What vaccinations do I need to transport my pet to Australia?

What vaccinations do I need to transport my pet to Australia | PetAir UK

If you are planning to take your beloved pet with you to Australia, then it is essential to understand the country’s strict pet vaccination regulations. Australia is free from many animal diseases that are common in other parts of the world, and the government is committed to keeping it that way. Therefore, your pet will need to meet specific requirements before it is allowed to enter the country. Here are the vaccinations your pet will need for transport to Australia.

 

Rabies Vaccination and RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test)

Dogs and cats coming from Category III countries, such as the UK or US, must have a valid rabies vaccination. After receiving the rabies vaccination, the pet must undergo the RNATT from a registered laboratory. The test results are valid for 12 months after the date the blood sample arrives at the laboratory, and your pet can be exported to Australia 180 days after this, provided the results are satisfactory.

Leptospirosis Vaccination

Dogs must be vaccinated against Leptospirosis, with two doses given exactly 4 weeks apart. The dog must receive the vaccine at least 14 days before the date of travel.

Other Mandatory Vaccinations for Pet Dogs and Cats

Pet dogs flying into Australia must have the following mandatory vaccines – Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, and Bordetella. These vaccinations must be valid throughout the quarantine period. Mandatory cat vaccines include Feline Enteritis, Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus, which must be valid for the entire post-entry quarantine period.

Alongside up-to-date vaccinations, your pet will also need parasite treatments and blood tests to safely enter Australia.

Planning a trip with your beloved pet can be exciting yet overwhelming. From travel regulations to their safety, there’s a lot to think about. That’s where PetAir comes in. Reach out to us for your furry friend’s upcoming adventure. We’re not just experts; we’re animal lovers who care about their well-being. Contact us today to make their journey safe and positive!

Taking a dog to Australia from the UK

Taking a dog to Australia from the UK | PetAir UK

Are you considering taking your beloved canine companion with you to Australia? Moving your dog to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. From IATA air travel crates and understanding banned breeds to age restrictions and quarantine protocols, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential information you need to know when taking a dog to Australia from the UK.

IATA Air Travel Crates 

When travelling by air, providing your furry friend with a safe and comfortable environment is crucial. Pet Air specialises in building IATA-approved air travel crates suitable for transporting dogs. These crates are designed to ensure the well-being and security of your pet during the journey. Your pet should be able to stand up in the crate without their ears touching the top, lie down with enough space behind and in front of them, and have the ability to turn around. It’s also important to spend time crate training your furry friends so they are nice and relaxed come departure day.

Banned or Prohibited Breeds of Dogs

Australia has strict regulations regarding certain dog breeds that are considered dangerous or pose a risk to public safety. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with the list of banned or prohibited breeds before making any plans. Researching and understanding these regulations will help determine whether your dog falls under any restricted breed categories.

Age Restrictions for Dogs

The strict veterinary requirements and waiting times for dogs entering Australia means that your dog will be at least 1 year old by the time they are able to travel to Australia. 

Quarantine for Dogs in Australia

Upon arrival in Australia, dogs must undergo a 30-day quarantine period at an approved facility. The only facility is the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Melbourne. This quarantine period is crucial to ensure the prevention of the spread of diseases and pests.Your dog will only be eligible for the 10-day quarantine period if it is a returning Australian pet.  It is mandatory to make bookings for quarantine facilities to secure your dog’s spot before departure.

The Veterinary Health Certificate Process

To facilitate the move, your dog will require a Veterinary Health Certificate, which includes documentation of vaccinations, blood tests, microchip identification, and other essential health records. The import regulations into Australia are very strict and will involve multiple visits to your vet to ensure your dog is compliant. PetAir UK are the only pet shipper able to include all of these tests and visits within our service, giving complete peace of mind. 

Cost of Moving to Australia with a Dog

Moving to Australia with a dog involves certain expenses, including crate purchases, veterinary visits, vaccinations, microchipping, quarantine fees, and more. Understanding the estimated cost of relocating your dog will help you budget accordingly and make necessary financial preparations.

Planning a trip with your beloved pet can be exciting yet overwhelming. From travel regulations to their safety, there’s a lot to think about. That’s where PetAir comes in. Reach out to us for your furry friend’s upcoming adventure. We’re not just experts; we’re animal lovers who care about their well-being. Contact us today to make their journey safe and positive!

