If you have decided to move to New Zealand and wish to take your pets with you, there are a number of procedures and vet consultations required in order to allow your dog and cat’s swift export. Currently we are not providing this service so please contact AQIS for more information.
- You must contact AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) and notify them of your intention to export your pet – guidelines are available on their website http://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/companion/notice-intention-live-animals. A “Notice of Intent Form” must be submitted to AQIS a minimum of 10 days prior to your intended travel date. Please note that if you are planning on returning to Australia with your pet, you will need to obtain import information from AQIS (http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/live-animals) , as we do not qualified give advice regarding re–importing your pet to Australia. It is best to understand these requirements prior to leaving Australia as they may affect the decision to take your pet, as well as impact on your travel plans with your pet overseas.
- Your pet will require a microchip (ISO standard) for identification. If your pet is not already microchipped we can implant one here at the clinic. The cost is $95.00.
- Dogs over 6 months of age require to have blood tests taken for heartworm and babesia no more than 16 days prior to the date of export (dogs under 6months just get tested for babesia). Cats do not need blood testing. This can often be co-ordinated with one of the examination and parasite treatment visits mentioned below.
- Both dogs and cats must be examined and administered parasite treatments twice by an AQIS accredited vet. The first must be within 30 days, and the second within 48 hrs of the date of transport. The minimum interval between the checks must be 14 days. It may be logistically possible to co-ordinate these visits with a dog’s blood tests by the first visit being done 15-16 days prior, and the second 1-2 days prior. The cost is the same whether visits are coordinated or not. If a transport company is used (see below), the final visit is completed by them; we send our paperwork on to them so the two visits can be combined onto the same forms. The costs of blood tests and visits vary depending on how many of the visits we do and the size and age of the animal (medications doses, blood tests required etc). As a guide it ranges from $650-$950 per dog. Cats are $335-$490. We are not currently providing this service.
- At the final examination and parasite treatment visit, we also need to establish that your pet is in excellent physical health prior to export, to ensure that they will be fit for the long flight and any time in transit, and to ensure they are not carrying any contagious diseases.We are not currently providing this service.
- Following this, you take your signed documents to AQIS at the airport and have them approved. (You need to book an appointment for this with them) Costs vary from about $120 per pet. Please contact them for an exact price. It is best to make a time for this appointment approximately 1 1/2 hours or more after your scheduled health check. Flights cannot be booked on Sundays or Mondays for the logistical reason that we are not open Sundays, we don’t always have an AQIS accredited vet working on Saturdays, and AQIS only operate on weekdays.
- IATA (airline approved) crates of an appropriate size are required for the transportation of your pet. Crates can be purchased online, some pet store retailers and pet transport companies. The airline will examine the crate at the time of the flight to see it is IATA approved. If you are unsure if your crate meets the required standards, please seek the advice of AQIS well in advance of your flight date.
- The flight ticket for your pet must be organized by yourself – we cannot give advice regarding the flight’s costs or logistics as every airline is different. You need to contact the airline direct to discuss their requirements. Some airlines have restrictions on which breeds they will carry also, so please be aware of this. Not all airlines will carry pets. Not all airlines will deal with the public and some only deal with Transport Companies.
As this whole procedure is long and complex we would recommend you use the help of a transport company such as Dogtainers http://www.dogtainers.com.au as they will be able to provide all the necessary advice and documentation, rather than attempting the process on your own. Generally the transport company will look after all your paperwork, provide the crates, book the flights and do the final 48 hour vet check up, treatments and AQIS check. This will take a load off your mind and makes for a smooth, hassle free export.