincide travel dates.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

The standard stay in quarantine for dogs and cats is 10 days. This is the minimum period; there is a chance a longer stay may be required. (The rules are only slightly different for assistance dogs, with the option for an isolated stay at a nominated address.)

Costs vary depending on your pet and various other factors. The only way to know accurately is to get a quote from a pet relocation service such as PETport. 
Australia charges fees for use of the post-entry quarantine (PEQ) facility in Mickleham, Victoria, when you are importing your cat or dog into Australia. These fees are calculated on a cost-recovery basis. The minimum cost for one cat or dog to undergo a minimum of 10 days quarantine isolation is approximately $2000. 

When the standard quarantine stay for dogs in Australia was longer, it was possible to visit your pet during their stay in quarantine. With the reduced stay to 10 days, it is no longer possible. 

You can import your cat or dog to Australia. You must apply for an Australian import permit for your animal and the animal must meet all Australian import conditions from the approved exporting country.

  1. Start planning at least 7 months before your move. …
  2. Visit your vet and inform them that you’re moving your pet to Australia. …
  3. Get your pet micro-chipped. …
  4. Get your pet vaccinated against rabies. …
  5. Get your pet tested for rabies. …
  6. Get your vet to complete an RNAT test declaration. …
  7. Apply and pay for your import permit.

Have you considered your migration options?
Contact us for a FREE Assessment TODAY!

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Mrs Fishhoek
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Have used them twice, both times I've been extremely happy. Updated via telephone, email and sms. Driver was friendly and brilliant with pets. Good prices.
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Great service. Our dog was so spoiled and happy there
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Very caring, with both animals and humans alike
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