Transporting pets from Vietnam to Australia safely and quickly

How old does your pet need to be to come to Australia ?

Pets must be eight weeks old to travel domestically and 12 to 15 weeks old to travel internationally. Though different airlines have different minimum age rules, it is generally accepted that you cannot fly a pup that is younger than eight weeks. Many countries such as the UK and other countries in the EU do not permit unvaccinated puppies younger than the age of 12 weeks to enter the country.

Can your pet move in hot weather ?

Pets can travel in the summer season provided they are well hydrated during the 48 hours before flying. Our pet handlers always assess the health of your pet when they are collected for travel and again prior to departure, and our team will re-schedule flights where weather conditions are deemed unsafe.

Can your snub-nosed cat or dog move during hot weather?

Snub-nosed dogs and cats or brachycephalic breeds are often at higher risk during air travel than other breeds and need special precautions while flying. The risk of dehydration is increased during hot weather for purebred brachycephalic dogs and cats, including Boston Terriers, British Bull Dogs, English Bull Dogs, French Bull Dogs, Japanese Chins, Pekingese and Pugs. Our team will help you with the travel arrangements and re-schedule flights if weather conditions are deemed unsafe.

What is the upper limit on age for a pet to relocate internationally?

There is no particular age limit for a pet to fly long haul; it depends on the breed and how healthy the pet is. Every pet is different and it is best to check with your vet whether your pet is fit to travel before making plans.

How much does it cost to relocate your pet?

The cost of relocation is different for different pets; the cost changes depending on the origin and destination, the weight and breed of the pet, airline fares and other factors.

A few notes when transporting pets to Australia

Is air travel right for your pet?

Not all pets are suitable for air travel and owners should carefully consider whether their pets are suitable for this type of transportation.

General eligibility criteria

Cats and dogs can be exported to Australia only from approved countries. Pets must not be under quarantine at the time of shipping and must be at least eight weeks old. Cats and dogs must not be more than 40 days pregnant or suckling at the time of export. You can bring in selected species of birds and pet rabbits from New Zealand only. Australia does not allow the import of any other pet into the country.

Microchip

All pets entering Australia need to be implanted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip that can be read by an Avid, Destron or other ISO compliant readers. The microchip must be scanned after implantation, and the number must be recorded correctly on all your pet’s documents.

Implanting the right microchip is critical because if the biosecurity officials cannot read it, or if the number is not recorded correctly in the documentation, your pet will not be allowed to enter the country.

Import permit

An import permit is necessary to import your pet into Australia. You will need to submit the application and the supporting documentation that includes rabies vaccination, the rabies titre test declaration and the rabies titre test laboratory report. All the supporting documentation should bear the microchip number of the pet clearly.

Imports permits take about 20 days to process and are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. It is critical that you submit the correct documentation; incorrect and incomplete applications will be put on hold by the department.

Other health treatments and tests

Your pet dog will need to fulfil a host of veterinary requirements before flying to Australia. Dogs and cats must be treated against internal parasites twice before entering the country. The second treatment must be within five days of export. Cats need two treatments against external parasites the procedures have to be 14 days apart and the second treatment must be within five days or travelling to Australia.

Dogs need to be tested and treated for Brucellosis, Leishmaniosis, Leptospirosis, Ehrlichia canis, and Babesia canis if your dog has ever visited mainland Africa.

Health certificate

Your pet has to undergo a pre-export clinical examination by a government approved vet within five days of flying. The vet has to examine for external parasites and check for signs of infectious or contagious diseases.

After the clinical examination, your pet will need a veterinary health certificate signed by an official government veterinarian in the country of export. The certificate must have details of all the vaccinations and other health tests in the proper format. This is an important document, and any error in the document will result in increased quarantine time for your pet.

Quarantine

Pets arriving from Category I countries are not obliged to spend time in quarantine. Your pet is free to go home with you after post-arrival inspection. Cats and dogs entering Australia from Category II and Category III countries will spend about 10 days in the  quarantine facility, provided your pet meets all the veterinary requirements.

Pets travelling from non-approved countries have to spend at least six months in an approved country in Category II or III before moving to Australia. Upon entry in Australia, your pet will spend 10 days in the quarantine facility before you can take him or her home.