Prior to travel, please consider these restrictions:
Microchipping
All dogs and cats must be microchipped for export to Australia. Microchipping can be performed at the time of the export check if the owner is present. If the owner is NOT present then we can only insert a microchip if the pet is accompanied by a signed letter from the owner giving permission to microchip that particular pet.
Prior to Export
Prior to the export check-up, an ‘owner statutory declaration’ must be completed if the owner is NOT going to be present for the check-up. This must be signed and witnessed by a JP or other authorised person and must be brought along with the pet at the time of the check-up. Each pet requires a separate declaration. The declaration must be signed within 90 days prior to the date of export. The pet must be presented with the ORIGINAL document, NOT a copy. If the owner is definitely going to be present for the check-up there is no need to fill in this declaration. If in doubt complete the declaration to avoid delays.
Export Certificate
An Export Certificate is required to be completed within 5 days of travel. This involves a visit to a vet who is approved to certify cats and dogs for export to Australia, (either Stuart Burrough or Mark Wiseman at The Vet Centre). They will treat the animal for internal and external parasites and perform a clinical exam to determine that the animal is:
If the pets health changes after the examination but before export then the examination must be repeated.
Proof of Birth
If your dog has, or if you are unsure if your dog has, ever lived outside of NZ or Australia a blood test for Ehrlichia canis and Leishmania will be required. The dog must have been resident in NZ for a minimum of 21 days prior to testing. Blood samples need to be collected at least 2-3 weeks prior to departure to allow time for testing. All blood testing must be done within New Zealand
Destination Information
At the time of the pre-export check-up you must be able to provide details of destination address in Australia, NZ address, date of travel and flight number.
Cages
Cages for travel must comply with IATA regulations. A copy of these regulations is attached. The animal must not be able to place its nose or paw outside the cage. The dimensions of the cage must allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down. Cages can be purchased or hired from airlines.
Travel Companies
Pet travel companies can make all the necessary arrangements for travel. Using an approved pet transporter is strongly advised, as it takes a lot of the hassle out of it all! A list of approved pet transporters is attached.
Sedation
Sedation is not recommended for the journey.
Owners Responsibility
It is the owner’s responsibility to notify DAFF (Australian equivalent of MAF) at least 3 days before export. The air-line or pet transporter can do this on behalf of the owner but it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure it has been done.
The information they need is:-
DAFF Biosecurity Port of Landing |
Phone | Fax | |
Cairns | +61 7 4030 7852 | +61 7 4030 7843 | cdo@daff.gov.au |
Brisbane/Coolangatta | +61 7 3246 8731 | +61 7 3246 8798 | QldLiveAnimalImports@daff.gov.au |
Sydney | +61 2 8334 7434 | +61 2 8334 7430 | NSWLiveAnimalImports@daff.gov.au |
Melbourne | +61 3 8318 6700 | +61 3 8308 5071 | seanimal@daff.gov.au |
Adelaide | +61 8 8201 6159 | +61 8 8201 6111 | saairfreight@daff.gov.au |
Perth | +61 8 9334 1555 | +61 8 9334 1668 | wacontroller@daff.gov.au |