how do i take my dog to austrailia and how much will it cost?

Question

next year we are moving to austrailia to live from scotland, we have a 6y old lurcher who we want to take with us if poss, we know a vet that does doggy passports but is this valid only for europe? what is the deal with long haul destinations and will dog neet to get a life long auzzy visa as we are not comming back to the uk? also does anyone have any idea about how we will get logan out there is there a seperate animal flight and is there a quarintine period? (and any idea how much all this will cost? our flights are about £800 each how much will a dogs be?)
cheers :)

Answer 1

I work for an international freight forwarding company and have shipped animals for several years.
It's not easy to tell you how much shipping would be. However I can tell you that the majority of animals (pets) are carried as cargo on regular passenger flights. There are very strict rules on the size of crate, which is dependent on the size of the animal. Also for Australia you must use a crate which has been specially treated and certified.
Your vet should be able to supply you with the required health certificates and a blood test is normally required for animals entering Australia.
For the exact requirements you should contact the Australian Consulate and a reputable freight forwarder to carry your pet.

As your dog will be carried as cargo you will be charged on a weight per kilo basis. This is calculated on a "chargeable weight". Chargeable weight can be either the actual weight of the dog and crate or a volumetric calculation based on the crate ( L x W x D cm then divided by 6000). you will be charged at the heavier weight. There will also be handling and security charges, AQS (Animal quarantine service, UK) charges and a vets fee. There will also be other charges at destination Customs clearance, import handling, quarantine fees and vets fees. there is a quarantine period in Australia, but from memory I can't remember how long it is.

I hope this helps, good luck!

Answer 2

I suppose you realise we have VERY strict Quarantine Laws in Australia. All animals from overseas must go into Quarantine. We don't have rabies, foot and mouth and many other diseases and we don't want them. I hope this helps.

This is from the Govt website, the web address is below.

Bringing your pet to Australia?
Select the country you wish to export from below, to download an information package containing the relevant quarantine requirements, fees, import permit application and the steps involved throughout the entire import process.

AVAILABILITY OF SPACE FOR CATS AND DOGS AT
ANIMAL QUARANTINE STATIONS

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) wishes to advise that
all Australian animal quarantine stations are at full capacity and all stations are fully booked for several months.

People wishing to have their pets accommodated at an Australian animal quarantine station should apply for an import permit at least 5 months in advance of anticipated departure.

An import permit does not guarantee a space at an animal quarantine station.

BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE FOR YOUR PET/S.

To book a space at an Australian animal quarantine station, a permit number is required. Once an import permit has been issued for your pet/s and you have a permit number, contact the relevant animal quarantine station to make a reservation. Please note the waiting time can be at least 5 months.

Provision of an airway bill number to the animal quarantine station will be required to confirm your pet/s reservation closer to the time of departure.

Helpline for Live Animal Imports
If you would like to speak to someone regarding the importation of cats and dogs please contact our Helpline between 0900hrs and 1700hrs (AEST) on + 61 2 6272 4454.

Answer 3

I did this some years ago, too long to give prices etc., but the dog came out in the hold of a regular flight. Look for specialist animal shippers for the full story.

Here is an Australian government link that will answer some of your questions:

http://www.affa.gov.au/content/output.cfm?ObjectID=768C53F1-E1E3-47B6-A1516B834217B7F8

Answer 4

My sister in law is going to Oz soon, they have 2 dogs and looked into taking them. They have now had them re-homed with a relative as it was going to cost about £3000 a dog. Maybe they were just unlucky with their quote! :-(

Answer 5

You can fly animals on a plan but I am not for sure how much it cost. But you know it isn't illegal to send animals through the mail you just have to pay to send them over night or express mail...it's an idea, you know?