Are you and your dog relocating to Australia? You might have heard that the rules are pretty strict and they are. Since it is a rabies free country, shipping a dog to Australia requires some planning ahead of time. Here is a list of things you will need to do prior to travel and if you find that there are just too many, our pet shipping specialists are always here to help with any dog relocation questions you may have.

Banned breeds:

There are certain breeds that are banned from Australia like Pit Bulls, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro and Presa Canario. While we think you dog is lovely no matter what breed, these dog breeds will need different accommodations.

Microchip:

Before vaccinations your pet must be microchipped. So that when they are vaccinated the record shows that it was for that dog who got the vaccines, it’s all very official like this.

Vaccinations:

Your pup will need to have a Rabies vaccination within a year of travel. They also require Distemper, Para-influenza, Bordetella, Parvovirus, Canine influenza, Leptospirosis, Leishmaniosis, Ehrlicia canis and Brucellosis. All of these must be valid through the quarantine stage so timing is crucial.

Parasites:

Whether your pup has them or not they must be treated for both internal and external parasites. Starting treatment several weeks before the dog travels.

Titer:

Australia requires a blood titer test to corroborate the vaccination levels.

Import permit:

An import permit must be filed after the titer and within 40 days of entering Australia.

Health Certificate:

The health certificate must be completed by a USDA accredited Veterinarian (don’t worry we have one on staff). It must be issued within 72 hours of your dog’s departure.

In Australia:

Your dog will travel as cargo into Melbourne Airport, once there there will be a quarantine period, usually 10 days.

Since the rules and regulations for dog shipping in Australia are quite complex we strongly suggest that you contact our pet travel experts who are here to help.