# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Planning

How to Move to Australia With Dogs & Cats

Moving from one country to another is a complex and stressful process, especially if you have pets. Australia has strict regulations concerning the import of any organic material, food and animals. People traveling from the United States are permitted to bring their cats and dogs, provided that they meet the Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) regulations. These regulations are in place to prevent the import of rabies and other animal diseases. It's important to have all of your paperwork completed well in advance of your departure date.

Rabies blood test results
Large transport crate
Import papers

Instructions

- 1
  Plan ahead with your pets in mind. You'll need a permanent place to reside once you arrive in Australia. If you are traveling without pets, you are able to stay in a hotel until you find somewhere. Unfortunately this isn't practical if you have pets. Many people who are emigrating arrange rental accommodations with a view to finding a permanent home once in the country.
- 2
  Speak to your vet about vaccinations and blood tests. The AQIS requires all animals, including pet dogs and cats, entering Australia to undergo a blood test prior to departure. This is to ensure that the animal is free from disease. Your vet can do the blood tests and provide you with the results for you to satisfy the AQIS import requirements. The minimum requirements are subject to change, so make contact with AQIS to find out the latest information.
  
  AQIS Live Animal Imports
  
  GPO Box 858
  
  Canberra ACT 2601
  
  Australia
  
  61-2-6272-4454
  
  daf.gov.au
- 3
  Purchase suitable travel crates for your pets. Your cats and dogs will have to travel in the hold, so they'll need a roomy crate. The crate will also need room for a water supply.
- 4
  Organize pet travel. There are specialist companies that offer a comprehensive service to cater for international animal transit. They often take care of import paperwork, transport and collection.
- 5
  Notify the airline of your plans. It is important to let the airline know that you are transporting pets. Keep two copies of all forms in separate luggage, and one on your person. This way if you lose your bags you'll have a spare copy.
- 6
  Arrange a health check for your pets for three days before departure. Even though you'll have blood test results in hand, it is prudent to make absolutely sure that your pets are in a fit state to travel. Air travel, especially long haul, can be extremely stressful for animals, so they need to be in peak shape before departure. Explain to the vet that your pets are traveling to Australia.
  
  Your vet will take your pet's blood pressure, heart rate and temperature to see if she is displaying any symptoms. If your vet thinks your pets are unfit to travel, leave them at home with family and make arrangements for them to travel at a later date. It is not worth the risk to make your cats and dogs travel when unwell.