Pets & Quarantine
Importing, quarantine and keeping a pet in Australia can be a very delicate and emotional subject for people. Many families take their pets with them to Western Australia especially if the pet is a well established member of the family. However, the trip for your pet will be a long one follwed by 30 days in quarantine and then, all being well, delivery to brand new surroundings and a new home.
If your pet is fit and healthy then this should not present a problem. If your pet is not a young animal and perhaps has an illness then the journey and new surroundings could cause too much stress to your well-loved pet. It would be wise to check with your vet first before reaching a decision.
The Process
Moving to Western Australia and bringing your pet is very commonplace today.
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is the Government Agency which deals with the importing of any animal into Western Australia. Standards and procedures are laid down by the AQIS and must be adhered to to successfully bring your pet into WA. The rules and regulations, a guide to importing pets and the costs involved are very well laid out on their excellent web site.
Costs Involved
When considering bringing your pet into Western Australia you need to be aware of all the costs involved.
Direct flights are recommended due to the health and welfare considerations of the animal. No cheap flight options here! Any pet must have blood tests before departure to ensure they are not carrying diseases and the tests must be analysed at a Government laboratory.
Fees will need to be paid for an import permit with AQIS, an official Vetinary Certificate and for your pet to be micro chipped. The owner must also pay all quarantine fees assocated with the import and quarantine accommodation whilst in Western Australia which is usally 30 days from date of arrival.
The pet must travel in an approved container which must be purchased by you although you then keep the container after use. Your pet must also have all the required vaccinations required by AQIS and those vaccinations must be valid for the entire quarantine period.
There are also transfer fees payable from the quarantine station to your new home. Local councils also require a lkicensing and registration fee for some pets.
Once in Western Australia, you will also need to take your pet to a local vet to discuss any oprecautions that you should take for the loocal area in which you live. Further vaccinations may be required to guard against local known pet diseases. You may also wish to consider taking out pet insurance to cover any vet bills for your pet - you will have pet out a fair amount of money to get your pet to Western Australia and it may be worthwhile considering protecting your investment!
Using a Shipping Agent
As you can see the process can be both costly and complicated. This is why most migrants choose to use a shipping agent as they have the know how and expertise to offer a door to door service for the safe arrival of your pet. Consider obtaining a quote and get full information on the service they can offer.
Local Council Regulations
Most Western Australian councils have strict rules and guidelines on pets.
All dogs are required to be registered and licensed. How the dog is kept and the dog's behaviour also comes under local council rules to ensure the dog does not become a nuisance to other WA inhabitants. Cats also come under local council regulations. Contact your local council and they will have full details of all their pet related regulations.
Useful contact details:
www.aqis.gov.au
go to their main site, select "animals" from the menu and then select "a guide to importing dogs and cats" for the relevant information
For pet importing and exporting companies visit:
www.airpets.com
www.ryslip.com
www.ladyhaye.co.uk
www.parair.co.uk
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