fbpx
Pet Transport and Pet Boarding Specialists

Pet Transport to Australia Done Right

Shipping a pet to Australia involves extensive preparation, but you don’t have to handle it by yourself!
At Keringa-Petwings, our team of specialists will ensure you have all the information needed for a smooth transition to Australia.

Pet Transport to Australia

Shipping a pet to Australia is challenging due to the country’s stringent biosecurity regulations aimed at protecting local flora and fauna from introduced diseases. At Keringa-Petwings, we leverage our years of experience in professional pet transport to navigate these complexities. Australia is Rabies-free, so pets must undergo a Rabies Titer Test and have up-to-date vaccinations. Pets need an import permit, which involves detailed paperwork and can be costly. They must also have multiple health checks and vaccinations, including those for diseases like Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza Virus. Upon arrival, pets often need to stay in quarantine to ensure they are disease-free. Our expertise ensures that these measures are handled smoothly so pets entering Australia do not pose a risk to the country’s unique ecosystem.

Keringa-Petwings can assist with all the required steps for pet transport to Australia – namely:

  • Documentation for Pet Travel to Australia

    A health certificate is required for pets travelling to Australia. This certificate, valid for 10 days, must be completed by a veterinarian. Additionally, you will need to complete various documentation, which can take several months to finalise. Keringa-Petwings will handle all paperwork to ensure accuracy and compliance.

  • Customs Clearance & Quarantine

    For all pet travel exports, South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs clearance is required. Proof of this clearance must be provided to the airline along with your pets on their departure date. Keringa-Petwings will manage the entire customs clearance process for you, ensuring all export requirements are fully met.

    Pets entering Australia are subject to a quarantine period. The standard quarantine duration is 30 days, but this can be reduced to 10 days if your pet’s microchip is validated by State Vets before the blood draw. Quarantine can be booked as soon as your import permit is approved. Keringa-Petwings will ensure your pet arrives safely at the quarantine facility.

  • Veterinary Health Certificates

    Your pet will also need a health certificate stating that it is fit and healthy to travel. Your pet’s health certificate should be valid for at least 10 days from the date of issue by the vet until the date of travel. A new health certificate is needed each time your pet travels. This certificate, which you can obtain from your vet, should include:
    - Proof of Rabies vaccination.
    - Results of antibody and blood tests.
    - Confirmation of tapeworm treatment for dogs.

  • Blood Tests, Microchipping & Vaccinations

    All animals entering Australia must 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 Rabies antibody levels. All pets entering 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. The good news is that we can manage this for you and make sure everything is done according to plan. The recommended vaccinations for dogs include:
    - Distemper
    - Hepatitis
    - Parvovirus
    - Para-influenza
    - Bordetella

Australian Pet Transport FAQs

Currently, only dogs and cats are allowed to be brought into Australia. There are a few exceptions, so it’s best to consult with a professional pet transport service like Keringa-Petwings if your pet is not a dog or cat.

All pets entering Australia must have a microchip implanted before the Rabies Titer Test is conducted. Additionally, pets need to be vaccinated against Rabies and other diseases such as Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para-influenza, and Bordetella.

Pets must undergo a Rabies Antibody Titer Test after receiving an inactivated Rabies vaccination. This test ensures that the vaccine has provided the correct levels of Rabies antibodies.

Yes, Australia has restrictions on certain breeds of dogs and cats. For dogs, breeds such as Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, and Perro de Presa Canarios are prohibited from being imported. For cats, there are restrictions on hybrid breeds like Bengal cats, unless they are at least five generations removed from their wild ancestors. It’s important to check the specific regulations and consult with a professional pet transport service like Keringa-Petwings to ensure your pet meets all the requirements for import.

The documentation process can take several months and involves detailed paperwork, including an import permit and health certificates. It’s crucial to start early and ensure all documents are correctly completed to avoid delays.

Pets typically need to stay in quarantine for 30 days upon arrival in Australia. However, if the pet’s microchip is validated with State Vets before the blood draw, the quarantine period can be reduced to 10 days.

Keringa-Petwings can help with all aspects of the process, including obtaining veterinary documentation, import permits, customs clearances, flight bookings, and providing in-transit boarding and crate training.

The entire process, from initial vaccinations to quarantine, can take several months. It’s recommended to start planning at least 9-10 months before your desired travel date to ensure all requirements are met in time.