EXPORTING  PETS

Although Malvern Veterinary Hospital strongly recommends the use of a pet transport company the following is a guide for those who would like to arrange their pets export themselves, without using a pet transport company.  For the specific requirement of different countries please visit:

https://micor.agriculture.gov.au/live-animals/Pages/default.aspx

For all destination countries:

1. At least 10 days prior to  departure submit your “Notice of Intention to Export Live Animals” form to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry by fax or mail.
1-21 Dean street
Moonee Ponds VIC 3039
Fax: 03 8308 5071.

If you need to contact them, the AQIS pone number is 03 8318 6700. Choose the option for live animal exports.

2. An appointment with your vet is needed within 2 days of departure. This is typically done as an early appointment on the day prior to departure , but it can be done on the day of departure. The health and welfare examination is performed and certificate issued.

3. Once the “Notice of Intention” has been approved, the department of Agriculture will contact you as the exporter to arrange the appointment for the export permit to be issued. This appointment is carried out after the appointment with the vet. Your pet will not generally be needed for this inspection (except for travel to some countries, e.g. Singapore, please check with The Dept of Agriculture). The department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry:

Location: 1-21 Dean street, Moonee Ponds, VIC 3039

Phone number: 03 8308 5070

You will need to take the “health and welfare” certificate, as well as any other certificates/forms prepared by your vet that are specific to the country of import.

4. You must also take your AIRLINE APPROVED pet carrier to the airline at the airport for this inspection. This is typically done on the day prior to departure. Some airlines will also require to see the pet in the carrier at this time -please check with your airline if this is applicable to you.

As a general guide the following pet carrier sizes apply:

PP20: animals up to 5kg

PP30: animals up to 8kg

PP40: animals up to 12kg

PP50: animals up to 18kg

PP60: animals up to 25kg

PP70: animals up to 35kg

PP80: animals 35kg+

Pets must be able to sit up with their head at a full and comfortable height, be able to  turn around in the cage and lay down with legs out in front of them. Malvern Vet stocks most pet carrier sizes and can help you with cage purchase

RETURNING TO AUSTRALIA:

If the pet is likely to return within two years it is recommended that they have a rabies vaccine done, and 30 days later, have a blood test (rabies serology RNATT test) done to show they have adequate antibody levels. If this test is done before the pet leaves Australia, they will qualify for the minimum 10 day quarantine period on return. However, to keep this certification current they will need to keep their rabies vaccine boosted according to recommendations (how long the vaccine  manufacturer stipulates the immunity will last for – between 1 and 3 yeas typically). The vaccine used at Malvern Vet will give 3 years immunity.

If the pet is likely to be abroad for several years, you may elect to do  the rabies serology test overseas to minimize the quarantine period on re-importation. If this option is taken your pet will need to wait for 6 months after the blood test has been done to qualify for the minimum 10 day quarantine period.

For a guide on what requirements are necessary when importing your pet from overseas, please visit the below website:

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs