Accredited Veterinarians can electronically submit health certificates for USDA APHIS endorsement through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System). But don't let that intimidate you. With proper paperwork, your furry companion will be welcomed with open paws. The Australian Department of Agriculture offers step-by-step guides for assistance, and we've outlined the essentials below.
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Pet must be identified by a microchip that can be read by an Avid, Trovan, Destron or other ISO compatible reader. Microchip must be scanned and recorded at each vet visit.
Your dog must be vaccinated with an inactivated rabies vaccine that:
Leptospira interrogans, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica as well as CIV (Canine Influenza Virus). Pet has to be fully vaccinated more than 14 days before the export
Wait 3-4 weeks between the rabies vaccination and the blood sample collection for the RNAT test. If the dog has a history of regular rabies vaccinations, it may be possible to collect the blood sample sooner. A result of 0.5 IU/ml or more is acceptable. The RNAT test is valid for 24 months from the date of blood sampling.
The dog is not eligible for export to Australia until at least one hundred and eighty (180) days after the blood sample arrives at the lab for this RNAT test (with a satisfactory result). There is no requirement for the dog to stay in an approved country during this period.
Note: There are no exceptions or dispensations available for this mandatory 180 day waiting period.
An official government veterinarian (not the government approved veterinarian) in the country of export must check the RNAT test laboratory report and rabies vaccination certificate and complete, sign and stamp the RNAT test declaration
Once the RNAT Declaration has been endorsed by the USDA, apply for the import permit. The import permit will be valid for 12 months or until the Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer (RNAT) test expires, whichever occurs first
Apply for quarantine space. Dogs must spend at least 10 days at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility.
A government approved veterinarian must treat the dog with a product that kills ticks and fleas on contact at least 21 days before blood collection for Ehrlichia cans antibody testing. Continuous protection from external parasites must be maintained until the time of export and treatments may need to be repeated by the veterinarian in accordance with the manufacturer's directions. To calculate 21 days after initial external parasite treatment, count the day the treatment is applied as day 0.
A government approved veterinarian must scan and verify the animal's microchip and collect a blood sample at least 21 days after external parasite treatment starts (Step 10) and within 45 days before export. The sample must be tested for Ehrlichia canis infection by an Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) for the detection of IgG antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests or an IFAT for the detection of IgM antibodies are not accepted. The test must produce a negative result at a dilution of 1:40
A government-approved veterinarian must scan and verify the animal's microchip and collect a blood sample to be tested for Leishmania Infantum using either an Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) or an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) within 45 days before the date of export. The test must produce a negative result.
This step only applies if the dog has not been vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola as per Step 9.
A government approved veterinarian must treat the dog twice with an internal parasite treatment effective against internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes). The two treatments must be administered at least 14 days apart and within 45 days before export. The second treatment must be given within five (5) days before export.
The dog must be examined by a government approved veterinarian or an official government veterinarian and found to be free from external parasites and clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease within five (5) days before export. An official government veterinarian must complete, sign and stamp all pages of the veterinary health certificate.
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The original documents below must travel with your pet when we collect them.