Who does this notice affect?
This notice is for all airlines, freight forwarders, pet transport companiesand importers of cats and dogs to Australia.
What has changed?
While COVID-19 restrictions have been eased in Victoria, the impact ofCOVID-19 is continuing to effect wait times for cat and dog reservations atthe Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Mickleham. Since May 2020, animalshave continued to arrive at Melbourne International Airport, been collected bythe department and taken to the PEQ without issue.
The current COVID-19 pandemic does not change the existing risks posed bydiseases of biosecurity concern to Australia or the need for cats and dogs tomeet the import permit conditions in full. This includes the requirement forcats and dogs to arrive directly into Melbourne International Airport,excluding dogs and cats exported from New Zealand, or dogs holding anassistance dog permit. The department may consider re-exporting or euthanisinganimals that do not fulfill this requirement.
Companion animals can only be imported into Australia under strict conditionsdesigned to manage biosecurity risks and must undergo a minimum 10-dayquarantine period at the PEQ at Mickleham. This state-of-the-art facility isdesigned to manage biosecurity risks associated with the import of companionanimals and ensure the welfare of these animals.
PEBS cat and dog reservations – 2021
The PEQ is continuing to process a high number of bookings from owners wantingto bring their pets’ home to Australia. The PEQ is facilitating the import ofpets, while managing the health of staff, the welfare of the animals in ourcare, and adhering to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the VictorianGovernment.
The department is continuing to work closely with international airlines andpet transport agents and has accepted direct charter flights of large volumecat and dog imports. Several charter flights have been confirmed to arrive in2021 which has an impact on PEQ reservations.
The PEQ is aware of the current situation that pet agents and importers areexperiencing in relation to reservation waiting periods. We ask for yourpatience and cooperation at this time as we are working towards findingsuitable solutions that satisfy the government, industry stakeholders,importers and exporting countries whilst maintaining the required level ofbiosecurity services and animal welfare at the PEQ.
Pet owners and agents are advised to make flight arrangements and PEQreservations as soon as their import permit is approved.
Pet owners and agents must secure an airline booking into Melbourne Airportand are advised to confirm both the flight arrival date and the PEQreservation date to receive their animal before being exported to Australia.Please email [email protected] if you wish to amend a PEQ reservation dueto flight disruptions.
Pet owners and agents are advised to check state or territory governmentwebsites for interstate travel movement restrictions prior to collecting theiranimals from the PEQ or to engage the services of pet transport companies tocollect or fly their animal’s interstate.
Further information
Importers are encouraged to check our website regularly or subscribe to ourmailing list for up to date information.
Contact information
If you require further information, please call 1800 900 090 or [email protected].
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