Things to do with your dog in Sydney

Things to do with your dog in Sydney | PetAir UK

Sydney is a beautiful and exciting city to explore, and the best part is that you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind. If you’re travelling to Australia with your pup, there are plenty of dog-friendly activities to enjoy in Sydney. Taking a dog to Australia can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s worth it when you see how much fun they can have. Before travelling to Australia with your dog, consider the country’s strict regulations on importing pets. All dogs flying into Australia need to undergo a rigorous preparation schedule and stay in quarantine for 30 days on arrival unless they are returning Australian pets. 

Travelling around Sydney with your dog

Once you’ve made it to Sydney with your dog, you can start exploring the city. Getting around Sydney with your dog is easy if you have your private vehicle. However, if you’re renting a car, make sure to check if the rental car company allows dogs. Unfortunately, pet dogs are not allowed on trains in Sydney. Smaller dogs that can fit into a carrier bag are allowed on buses and light rail, although you are required to get permission from the driver. Dogs are often permitted to travel on ferries just on a lead on the outside decks.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Sydney

Finding dog-friendly accommodation in Sydney is also important. Luckily, there are an increasing number of hotels in Sydney that allow dogs to stay with you, particularly boutique and luxury hotels. Pier One Sydney Harbour is one great luxury pet-friendly stay, located right on Sydney Harbour in Walsh Bay. Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour is also another great option with its laid-back neighborhood. For a more affordable hotel stay in Sydney, consider Glenferrie Lodge. Always check the pet policies of hotels before making a booking.

Dining with your dog in Sydney

When it comes to dining out with your dog in Sydney, there are many options thanks to the city’s mild weather and outdoor dining spaces. Dogs are allowed in any outdoor dining space as long as you don’t need to pass through the restaurant or cafe to reach it, although not all outdoor dining spaces permit dogs. Check before entering and even send an email in advance if you are uncertain. The Grounds of Alexandria is one of the most popular cafes in Sydney, which is also dog-friendly.

Things to see with your dog in Sydney

There are many top dog-friendly sightseeing ideas in Sydney, and exploring the city on foot with your dog is one of the best ways to experience it. One of the iconic buildings you can’t miss is the Sydney Opera House. Dogs are allowed in this harbour-side area, as long as they are on a lead. Another great option is to stroll along the harbour at Barangaroo Reserve, where dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a lead. You can also walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is a great option if you’re visiting Sydney with your dog.

In conclusion, there are many things you can do with your dog in Sydney, from exploring the city’s iconic buildings to enjoying its outdoor dining spaces. It may be a challenge to take a dog to Australia, but the experience is worth it for the memories you’ll create with your furry friend in this beautiful city.

Planning a trip with your beloved pet can be exciting yet overwhelming. From travel regulations to their safety, there’s a lot to think about. That’s where PetAir comes in. Reach out to us for your furry friend’s upcoming adventure. We’re not just experts; we’re animal lovers who care about their well-being. Contact us today to make their journey safe and positive!

Things to do with your dog in Melbourne

Things to do with your dog in Melbourne | PetAir UK

Visiting Melbourne with your dog? This Australian city has a reputation for being one of the most dog-friendly places in the world, offering an array of activity options that welcome dogs. Below are some top recommendations to guide you when taking your dog to Australia.

Bathing Boxes at Brighton Beach 

These iconic bathing boxes at Brighton Beach offer a perfect location to capture special moments with your pup amidst picture-perfect settings for your Instagram feed. Dogs are allowed off the leads for several hours, providing ample opportunity for fun and memorable experiences for both you and your furry friend.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Melbourne is famous for having a botanic garden that welcomes dogs on leads, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. This botanical garden provides a serene ambiance to take strolls amidst nature’s beauty. If you want to add some excitement to your trip, you can take a free punt tour with your furry friend on the lake.

Street Art 

Melbourne boasts of a bustling street art scene. While Hosier Lane near Federation Square is famous for its beautiful murals, it can get quite crowded. If you go slightly further out there are a few streets like ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place, where you can still enjoy remarkable street art without the crowds. These spots give you perfect locations to capture beautiful and unique moments with your dog.

St Kilda Beach

A short drive or tram ride from the city center, St Kilda is a popular beach destination with plenty of entertainment options. You can take your furry friend on leisurely walks or visit one of the dog-friendly beaches in the area. St Kilda West is an all-year-round off-leash dog-friendly beach.

Pet-friendly Shopping and Dining

If you need to indulge in shopping or dining experiences, Chapel Street in South Yarra and Prahran areas, Melbourne’s first-ever dog-friendly shopping precinct, offers you countless options. Look out for “Paw-on-the-Door” stickers that indicate pet-friendly businesses. Many shops, cafes and restaurants in Melbourne have dog-friendly outdoor dining areas, perfect for grabbing a bite while your companion relaxes by your side.

