International Pet Travel & Export Preparation

The documents required depend on the country you are travelling to. They may include an import permit, veterinary health certificate, vaccination records, laboratory test results, parasite treatment records, microchip details and other veterinary declarations or export documentation.

We can help you work through the veterinary requirements for your particular destination.

As early as possible. Some destinations have relatively straightforward requirements, while others require a preparation process lasting several months.
Rabies vaccination, rabies antibody testing and mandatory waiting periods are common reasons why preparation needs to begin well before your intended departure date.

If you know you are likely to be moving or travelling overseas, contact us early so we can help establish a timeline.

In most cases, veterinary examinations form part of the export process, although the exact requirements and timing vary between countries.

Many destinations require a final examination within a specified period before departure to confirm that your pet is healthy and fit to travel.

Possibly. The requirements are determined by the country your pet is travelling to.

Depending on the destination, your pet may require rabies or other vaccinations, blood testing and specific internal or external parasite treatments. These may need to be performed within very specific timeframes.

We will help ensure that any required veterinary procedures are completed in the correct order and at the appropriate time.

Yes. We can assist with the veterinary component of your pet’s export preparation, including examinations, vaccinations, testing, treatments and completion of relevant veterinary declarations and supporting documentation.

Some export permits, government health certificates or endorsements are issued or completed by the Australian Government rather than by your regular veterinarian. We can work with you and your pet transport company to help ensure the veterinary documentation required from us is completed correctly.

You may still hear the term “AQIS-accredited vet” used when discussing international pet travel, but this is now outdated terminology.

AQIS — the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service — was the government body historically associated with quarantine and export certification.

Under the current system, Australian registered veterinarians can prepare companion animals such as dogs and cats for international export and do not require separate Department of Agriculture accreditation for this work.

What is important is choosing a veterinarian familiar with the often detailed requirements involved in international pet travel. Dr Simon Roberts has experience and additional training in preparing pets for international export.