The Premier of Victoria, Mr Daniel Andrews, has requested that for thefollowing two weeks international flights will be diverted from arrival intoMelbourne Airport. This will have a direct impact on the importation ofcompanion animals arriving on international passenger flights. The VictorianState government has also decided to reimpose stage three lockdownrestrictions due to COVID-19. The lockdown will be imposed in 10 postcodesacross Melbourne from 11.59pm, Wednesday 1 July 2020.
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. The department is working withall animals diverted mid-flight to establish alternative arrangements.
The department requests that no animals be loaded for transport to Australiauntil confirmation that flights can land at Melbourne Airport. Animals cannotbe transhipped to Melbourne on a domestic flight from another Australian port.
Pet importers and owners must secure an airline booking directly intoMelbourne Airport and are advised to confirm both the flight arrival date andthe PEQ reservation date to receive their animal before being exported toAustralia. Please email [email protected] if you wish to amend a PEQreservation due to flight disruptions.
The PEQ facility is located in Mickleham, which is one of the 10 postcodes inlockdown from 11.59pm, Wednesday 1 July 2020. Please check relevant state orterritory government websites for interstate travel movement restrictions.
Pet importers and owners will continue to be responsible for arranging thecollection of their animals from the PEQ whether in person or by engaging theservices of a local pet transport company.
Importers are encouraged to check our website regularly for up to dateinformation as import conditions can change without notice.
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