Furry Child

Bone Crusher, our Boston Terrier, is about to be an Australian puppy! Sydney isn’t going to know what hit ‘em. We are bringing the little guy with us. For me, there was really no other option. I have a hard time without him when we are gone for a week, so he is coming with! 

Last time in snow for a while!

Moving your animal to Australia is a time consuming process and it is not cheap - I think its actually more difficult than moving yourself. It is at best a six-month process, at worst an eight-month process. Thus far my estimate is about $4,000 for a dog of his size (20#). I am mostly completed with the process. He is endorsed by the USDA, has his import permit from the Australian government and his quarantine reservation. He has all of his shots up to date and his remaining vet appointments booked (only 3 more!). There are a lot of detailed steps you need to follow - the Australian agriculture department has a good online tool that spells it out for you. I would describe it more as time consuming and annoying than difficult. 

In early 2014 the Australian quarantine rules became less stringent; it was the best Christmas present EVER! The quarantine rules, once arriving to Australia, were previously 30 days; it has been reduced to 10. WAY more manageable. However, I hear you can't visit them as easily now, buts its only 10 days.  

My basic advice from the US:

START NOW - you want to get blood drawn at least 6 months prior to departure to test for rabies, but if your dog doesn't have a current rabies vaccination or micro-chip already you have to start sooner

Know the Australian regulations – all current regulations are on their website, the website was updated January 2014, its way more user friendly and quarantine was reduced from 30 to 10 days!!!!!

Hire a Pet Transport Company - It's already an expensive process and I realize this is yet another expense, but its not something I'm an expert at or willing to mess up! 

Have a Vet you trust
Purchase a travel crate - start training your dog to love this little place - he will be in it for about 20 hours.