If you’re planning to take your dog to Melbourne from overseas, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the country’s pet import requirements, which are quite strict. Australia has stringent biosecurity measures in place to protect its unique ecosystem. Ensure you verify the requirements with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and safe entry for your dog.

Planning a trip with your beloved pet can be exciting yet overwhelming. From travel regulations to their safety, there’s a lot to think about. That’s where PetAir comes in. Reach out to us for your furry friend’s upcoming adventure. We’re not just experts; we’re animal lovers who care about their well-being. Contact us today to make their journey safe and positive!

 

Which Airlines Fly Dogs to Australia from the UK?

Which Airlines Fly Dogs to Australia from the UK? | PetAir UK

Which Airlines Fly Dogs to Australia from the UK?

Planning to move or travel to Australia with your furry friend? When it comes to taking a dog to Australia from the UK, it’s important to choose an airline that can accommodate your pet’s travel needs. In this article, we will explore which airlines allow dogs on their flights, as well as provide information on IATA air travel crates, banned breeds, age restrictions, and essential facilities like the Mickleham PEQ and quarantine requirements.

Pet-Friendly Airlines

Currently, Qatar Airlines and Emirates are the best airlines to travel on for your pet. They offer safe and controlled transits and in some cases, an “e-card” update with a photo of your pet during the stopover. 

IATA Air Travel Crates

Before flying, your dog will need to be transported in an IATA-approved travel crate. This helps ensure the safety and comfort of your pet during the journey. It’s advisable to check with PetAir UK for specific crate requirements and guidelines to ensure compliance. The UK has exceptionally strict crate requirements, so a crate your pet has flown in before may not necessarily meet the standard required for departure. 

Age Restrictions for Dogs
Different airlines may have varying age restrictions for dogs. However, the veterinary requirements for dogs will mean that they will be at least 1-year-old prior to travel, avoiding any airline age restrictions. 

Veterinary Health Certificate

To facilitate the process of taking your dog to Australia from the UK, it is essential to obtain a DEFRA veterinary health certiifcate. A veterinary health certificate includes important documentation such as proof of vaccinations, blood tests, microchip identification, and other necessary health records. 

When moving or traveling with your dog to Australia from the UK, choosing the right airline is essential. Ensure that your dog meets the necessary requirements such as IATA-approved crate and veterinary health requirements. By taking the time to plan and research, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your furry companion.

Planning a trip with your beloved pet can be exciting yet overwhelming. From travel regulations to their safety, there’s a lot to think about. That’s where PetAir comes in. Reach out to us for your furry friend’s upcoming adventure. We’re not just experts; we’re animal lovers who care about their well-being. Contact us today to make their journey safe and positive!

Where to take your dog in Canberra, Australia

Where to take your dog in Canberra, Australia | PetAir UK

Canberra is a very cool capital city. Sometimes known as ‘The Bush Capital’ as it is surrounded by incredible nature reserves and mountain ranges. The city is home to world-class dining and historic museums. Frequently voted one of the most dog-friendly cities in Australia, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Canberra.

Local Press Cafe

This beautifully rustic looking cafe serves up seasonal, health-conscious dishes and is the perfect spot for brunch. Situated right on Lake Burley Griffin, you’ll be treated to waterside views while you tuck into a dish of jackfruit tacos, roasted granola or lamb & chickpea salad. Dogs are welcome to join you on the outdoor terrace. 

Shepherds Lookout Walk

This stunning, easy walk is located in the Woodstock Nature Reserve and offers one of the best views of across the Murmurbidgee and surrounding bush. Home to the platypus as well as endangered bird species, this 1.2km route will only take around 45 minutes. Dogs must be on a leash.

dog friendly canberra

Capital Brewing Co

Achingly cool, Australia’s first carbon-neutral brewery just so happens to also be a fantastic place to hang out with your dog. There are seasonal flavours available like Mango Tango and Pineapple Upside down cake. This huge warehouse space and gardens is the place to be. Firstly, there are games and a playhouse to keep the kids entertained as well as some lovely shady spots in the grass for four-legged friends too. Food is supplied by neighbouring Brodburger and won’t dissapoint.

Point Hut Dog Beach

This off-leash ‘beach’ area is located in Point Hut. It’s a great place to let your dog cool off in the pond. The area has plenty of facilities such as toilets, bins and picnic tables. Eucalyptus trees provide plenty of shady spots. You can combine a trip to this spot as part of a walk around the suburbs of Conder and Gordon. 

