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So, you are thinking about bringing your dog to Australia? The good news is that it is possible to get your four-legged friend to the land down under. The bad news is that it takes some serious planning. From airline requirements to government regulations, there is a lot to figure out.

Ready to show your furry friend the world? Here is your ultimate guide to bringing your dog to Australia.

Talk to the Airline

The first thing to do is to talk to the airline. Make sure that they allow pets and that you understand their requirements. The airline that you choose to fly with may have different requirements than the Australian government. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with both sets of requirements and ensure that you are 100 percent prepared long before you ever set foot in the airport. 

Some airlines offer clearer guidelines than others. Regardless of your airline, it is a good idea to bring a printed copy of the airline requirements on your trip. You may run across airport staff who aren’t familiar with the regulations and it is handy to have a copy of the official rules on you. 

Get a Microchip for Your Dog 

If you are bringing your dog to Australia and you don’t have a microchip yet, get moving! Having a microchip is mandatory (it is also a good idea to having a microchip anyway in case your pet were to ever be lost). You will need to get a microchip for your dog before you do any of the requirements treatments or paperwork at the vet. 

Get Your Rabies Vaccination

When you are bringing your dog to Australia, you need to ensure that your pet has had a rabies vaccination. The rabies virus vaccine must be valid at the time of travel. In order to receive a rabies vaccination, your puppy must be at least three months old. 

It is important to note that Australia does not accept three-year rabies vaccinations so you will need to get another vaccination if your dog has had this type of shot. 

Rabies Antibody Titer Test

After your dog has a rabies vaccination, you will need to get an accredited vet to administer a Rabies Antibody Titer Test. This ensures that your pup’s rabies antibody levels are at the right level. The results of this test, along with lab information, and the date, will be listed on your dog’s health certificate. 

Prohibited Dogs

Certain dog breeds are prohibited from being imported into Australia. If your dog is a purebred of one of the following breeds, you won’t be able to bring your dog into the country: dogo Argentino; fila Brasileiro; Japanese Tosa; American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier; or Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario. 

Get Your Import Permit

After you get your dog’s Titer Test done, you will need to file for an Import Permit. This needs to be done in an approved country more than 42 days prior to the bringing your dog to Australia. This permit is good for one year after it is issued. It is worth noting that you don’t need to get this permit if you are coming from New Zealand, Norfolk Island, or the Keeling Islands. 

Health Exam and Certificate

No more than ten days before you plan on bringing your dog to Australia, you will need to get back into the vet. Your dog needs to have a full health exam before leaving. The vet is just going to determine that your dog is in good shape. Assuming your dog is in good health, your vet will issue a health certificate. 

Do Parasite Treatments

Within five days of departure, it is time to go back to the vet again! Before you get pack up for bringing your dog to Australia, you will need to get parasite treatments. 

Your vet will then be able to confirm that your free of parasites. At this time, your vet can give you the international health certificate that you need for bringing your dog to Australia. 

Quarantine Period

After bringing your dog to Australia, you will need to plan on a ten-day quarantine period at minimum. If anything comes up during the inspection arrival (such as your dog getting a flea or tick), you may be looking at a longer quarantine period.

For more detailed information, visit the official website of the Australian government.