How to Import a Cat to Australia from the United States/Canada

Some of you may in your lifetime find yourself uprooting your life and moving overseas. This is what I have done in my relocation to Brisbane, Queensland in the beautiful country of Australia. So, what do you do if you have Pets and want to bring them to Australia with you? I imported two cats to Australia with me when I moved, so here is a quick reference guide in the necessary order in which you must complete each step.

1. Your pet must have lived in the Country of Export for a minimum of 6 months prior to importing. They must also be at least 6 months of age.

2. Your cat must be implanted with a Microchip BEFORE a Rabies Antibody Test.

3. A Rabies Vaccination must be given within one year of Exporting

4. You will need to find an Official Veterinarian and a Government Veterinarian. The Official Vet will review all documents and certificates of your animal to approve the importation. The Official Vet can also tell you which Government Veterinarians are qualified to perform the necessary treatments and vaccinations.

5. You will also need to find a Government approved Laboratory to test all necessary samples for your cats exportation.

6. The Government Vet will need to perform the Rabies Antibody Titre Test. This must be between 60 Days - 12 Months prior to exporting. It should also be done at a minimum of 4 weeks AFTER the Rabies Vaccination test as it is to measure your Cats response to the vaccination.

7. The date that the Rabies Antibody Titre Test is performed will determine how long your cat will be kept in the Quarantine Station. If it is 150 days prior to exporting they will be quarantined for 30 days. If it is less than 150 days they will be quarantined for a longer period of time of up to 115 Days.

8. You need to have a Permit to Import your cat issued by the Australian Government. This means you will need to apply for one. (see my follow up article on Applying for a Permit to Import a Cat to Australia) Keep in mind that you should apply for a permit at least five months prior to the departure date as the Quarantine Stations book up quickly and you will need a Permit to book a space at the Quarantine Station.

9. Book a space at the appropriate Quarantine Station once you receive your Permit to Import

10. Book your Travel Itinerary. There are three Quarantine Stations within Australia: Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. This means your cat must arrive in Australia through one of three Airports: Kingsford Smith Sydney NSW, Tullamarine Melbourne Victoria, Perth Airport Western Australia. You will need an airline approved carrier and your cat must travel as Cargo. Speak to the appropriate airline for requirements regarding the carrier.

11. Your cat will also need to receive several General Vaccinations between 12 Months and 14 Days prior to Import. You will need to review the required vaccinations on http://www.daffa.gov.au/aqis/cat-dog .

12. Within 4 Days of Export your Cat must receive an Internal and External Parasite Treatment. Cats must be treated with an approved product for Fleas and Ticks. They must also be treated with a product approved for the treatment of worms..

13. Within 4 Days of Export your Government Approved Veterinarian must complete Veterinary Certificate A, which is attached to your Permit to Import.

14. Completion of Veterinary Certificate B on the Day of Departure. This must be completed by an Official Veterinarian, and is also attached to your Permit to Import.

It is advisable to begin the process as soon as possible as preparing your pet for Importing can prove to be a lengthy one. The Australian Governments Quarantine and Inspection Service Website has more detailed information on the requirements of how to Import your Cat. It is important that you take the time to read through this information, which can be located at http://www.daffa.gov.au/aqis/cat-dog.

References:

http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs/countries/cat4