Moving countries isn’t just a drastic change for you and your family, but one for the pets too. Before sealing your fate in Australia, it’s worth ensuring that your pet can cope with the move, which isn’t easy. It’s also worth taking into account the blistering heat – perhaps pets that evolved for cold climates may really struggle with the heat there.
It’s also tricky as a pet owner. Moving can be a stressful time, but add on top of that, moving to a new country as well as all the protocols and care for your pet, and you have a real challenge on your hands.
Once you’re set on moving with your pets, the next step is figuring out how you’re going to move them. Of course, the least stressful way for the pet might be via ferry, but that isn’t an option for the majority of immigrants going Down Under, due to how far away and remote it is. The likely option is flying, in which you will have to conform to a series of requirements, such as cage size and such.
This article will cover the key aspects of moving with a pet – the protocol, the regulation and the logistics.
Regulations
There’s an extensive amount to do here – so you want to start this process at least 6 months before you’re set to fly. If you can start 9 months before, then do that, as it will allow for more contingency in case anything goes wrong.
The first thing to do is to inform your vet that you’re moving to Australia. If you’re in luck, they will be aware of the process and can thus be a huge help.
Flying your pet
Flying your pet is the first difficult part of planning how to bring a pet to Australia. It is cumbersome, requires loads of documentation, and is expensive.
Not to mention it is an incredibly long flight from almost anywhere in the world, which carries its own risks.
Risks of flying your pet
Research indicates that pets are at higher risk of stress, dehydration, and even injury during long-haul flights. According to a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, long flights can cause significant anxiety in pets, leading to physiological stress responses such as increased heart rate, panting, and even gastrointestinal issues.
The study also highlighted that pets travelling for more than 7 hours are more prone to these stress-related symptoms compared to those on shorter flights.
Moreover, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that certain breeds, especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs, are particularly vulnerable to respiratory issues during flights due to the extended duration and lower oxygen levels in cargo holds. The AVMA advises that owners carefully consider the necessity of long flights, particularly for older pets or those with pre-existing health conditions.
Airline policies on flying pets
Here is a summary of pet flying policies with various popular airlines:
| Airline | Cost Estimate | Pet Transport Type | Special Services | Important Notes |
| Qantas Airways | $1,000 – $4,000+ | Cargo | Temperature-controlled, pet handling | Book in advance; strict biosecurity adherence |
| Singapore Airlines | $1,500 – $5,000+ | Cargo | Pet lounge, transit care | All paperwork must be completed pre-departure |
| Emirates | $1,200 – $5,500+ | Cargo | SkyCargo with tracking, climate-controlled | Limited routes; special handling required |
| United Airlines | $1,500 – $4,500+ | Cargo (PetSafe Program) | Temperature-controlled, frequent status updates | Not all routes allow pet travel |
| Air New Zealand | $1,000 – $4,500+ | Cargo | Climate-controlled, care during layovers | Limited international routes available |
| British Airways | $1,200 – $4,000+ | Cargo | Dedicated Pet Travel program, in-cabin for small pets on select flights | Requires Pet Passport; certain breeds restricted |
| Lufthansa | $1,500 – $5,000+ | Cargo | Live Animal Center, species-specific travel containers | Stringent paperwork; pet health checks mandatory |
| Air France | $1,300 – $4,800+ | Cargo | La Compagnie des Animaux, pet-friendly lounges | French health regulations apply; book early |
| KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | $1,300 – $4,500+ | Cargo | Animal Hotel at Schiphol Airport, pet transport via KLM Cargo | Pet care during transit; special assistance available |
| Cathay Pacific | $1,400 – $5,200+ | Cargo | Climate-controlled, pet care facilities | Strict entry requirements to Australia |
| Japan Airlines | $1,200 – $4,800+ | Cargo | Pet travel service, with real-time tracking | Japanese quarantine rules apply |
| Turkish Airlines | $1,000 – $4,200+ | Cargo | Pet-friendly policies, climate-controlled holds | Specific breed restrictions; paperwork crucial |
| Qatar Airways | $1,500 – $5,200+ | Cargo | SkyPet service, 24/7 pet tracking | Temperature restrictions during transit |
| Etihad Airways | $1,300 – $4,800+ | Cargo | Etihad LiveAnimals service, climate-controlled | Not all routes available; book well in advance |
| Swiss International Air Lines | $1,200 – $4,700+ | Cargo | Animal Lounge at Zurich, specialized handling | Documentation must be exact; temperature controls |
