While the process to move a dog to Australia does take 190 days when it's all said and done, your dog will only need to stay in a quarantine facility for 10 days, and that occurs at the very end, after she has arrived in Australia.
Australia is free from a number of cat and dog diseases and has a highly favourable animal health status. In order to protect this status, cats and dogs must undertake a period of quarantine upon arrival in Australia.
How long does my animal need to stay in quarantine? All cats and dogs must stay at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility in Melbourne for at least 10 - 30 days and up to 180 days. They will have to stay longer if there are issues that increase the biosecurity risk.
Dogs and cats entering Australia from an approved country require an Import permit issued by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Pet Carriers International has a team specialising in Import Pets to Australia.
You must import your cat or dog directly from an approved country. The conditions your cat or dog must meet can vary depending on the approved country. Your cat or dog must also undergo veterinary preparations and certification in the approved country before you import them to Australia.
The short answer to your question is "no, you can't avoid quarantine" -- your dog will have to follow the standard rules and fulfill a 30-day quarantine upon arrival. As a rabies-free country, Australia imposes specific procedures upon pets imported there.
Ensure your pet has been vaccinated for rabies and has an ISO-compliant microchip implanted. If you are returning to Australia within six months of departure, it is recommended that you apply for an import permit before leaving Australia.
The total cost of bringing a dog to Australia is around $4,000 (USD) / $5,600 (AUD). The cost is broken down into the following fees: Vet fees – microchipping, vaccinations and treatments varies on your veterinarian centre's fees and home country (average $300 (USD) / $425 (AUD))
If your pet satisfies all pet import requirements, the quarantine period is generally ten days. During these ten days, quarantine officers examine your pet and assess them for any biosecurity threats. Pet parents are not allowed to visit their pets at the facility at this time.
Entering Australia With A Pet
Bringing pets to Australia by air, can only be done as manifest cargo. Pets can't fly in cabin or as excess luggage. Pets can only land in Melbourne International Airport where they will be transferred to the post entry quarantine facility.
If contracted by humans, it is almost always fatal. It is for this reason, and for the benefit of public health, that pets involved in animal bites, scratches and possible exposures be quarantined to insure that the rabies virus is not transmitted to humans.
If your dog is young and fit and healthy, then it should travel easily. If your doggo is getting older then you may face some more challenges. In some areas of Australia, you may find different diseases such as Leptospirosis.
You do not have to put your pet cat, dog or ferret in quarantine if both the following apply: it arrives and leaves within 48 hours. it stays in a holding facility at the port or airport.
The best way to travel around Australia with your dog is in your own vehicle. There's a great tradition of doing the “Big Lap”, and many people take along their dog, finding dog-friendly options along the way.
Quarantine limits the animal's contact with other animals and people, reducing exposure if the animal involved does have rabies. Quarantine also allows veterinarians and health officials to observe the animal for any signs or symptoms associated with the rabies virus.
All pets must enter Australia via Melbourne Airport (MEL), regardless of whether your new home will be in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or anywhere else in the country. They will spend their quarantine period in the new post-entry quarantine facility at Mickleham, which is close to Melbourne airport.
Regardless of rabies vaccination status, the biting dog is issued 10-day quarantine paperwork. Usually, this means a HOME quarantine and requires the dog to stay on the property or on a leash if walked off the property until the Animal Inspector visits to release the dog from the quarantine.
You'll need to provide your own crate or hire one through an animal transport company, ensuring it is airline-approved and complies with IATA requirements: Your pet must be able to stand, sit and turn around in a natural manner inside. There must be a refillable water container attached.
Your pet may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months if you do not follow these rules - or refused entry if you travelled by sea. You're responsible for any fees or charges. There's different guidance if you're taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad.
Bringing your pet from a Group 3 country into Australia usually takes 6 months. Cats and dogs coming to Australia from Group 3 countries must be accompanied by a valid import permit. On arrival in Australia, cats and dogs must spend a minimum of 10 days at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility.
On regular commercial flights, for now pet dogs and cats can only fly in the hold of airplanes in Australia, generally as cargo. This means that you need to make a booking with the freight division of the airline (or a pet transport company) and drop them off at the cargo terminal.
Woolworths welcomes certified service dogs
“As per Australian law, customers who have a guide dog or registered companion pets are welcome in our stores. However, we do not allow for everyday pets or animals to enter our stores,” a spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.
All pets and animals are not permitted to enter Woolworths stores, with the exception of registered guide dogs and assistance animals. However in her video, the Woolworths worker said that she had met the pups when customers had tried to bring into the store.
Australia does not have an official 'Pet Passport', however it is a term used to describe the documents that are required to import a dog to Australia. Customs officials will need to see these documents in order to clear your dog in customs.