Australia Pet Travel Spotlight: Australia Quarantine Update

In addition to requiring a long flight to get there, Australia is also a challenging place to move a pet because of its strict import rules. That's why we're taking the time to spotlight this popular relocation destination and will be drawing on the advice of experienced pet relocation specialists to offer our guidance in an Australia Pet Travel Spotlight series.

Since Australia is a rabies free nation, one of the requirements for pets arriving into the country is a mandatory 10-day quarantine. In the past, pet owners had the choice between a few different quarantine facilities, but in the future this will change and all pets will need to finish up the import process at a new, consolidated facility. Enjoy Part One of our Australia Spotlight series, and if you need help now, contact us for a pet travel consultation.

Things can always change, but here's a quick look at the status of Australia quarantine facilities as of October 2015:

• Eastern Creek Quarantine Station in Sydney will stop taking pets on November 9, 2015.

• Spotswood Quarantine Facility in Melbourne, Victoria is still taking pets and will continue to do so for now.

• However: Eventually all pets will be brought to a new Post Entry Quarantine facility (PEQ) in Mickleham, Victoria. [UPDATE: This facility is now open -- read more about it here.]

One of the PEQ's first visitors / photo via the PEQ website

Facts About The New Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Mickleham, Victoria:

• This new facility is being built in two stages and is scheduled to officially open in October 2015.

• The facility has climate controlled kennels with underfloor heating and exercise yards.

• The PEQ facility is set to start taking online bookings in October 2015 and then will open progressively, taking cats and dogs beginning on November 23.

• When complete, the facility will have the capacity to hold 240 cats and 400 dogs.

• Here's a video showing the design layout of the PEQ.

PEQ Dog Compound Plans

Find out more about the PEQ here, and if you're new to pet travel, take a look at our essential pet travel tips.

Thousands of dogs and cats are imported into Australia each year, and the intention behind the new facility is to manage the risk of exotic pests and diseases from being brought into the country in one updated facility. According to the official Australia government website: "The 10 day quarantine period, in addition to testing conducted offshore prior to import, allows biosecurity and veterinary officers sufficient time to assess that the animals are healthy and are not carrying diseases or parasites."

The quarantine cannot be avoided (just ask Johnny Depp), so if you're planning to move to Australia in the coming months you'll need to be aware of the facts so that you can plan your flight and your pet's flight accordingly.

Remember, if you hire professional assistance, you'll have help getting your pet from the airport to the quarantine facility, and if you need it, from the quarantine facility to your home after the 10 days are complete.

Finally, now is a good time to revisit the idea of quarantine itself. Though the thought of leaving their pet in a mandated facility often strikes fear into the hearts of pet owners, in reality this is a safe and transparent part of the pet move process.

• Take a look at these Top 5 Myths About Pet Quarantine to learn more.

• Meet Monty, one of our former clients, who as you can see had a fine time during this necessary few days of waiting.

This is Part One of PetRelocation's five part Australia Pet Travel Series. Check back soon for more updates and contact us if you have questions about moving your pet to Australia.

Banner Photo: Duncan Hill/Flickr