So whatever you enjoy, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Canberra, Australia.

You can find more information and our tops & tricks for taking pets to Australia on our dedicated page here.

Where to take your dog in Cairns, Australia

Where to take your dog in Cairns, Australia | PetAir UK

Located on the east coast of Far North Queensland, Cairns is a place that exudes holiday vibes. Its tropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier reef and the rainforest make it a popular tourist destination. Home to a laid-back city centre and a vibrant market scene, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Cairns.

Ryan Weare Park

Located in Freshwater, this park has a lovely open green space to relax in with plenty of trees to provide shade. There is a children’s play area, picnic tables and toilets too. There’s even a great little crocodile-free swimming area to help you cool off. The tracks of the Kuranda Scenic Railway also run right next to the park which is great fun to watch as the trains pass.

Ozmosis Kitchen

This quirky, modern cafe uses locally sourced produce to make it’s mostly Italian-based food. With items like duck leg salad, pizza and carbonara on the menu, there’s something that will suit everyone here. Located in the trendy suburb of Edge Hill, Ozmosis is also dog-friendly, offering bowls of water to diner’s pets.

Holloways Beach

Holloways Beach is a 10-minute drive from Cairns and has two off-leash dog areas. It’s palm-tree lined shores give it a relaxed, tropical vibe that’s hard to resist. The water here is generally calm and clean and has a stinger net in place during the wet, summer months. However, you’ll still need to watch for crocodiles as you would anywhere in the area. The off-leash areas are to the north and the south ends of the beach. There’s also a dog-friendly market every second Sunday of the month.

things to do with your dog in Cairns

The Tanks Markets

The Tanks Markets takes place from April to November on the last Sunday of the month. Open from 9am-2pm you’ll find a range of stalls from food and drink to vintage clothing to local arts and crafts. Dogs are welcome to join you but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Emerald Creek Falls

This stunning waterfall near Mareeba is about an hour drive out of Cairns but well worth the trip. The 2.9km trail that takes you out and back leads you along the edge of the creek to the lookout point at the top, passing falls and lagoons not the way. Offering stunning views across the valley it makes a great picnic spot and there are plenty of places to cool off. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. 

So whether you’re looking for a chilled day at the beach, a trendy cafe to visit or a hike to a waterfall, there are plenty of things to do with your dog in Cairns.

Flying snub nosed pets to Aus – June 2020 update

Flying snub nosed pets to Aus - June 2020 update | PetAir UK

This update is relevant as of today’s date in June 2020 and relates only to snub nosed pets travelling to Australia, not other countries around the world.

Snub nosed or brachycephalic pets are becoming more and more common. But there is a perception that they may have more risk of death during a flight. Older work suggested that snub nosed pets were more likely to suffer on a flight, but more recent work by the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow suggests that whatever increased risk is minimal. But this leaves us with the problem that many airlines don’t accept snub nosed cats and dogs, especially to Australia.

 

QANTAS Airlines

QANTAS are currently not flying from UK to Australia due to the coronavirus pandemic, but in the past they have offered an indirect route from UK to Singapore and then Singapore to Melbourne, Australia. We hope that when they resume flying this will be a option again. Rather than do what many airlines do which is to just say “NO, we don’t fly snub nosed pets”. QANTAS have brought in a very sensible plan. They want the pets examined by a vet before the flight, the vet has to fill out a very specific questionnaire and if the pets pass then QANTAS will allow them on a plane.

The QANTAS questionnaire consists of a comprehensive veterinary examination, which can be done by your own vet or by one of our vets. The price for the examination may be around £150 plus any extras for the time taken for the vet to travel as needs be. The test notes previous history such as: if the pet is on medication for heart failure or has more than 1 seizure every three months. The vet has to mark the pets based on weight/body condition score, how open the nostrils are, how well the pets cope with exercise and how much noise the pets make while breathing. The idea behind it is that if a pet fails the test a long time before the flight date, then  there is time to get the pet to lose some weight and/or have surgery to correct the anatomical aspects. QANTAS are saying they are happy to fly snub nosed pets as long as they are as fit and healthy as possible so that the chance of anything bad happening is as small as possible.

We recommend getting this examination done as early in your preparations as possible and certainly before we apply for any permits or we book any flights.

 

Emirates Airlines

Emirates airlines will accept snub nosed pets to travel to Australia, but they will only give permission around 14 days before a flight (which is far too late bearing in mind all the preparation needed). Each case is assessed on an individual basis. Emirates airlines often do not grant permission, so this is not a great option.

