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Quarantine in Australia: Pet care options!
October 15th, 2009
We currently have two four-legged customers who were unable to finish the 180-day pre-quarantine in the US prior to going to Australia. Most people don't like the idea of their pet having to spend six months in quarantine, but it's actually not "doggy jail" like they think.
Not only are the kennels heated and air conditioned, pets have the option to go out into their own private runs. Additionally, there are services that you can hire to care for your pet while he or she's in quarantine. One of the ones we use is called Dog Walks, an "independent dog walking service in Australia available for exercising and visiting dogs in all three AQIS quarantine stat
ions."
Dog Walks make sure that your pet is staying exercised and getting plenty of attention and they will also post pictures and videos of the pets so owners overseas or not yet in Australia can check in on them.
This is a great alternative if you cannot arrange the paperwork in time for your pet's move to quarantine. Here are some pictures of our customers, Boston and Keila, that Dog Walks sent us most recently.
Boston out for a walk!
Keila hanging out in her run!
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4 comments
And, if you are looking for a carrier for your baby, read this little story about Quantas Freight - they are awesome!
My daughter shipped her puggle to Australia from LAX and it was a truly frightening experience. To release your precious animal to strangers and know he'll be in a luggage compartment alone on an airplane for 15 hours is one of the more terrifying things for both the dog and us. During the night, I researched the safety of dogs on planes and it scared me even more. By the next morning I had worked myself up into a frenzy and my daughter was a nervous wreck. We couldn't function until we knew he was alive and made the trip. The minutes could not go fast enough. And by the time the plane was landing we just watched the clock. I tried to figure out how we could find out if he was alive. Waiting to hear from quarantine seemed like a century away and we just couldn't wait. So I called the 800 number and was lucky enough to have a very kind man answer. I felt like I was asking an impossible question, "Can you please ask someone in the warehouse to look in the crate and tell me if he is alive and ok?" Without hesitation, he said, hold on just a second. I was shocked and we held our breath until he returned on the line. I had no idea he would actually do that so quickly for me. He said he called the warehouse, but our dog wasn't there yet. He said he would call me as soon as he knew. HE WOULD CALL ME! Do you know how awesome that is to hear? He could have given me the normal response many give, "please call back in so many minutes." This person was kind and considerate and I think he truly wanted to calm our fears. And as promised, about 15 minutes later (which did seem like an eternity), he called. He said he was ok and that he was in the warm room. He explained what the warm room was because i first thought it was a special room for dogs having problems. But it isn't, it is a temperature controled, quiet room in the warehouse. This seemingly small act on his part was a huge act of kindness to us and I can't explain the relief we felt when he said he was ok. I commend this man and the other personnel who were responsible for the quick response and the time they took to check on him for us. Because of this experience, I would recommend this company to others and feel safe sending our precious cargo through them again.
The Grandma
That is great, thanks for sharing this touching story. In our experience, most "pet friendly" airlines (Qantas being one of them) are more than willing to communicate with pet owners and shippers about how their precious cargo is doing. They know it's much more than a piece of luggage or a bag of golf clubs -- these are peoples' family members!
We will tweet your story at Qantas - hopefully whatever man helped you will be recognized for above and beyond customer service!
Importation into australia of dogs... Our dog has to spend 6 months in the USA before traveling to Australia. We have found a really nice family to look after him in their home. They are in New Hamshire, Manchester approx 2 flights away from Qantas in LAX. Could anyone advise the policy and pit falls of shipping a dog to Australia. Does the 6 months start at the time they arrive in the usa.? How do you prove when they arrived? and that they have spent the required 6 months. We have already had him in the usa for the last 3 weeks...gathering information.. Is it just a matter of the rabbies test and the micro chip...and then a month in quarantine in australia? after shipping...This seems so hard and expensive I wonder if we should just find him a new home. We love him but in reality logistically with all the flying etc it is hard on him...Can anyone else give us advice...their experience...
Hi Deanna,
Many of our past customers leave their pets in the US while they move to Australia and get settled. Once the 6 months are up, we can assist your family friends with sending your dog over to you in Australia.
The 6 months begin from the day they have their blood drawn, which is part of the Australia Pet Import Requirements. This must be done after the microchip and rabies vaccinations are done. From the blood draw date, it is a 6 month wait and then they can travel to Australia. Upon arrival, your dog must spend 30 days in quarantine and then wil be released to you.
It can be difficult and, unfortunately, quite expensive. The decision is ultimately between your family and your veterinarian -- whether your dog is healthy enough to travel is also important. Also depending on how long you plan on living in Australia can also be a factor.
I hope this helps!