| Virgin Atlantic | $1,400 – $5,000+ | Cargo | Flying Paws program, rewards for pets | Limited route availability; pre-travel checks |
| Delta Airlines | $1,500 – $4,600+ | Cargo (PetSafe Program) | Climate-controlled, dedicated pet handling | Not all aircraft types allow pets |
| American Airlines | $1,400 – $4,500+ | Cargo | Checked pet or cargo options, frequent pet updates | PetSafe program required for international flights |
| Iberia | $1,200 – $4,400+ | Cargo | PETS program, allows in-cabin pets on certain flights | Spanish regulations apply; certain breeds restricted |
| Alitalia | $1,300 – $4,600+ | Cargo | Pet travel assistance, in-cabin pets allowed on select flights | Italian health regulations apply |
| Aeroflot | $1,200 – $4,200+ | Cargo | Temperature-controlled holds, pet transport service | Russian documentation required; specific breed restrictions |
Requirements
Bringing a pet to Australia is a meticulous and time-consuming process, requiring extensive preparation. The complexity of the requirements means you need to start planning at least 6 to 12 months in advance. The steps involve multiple vet visits, vaccinations, blood tests, and securing an import permit. The process can be daunting, but careful attention to detail is essential to ensure a smooth transition for your pet.
| Country Group | Example Countries | Requirements | Quarantine | Estimated Process Time |
| Group 1: Rabies-Free | New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands | – Microchip
– Health Certificate |
No quarantine required | 1-2 months |
| Group 2: Approved Rabies-Free | Japan, Singapore, Fiji | – Microchip
– Rabies Vaccination – Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) – Import Permit |
10 days at Mickleham Quarantine Facility | 3-6 months |
| Group 3: Approved with Controlled Rabies | USA, UK, Canada, EU Countries | – Microchip
– Rabies Vaccination – RNATT – Additional vaccines – Import Permit |
10-30 days at Mickleham Quarantine Facility | 6-9 months |
| Group 4: Non-Approved Countries | Indonesia, India, South Africa | – First travel to a Group 2 or 3 country
– Follow Group 2 or 3 requirements once in approved country |
10-30 days at Mickleham Quarantine Facility | 6-12 months (including transit) |
It will take time for your pet to readjust to life abroad
The time it takes for a pet to readjust to life abroad can vary significantly, often depending on how different the new environment is from the original one. Pets that move to environments with drastic changes in climate, terrain, or daily routines may require 3-6 months to fully acclimate. Research shows that the more unfamiliar the new surroundings are—such as moving from a rural area to a busy city—the longer the adjustment period might be, as pets must adapt to new stimuli, sounds, and even the social dynamics of the area.
Permit and quarantine
The next step is to apply for an import permit. This will cost you AUD$ 480 for your first pet and around half that for each additional pet. This is expensive, so this must be taken into account from the very start. When applying, provide documents of the RNAT declaration form, lab test report, and a letter from the vet detailing the pet’s medical conditions.
Book the post-entry quarantine accommodation too. Your pet will have to spend over a week in quarantine, but there are limited spaces, so this should be done as a factor in settling on a moving date.
After your move
Phew, if you’ve made it this far, you can relax. The only thing left to do is to make your pet feel as if you’re back to normal. Try keeping to the same schedule as you were before if there was one, i.e. feeding times. It may be a good idea to give the pet some space after it’s been trapped in nasty environments for so long, so give them time to breathe.
The last piece of this puzzle is contacting the new local vet and registering there. This is so you can attend to any situation that may arise from now on, and you’ll feel better knowing you’ve already made contact with your local vet – just like how you’ll sign up for a local doctor once arriving.
Is Australia pet-friendly?
Australia is widely regarded as a pet-friendly country, with a strong culture of pet ownership and numerous amenities catering to pets and their owners. Many cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, boast a high number of pet-friendly parks, beaches, and even cafes where pets are welcome. Additionally, Australians are passionate about their pets, with nearly 61% of households owning a pet, according to national surveys.
Australia has an incredible amount of pet facilities and services. For example, the most popular expat city, Sydney, has over 300 veterinary clinics providing comprehensive medical care, at least 50 pet boarding facilities ranging from basic kennels to luxury pet hotels, and more than 200 specialized pet service providers offering everything from grooming to dog training.
