The BIG changes that your vet, you & your exporters must do when flying your dog to Australia in 2024

The actual changes came into effect from 1st March 2023, and boy did it throw peoples worlds into a tail spin, especially those who were in the process of importing their dogs. Listed below are 10 very critical things thats vets and exporters/owners must do to meet Australias import conditions. This has to be done in conjunction with the rules that apply to the import permit. Follow the step by step guides available on the DAFF website in Australia. This link will take you to the step-by-step guide.

1. Scan and verify the animal's microchip every time it is tested, treated, vaccinated or examined prior to export, this is critical.

2. Accurately record the animal's microchip number on every document associated with the animal including any:

3. treatment, vaccination and examination certificates

4. laboratory submission forms which accompany samples for testing

5. Only administer compliant external parasite treatments to animals being prepared for export and record the product name,  active ingredient(s) and dose rate on the health certificate.

6. A list of compliant external parasite treatments can be found on Australia's website.

7. External parasite treatments must be topical (not oral) and kill ticks and fleas on contact.

8. Bravecto® (fluralaner), NexGard® (afoxolaner), Advantage Multi® (moxidectin) and Revolution® (selamectin) are not compliant external parasite treatments.

9. Re-administer external parasite treatments in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements so that coverage is continuous until export – if the product needs to be applied monthly, it must be applied no later than the 31st day from last application. Some products require re-application more than once monthly in order to provide continuous coverage.

10. Administer internal parasite treatments that are effective against both nematodes (roundworms) and cestodes (tapeworms). A list of compliant internal parasite treatments can be found on Australia's website.

11. Administer any vaccines required by the import conditions strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements, including the primary course and any boosters. Record the vaccination date, vaccine name, batch number, expiry date and date next booster due on the health certificate. If there are any lapses in vaccination history, a new primary vaccine series may be required.

12. Fully complete any laboratory submission form including the animal's microchip number, date of sampling, date of signature and request the correct laboratory test type(s).

13. Verify that the animal's microchip number is correct on any laboratory report received and that all laboratory reports include the date of sampling, laboratory test type, test results, and interpretation of results.

14. Provide the original laboratory reports to the exporter.

15. Ensure that only animals that are fit to travel to Australia and fit to undergo post-entry quarantine are prepared for export to Australia.

Please note that a CFIA Official Veterinarian must endorse (sign, date and stamp) all pages of the Veterinary Health Certificate. Additionally, all laboratory reports that accompany dogs bound for Australia need to be signed, dated and stamped by the CFIA's veterinarian who endorses the Veterinary Health Certificate, as indicated by the Australian import permit. Please ensure that all required documents, such as laboratory reports and certificates, are brought to the CFIA for review and endorsement.

Please note that Australia may change these import requirements without notification to the CFIA. As a result, it is strongly advised that the exporter should always confirm with the Australian Competent Authority before travelling and review the export certificate against the import permit to ensure that all requirements are addressed.

It's a big complex process folks but these detailed steps are super critical. Without following this to the letter it can cause insurmountable delays, extra costs & even rejection of the import permit.