Homes & Relocation Detail
Don’t leave me behind
Relocating to Australia should not be the reason to give away your family pet. Pets are happy to live wherever their owners are.
It may seem a daunting prospect, with health checks and a long haul flight but more than a million pets fly safely world-wide each year. Australia is one of the most popular destinations for people emigrating so it's is necessary to plan well ahead when considering taking your family pet as space in the livestock hold and Australian quarantine stations is limited.
Australian import regulations require an import permit valid for 9 months and microchip identification.
Dogs only: Blood test for Leptospirosis, Brucella Canis, Ehrlochia and Leishmaniasis within 30 days of export. NB.Your dog will need to have treatment with a long acting Acaricide within 24 hours of sampling and written proof of this must be supplied by your vet.
Vaccinations against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo Virus, Para Influenza & Bordatella (kennel cough). Do not vaccinate for Leptspirosis as it could affect the blood test results. Vaccinations must be given at least 14 days and not more than 12 months prior to export.
Dogs & cats: Spray and worm prior to departure and health certificate.
Treatments against internal and external parasites
DEFRA export health certificate signed within 48 hours of export
Vaccinations cats: Feline Flu and Enteritis. Vaccinations must be given at least 14 days and not more than 12 months prior to export
It's best to seek advice for an update on requirements as they can change periodically.
Flight & Destination Information - Pets travel comfortably in the livestock hold of direct passenger flights and are checked and watered en route. Australia bound pets spend 30 days in well run government quarantine kennels. Quarantine stations are situated in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Onward forwarding arrangements can be made through the kennels to other destinations in Australia. Perth and Melbourne quarantine stations have limited space so ensure you give enough notice to reserve a place for your pet's stay.
Air Kennels - Pets travel in IATA approved air kennels, large enough to enable the animal to stand, lie and turn around. Familiar bedding will help them to settle down to their long journey. Ask your vet for a natural pheromone spray called DAP for dogs and FELIWAY for cats. Spray this around the inside of the air kennel to help them remain calm. You could also add Bachs Rescue Remedy (Original Flower Remedy) to their drinking water for a few days before travel.
The timing and accuracy of the blood tests are crucial to the success of your pets' export. Together with your vet, employing the services of a recognised pet travel agent can help. If you'd rather pay someone to do the hard work as you'll have enough to do with just getting yourselves organised for the big move, a company like Airpets has 40 years experience and excellent facilities to make it easy for you to move your pet from the UK to Australia.
Being based at Heathrow, their spacious heated kennels and 5* cattery is an ideal base for pets to rest before embarking on a long haul flight or dealing on the spot with any problems that may arise. Pet travel consultants are based on-site allowing them to have personal contact with the pets they are helping to move. Daily veterinary visits / checking accuracy of all documents and minimum check-in time to Heathrow are just part of the special service they offer.
For many people pets are part of the family and only natural that they should come along too!
For more information go to www.airpets.com