Here is the list of breeds which QANTAS class as snub nosed. A cross of a snub nosed pet with a non snub nosed pet is classed as a non snub nosed pet. So a puggle (Pug cross Beagle is ok), but a Pug cross French Bulldog is part of these rules.

Dogs Dogs Cats
Affenpinscher French Bulldog Exotic Shorthair
American Bully Japanes Chin/Japanese Spaniel Persian/Himalayan
American Bulldog Lhasa Apso
Australian Bulldog Neapolitian Mastiff
Boston Terrier Pekingese
Boxer Pug
Brussels Griffon/Griffon Bruxellois Chinese Pug
British/English Bulldog Dutch Pug
Chow Chow Japanese Pug
Dogue De Bordeaux Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu)
English Toy Spaniel/King Charles Spaniel Tibetan Spaniel
French Mastiff Valley Bulldog

 

If you want to read more about flying your pets to Australia then please click here .

 

Where to take your dog in Melbourne

Where to take your dog in Melbourne | PetAir UK

If you’re thinking of taking your dog to Melbourne, we’ve rounded up some of the best places you can visit with your four-legged friend. With 38-acres of off-leash parks to explore, a host of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, dog-friendly beaches and plenty more, Melbourne is a great destination for dogs.

Brighton Dog Beach

This is one of Melbourne’s most well-known beaches. Dogs can go off-leash all year round here, although there are some restrictions during the summer season (November-March). The whole area is fenced and the water is calm and shallow. It’s certainly the perfect playground for pups of all sizes!

Doghouse Cafe

Sitting just north of Melbourne’s central business district, this hip suburb is home to Australia’s first ever dog cafe. A cabinet displays the half meat-half sweet treats on offer at Doghouse, for you to take out into the outdoor seating space through the back. Here you’ll find colourfully constructed wooden ‘pens’ for you to enjoy your wares without worry. In addition, there’s coffees and sandwiches to keep the humans happy too!

Royal Botanic Gardens

Dogs are allowed in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens so long as they are kept on a leash. There’s 63 hectares to explore and a dog-friendly cafe to visit too. Well behaved dogs can even join you on a tour of the lake – for free!

Places to go with your dog in Melbourne

Hachi

Dress your dog to the nines in a luxury outfit from boutique pet retailer, Hachi, located in South Yarra. This high fashion haven sources all it’s attire from Japan and even has an on-site groomers and a photography studio so you can capture your pooch looking their best.

Merri Creek Trail

This 21km trail takes you through the northern boroughs of the city. Dogs need to be on a leash to protect the wildlife. However, they can run freely in the designated areas. This easy, tranquil route offers plenty of beautiful scenery, following alongside the banks of a river. As a result, it’s hard to believe that you’re still in a city.

Where to take your dog in Tasmania

Where to take your dog in Dubai | PetAir UK

Sitting 300km south of Australia, the island state of Tasmania is a dog-lovers paradise. From stunning natural sights, to bustling cities full of mouthwatering delights, Tasmania will please dogs and humans alike. With 66% of households owning a pet, there’s no doubt that Tasmania is an island of animal lovers. Find out what to do with your dog in Tasmania.

Kingston Beach

Located on the outskirts of the capital city of Hobart, Kingston Beach is one of the most popular dog beaches on the island. Here, dogs are permitted off-leash at all times in the area near the river. The perfect place to let your dog run free and splash around in the sea or river. There are plenty of amenities for dogs too including water bowls, hoses for rinsing off and dog poo bags.

Table Cape Tulip Farm

Open during the spring months of September and October, Table Cape Tulip Farm is a great day out and dog-friendly to boot! It’s a real working farm and is a great place to get some Instagram-worthy shots of your pooch. Enjoy gazing in wonder at the rows of rainbow-coloured tulips. The farm also has an art gallery, indoor display area and offers Devonshire teas.

Where to take your dog in Tasmania

Beach Hut Coffee

Dogs are welcome in the fenced back garden of this beach side cafe. Located in Ulverstone on the northern coast, Beach Hut Coffee offers a wide range of healthy, delicious food. If you need to work up a bit of an appetite before your visit, it’s not far from the local off-leash dog beach too!

Snug Falls Track

Just a short drive south from Hobart will take you to the small town of Snug, home to Snug Falls. With plenty of parking and a well signposted trail, this 2.1km hike will take you up through bushland the base of the waterfall. The falls flow well at any time of year but the track can become muddy and more difficult shortly after heavy rain or snow. If visiting on a warm day, it’s possible to paddle in the shallows at the base of the waterfall. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.