Export Pets to Australia

We can assist you with all the complexities of the veterinary and administrative pre-export preparation of your pets for export to Australia. 

The Australian import requirements for dogs and cats being exported to are detailed. There are several blood tests and veterinary treatments to be done, and there are also certain waiting periods and limited test and treatment validities. Our service is to provide all these services, and guide you confidently through the entire process. We recommend beginning the pre-export preparation a minimum of 7 months in advance of your intended departure date. 

 They also require an Australian import permit, which we will apply for and the cost of which is included in our service package. After arrival in Australia, they will need to spend a minimum of 10 days in a post-export quarantine facility in Australia after they leave South Africa.

Follow these links to the Australian Department of Agriculture website, which explains the pre-export preparation required for your dogs and cats before they will be eligible for export. We do recommend that you visit the website and familiarise yourself with Australia’s requirements, should you be planning on emigrating to Australia and taking your pets with you.

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs

The latest update to the import requirements for pets to Australia includes the necessity for a Microchip Verification to be done by a South African State Vet (Government Veterinarian), to allow your pets to be eligible for the minimum 10 days of post-export quarantine. If the process is not done, the pets will be required to undergo 30 days of post-export quarantine. Although we are unable to do this process for you, we will give you detailed guidance on getting it done with your nearest State Vet.

PLEASE NOTE: The RNATT test must be done AFTER the microchip verification process, in order for your pets to be eligible for the 10 days of post-export quarantine. After performing the RNATT (rabies) test, which initiates the pre-export preparation of your pets, there is still a minimum period of 180 days (six months) before they are eligible for export to Australia. Please bear this in mind when you are planning your emigration.

Feel free to contact us to discuss the details of the requirements for exporting your pets, and to obtain a quote for our pre-export services.

To ensure your pet is ready to begin the process, your pets will require the following:

An ISO approved microchip will need to be inserted, if your pet does not already have one. 

A valid rabies vaccination must have been performed within 12 months of the start of the pre-export process, and a vaccination certificate with this vaccination and any previous vaccinations recorded in it must accompany your pet.

We offer three tiers of service in our Pet Travel Clinic:

1. Basic Package: For this package you will be required to present your pets at our facility on the dates and times required by Paws Resort in order to have the various tests, treatments and examinations performed by Dr Kristine to prepare them for export. In addition to the  required veterinary preparations, Paws Resort will also do the Australian import permit application, guidance with the booking of your pets into the Australian post-export quarantine station, liaising with the South African State Vets for the various certifications and endorsements required at various times during the administrative process, and any other administrative requirements necessary for preparing your pets for export.
2. Home Visit Package:  Dr Page will attend your pets in your home for the drawing of the blood for the RNATT test, and for the final pre-export health check done within 5 days of export. This package is conditional on your pet’s temperament (we will not attend pets that are aggressive to visitors at home), your home’s proximity to our facility (only if your address is within a 50km radius of Paws Resort’s premises), and availability of our veterinarian, as it is a high-demand service.  You or your representative will be required to bring your pets to our facility for the other two appointments within the final 34 days before the pets’ departure date.
   
3. 34-day-boarding Package: For this package you will be required to either present your pets at Paws Resort for the initial RNATT (rabies) test, which initiates the pre-export preparation of your pet for export, or request a home visit for the RNATT tests. If you live at a locale far removed from our facility you can also present them to your local vet to have them perform this test. Then, at 34 days prior to their departure, you will book them into our facility for boarding in our luxury accommodation, during which time they will undergo the remaining tests, treatments and examinations necessary to prepare them for export. Having them board with us will remove the stress of all the transport backwards and forwards during the last 34 days of their pre-export period. They will be right where they need to be, when they need to be there, and it reduces the risk of delays due to not being able to make it to us (or to your local vet) on time for a particular procedure. We are able to board them for any length of time you may require, in addition to this final 34 days, for example if you are travelling to Australia before your pets are eligible to do so, or if you will be away at a time when a required procedure needs to be done. 



We pride ourselves on the individual attention we will give your pets during their time with us, and we and our experienced staff will provide a comfortable and caring environment for them for the duration of their stay. As part of this package, we will also apply for your pets’ import permits, give detailed guidance on how to book them into the Australian post-export quarantine station, liaise with the South African State Vets for the various certifications and endorsements required at various times during the administrative process, and other administrative requirements of preparing your pet(s) for export.

Although we do not arrange the transport aspects of your pets’ relocation ourselves, we do work very closely with Aeropets Worldwide, a reputable pet transport company. They will be able to provide the services of booking the flights of your pets to Australia, as well as providing the IATA approved travel crates, and transporting them to the airport on the day of departure. Contact us and we can request a quote from Aeropets on your behalf for the transport aspects of your pets’ relocation.

So contact us today for a quote on a Pet Travel Clinic package that suits your budget and your specific requirements. We hope that you will let us help you take the stress and trouble out of preparing your pets for export to Australia. We’ve been doing this for twelve years now, and experience counts!