Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Migrating to Australia with Your Pet

By Sally Webster


The idea of immigrating to Australia without your favourite relative - your pet! - can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has an animal immigration control body to help new visa-holders travel with their pet successfully.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service is vital to keeping Australia's protected flora and fauna safe from external threats. This is why the majority of pets are expected to undergo some period of quarantine.

It is not unusual for dogs and cats to experience a similar level of anxiety as humans before flying. Most flights to Australia are quite lengthy, so train your pet for the trip.

It is also important to investigate the varying protocols of different airlines when it comes to flying with pets. If you are having trouble locating this information on your own, it may be helpful to book your pets flight through a well-regarded pet travel agent who can assist your decisions.

On her website, Australian vet Dr Katrina Warren recommends pet owners assess their animals travel needs well before the date of departure. If your pet does not like travelling in a car, Dr Warren suggests introducing him or her to a travelling crate about a month before the flight. Just as when easing a new pet into your home, it is helpful to place familiar toys or items of clothing in the crate so your pet is accustomed to this new environment.

Tiring your pet out before you depart can help them to sleep along the way. Warren also suggested limiting their food intake on the day of the flight so there are no "accidents" in the travel kennel.

Dogs and cats from the Cocos Islands, New Zealand and Norfolk Island are not usually placed in Australian quarantine stations. Pets from more other countries will be, however.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) has divided the world into six quarantine categories. The levels are dependent on the presence and frequency of diseases - in particular, rabies - occurring in whatever country your pet is from. To find out more about your country, go to the AQIS website.

Australia had three quarantine facilities in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, enabling pet owners to choose the station closest to them.

It is vital that you take Australia's climate into account before you decide to travel with your pet. Heat stress can be deadly for cats and dogs and is especially problematic between the months of December and March when temperatures are very hot.

Don't get shocked by the cost of quarantine at the end of your pet's time at an Australian station. Weigh up expenses carefully, particularly if you are only working in Australia on a short-term basis.

Here is a quick overview of Australian quarantine costs for one dog quarantined for one month: Entry fee - $15.00 Vet fee - $80.00 (per 30 minutes) Document fee - $40.00 Rate - $1170.00 (30 x $39.00 daily rate) Total = $1305.00

For a cat, it is $1005.00.




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