Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery has been providing export services for dogs and cats for over 10 years, so are fully qualified to take the stress out of exporting your pet overseas safely. Prior to the export process, our vets will inform you of the specific testing and treatment schedules required for your cat or dog and create a schedule for you. The export process includes health examinations, blood testing, administering vaccines or medications, and issuing all the necessary paperwork to successfully export your pet.
We will also discuss your individual needs, and guide you through the entire process to ensure your pet arrives in your new destination safely and without a hitch.
It is very important to contact us well in advance of your intended departure date.
You must also contact the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) at least 10 days prior to export to obtain a Notice of Intention to Export.
For specific information please contact DAWR on 1800 900 090, or visit the DAWR website.
Once you have read the following information, please contact Nicklin Way Veterinary Surgery via the online form below, or by calling us on 5493 2655.
To find out more information on what is involved with exporting your pet from Australia, please see the DAWR Exporting live animals: Companion Animals website which outlines the steps involved.
General overview of requirements for all countries
Below is a general overview for all animals heading overseas:
- Ensure your pet is fully vaccinated as this will protect them both in transit and when they arrive at their new destination. This means F3 (flue and enteritis) for cats, and C5 (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and kennel cough) for dogs.
- Ensure that your pet is up to date with intestinal worming (within the last 3 months) and is currently receiving heartworm prevention.
- Ensure external parasites (fleas) are not visible.
- Microchipping is compulsory for pets that are exported. We use ISO (internationally accredited) microchips which are valid overseas too.
- Ensure your pet is fit and healthy so they are ready for their exciting journey ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does export cost?
Veterinary fees for both visits, blood testing and flea/worm treatments may vary depending on the weight of your pet and which country you are travelling to. Please contact us for an estimate using our Export Quotation Request form. Pet transport company fees vary and are additional to the veterinary testing and treatment mentioned here. While owners can export their pet to other countries without having to export through a transport company, New Zealand requires cats and dogs to be imported via transport companies.
Can I apply the flea treatment and worm my pet myself at home?
No, this is not possible. In order to meet the veterinary requirements set out by your destination country, ALL treatments and blood tests MUST be performed by a registered Veterinarian.
Can I sedate my pet for the trip?
Sedating pets for flights is not advisable. Although baggage handlers and airport personnel will take good care of your pet during transit, they are not actually accompanied for the flight. If they are sedated, they are wobbly on their legs, and may stumble over or fall asleep in an awkward position, or even worse, fall asleep with their head in their water bowl. It is better to arrive safe and sound than to arrive with an injury or worse.
How can I make the journey less stressful on my pet?
Frequent travelling in the care is also a good way to prepare your pet for motion. Spending time away from your pet will get them used to periods of separation.
Obtain the travel crate well in advance. There are specific International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards for the size and type of crate permitted for travel. Transport companies will sell/hire the approved crates. Once you have obtained the crate, keep it in your home so it will take on your scent. Feed your pet in the crate daily, and allow them to sleep in there so they see the crate as a positive environment. When it comes time to travel place some of their bedding in the crate, but choose carefully as some countries will destroy all bedding on arrival.
We are taking several pets overseas- can they share a crate?
For safety reasons, generally pets need their own crates. There may be exceptions to this, but guidance on this matter would need to come from AQIS. Please think carefully about this, as all animals are unpredictable, and even the best of friends can have a disagreement when they are out of their comfort zone and in a confined space.
How soon after arrival can I see my pet?
This will depend on the country you are travelling to and the number of animals travelling that day. No matter how excited you are to be finally re-united with your pet, please remember their safety. DO NOT open their crate in the airport terminal! They may be feeling a little overwhelmed and may ‘run for safety’ when the door of their crate is finally opened.
Do the time frames for the treatments, tests and health checks need to be strictly followed, or are they a guideline only?
The timing MUST be adhered t o in order for your pet to be eligible for entry into your destination country.
The requirements are set by the government of your destination country and are designed to reduce the risk of importing a foreign disease. The time frames are just as important as the actual treatments, tests and health checks themselves.
Pet transport companies
The following pet transport companies service Brisbane Airport. For a list of other pet transport companies, see the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association
Export Quotation Request
Please fill in the below. Please note Pet 1 is required (*)
[contact-form-7 id=”1033″ title=”Pet Transport”]
