Are you moving to Australia with your pet? Whether you are moving for work, family or lifestyle, it is possible to bring your pet with you. However, it is not as simple as booking your plane seat. With some of the strictest animal regulations in the world, pet relocation to Australia requires specific planning, paperwork and patience.
We specialise in international pet transport to Australia and know the process. This guide will allow us to break down what you can expect throughout each pet relocation process.
What to expect?
Relocating usually includes many steps, each with its own set of rules. Here is a breakdown of what to expect during the international pet transport Australia process to give you a clearer understanding.
Biosecurity rules
Australia is a rabies-free country and is protective of its environment. This means the government has strict biosecurity regulations for all animal imports. Only dogs and cats from approved countries (based on rabies status and other health considerations) are allowed, and they must meet their specific entry criteria. The number of dog breeds is limited – some are banned (e.g. Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino). Additionally, dogs must not be pregnant for more than 30 days at the time of export.
Timeline planning
Timing is everything when it comes to pet relocation to Australia. You will need to start planning your pet move 7 months before your desired departure. Due to the different timelines between waiting and completion, this period allows your pet to complete rabies vaccination, blood testing, government documentation, etc. Even the smaller delays can set your planning back weeks or months. We at Tailwings create personalised travel schedules for your pet to ensure no deadlines are missed.
Rabies vaccination and blood test
One of the most important steps in this process is ensuring your pet has had their rabies vaccination followed by a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test. This test confirms your pet has built immunity to rabies, as this must be completed at least 180 days before the departure date.
This step is mandatory with any international pet transport Australia plans. At Tailwings, we work alongside certified vets to get your pet vaccinated and tested for a safe and successful pet relocation to Australia.
Quarantine booking/confirmation
Every pet entering Australia must complete the minimum quarantine time within 10 days. Spaces are limited and bookings get filled up fast, so this must be secured in advance. As part of our full-service support, we help handle the process for you. With this being an important milestone in your pet relocation to Australia, we ensure this process remains stress-free.
Vet treatments and final checks
Before travel, your pet must complete several veterinary treatments, including parasite control and a final health check. These need to be completed by veterinarians and documented with official export health certificates. At Tailwings, we ensure all vet requirements for international pet transport in Australia are complete and correct.
The Journey to Australia With Tailwings Support
On the day of your travel, your pet will be flying in the climate-controlled area of the aircraft to remain safe and secure for the journey. Tailwings provides airline-approved crates, pre-flight checklists and comfort advice to keep you informed about your journey.
We know that pet relocation to Australia is an emotional time, so our team treats every pet as if they are our own, to ensure their experience is calm and comfortable from start to end. You don’t need to go through this alone. At Tailwings, let us take the stress out of this process by helping manage every step of your pet’s journey with care and expert knowledge.
Contact our team today for your free, no-obligation quote to prepare your pet for their travels.