Pet Travel Glossary

Airline Approved Pet Travel Crate 

A clean and sterilised international pet transport crate that is approved by International Air Transport Authority (IATA) is required for international travel. The crate must be in new condition and enable a pet to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably.

Annual Vaccination

Annual vaccinations must be administered by a veterinarian between two weeks and 12 months prior to international pet travel and certificates retained and presented at the time of collection. Cats require an F4 vaccination for protection against Cat Flu, Feline Chlamydia, Feline Enteritis and FIV (Feline AIDS). Dogs require a C5 vaccination for protection against Canine (Kennel) Cough, Canine Hepatitis, Distemper, and Parvovirus.

Babesia Blood Test  (Dogs Only)

Babesia blood test detects the presence of Babesia Gibsoni (microscopic blood parasites) that can be spread by tics and result in disease. Blood tests be administered by a Petraveller DAFF- Accredited Veterinarian and sent to a DAFF-approved laboratory 16 days prior to international pet travel.

Customs Clearance

Customs clearance must be completed by the customs department in the destination country for all international arrivals. Customs authorities generally operate during business hours and the duration of the clearance process is approximately three hours post arrival. The clearance is managed by Petraveller and can also be completed directly by the pet owner in some countries.

Comfort Stop

An airport comfort stop can be scheduled with Petraveller’s worldwide partner network for pets travelling on a connecting flight. The stop provides pets with fresh water, a light meal, playtime, and walk with a dedicated pet handler.

DAFF-Accredited Veterinary Consultation

A consultation with a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian must be completed within 48 hours prior to international pet travel to assess the health and well-being of a pet and ensure they are fit to travel.

DAFF Export Permit 

A permit granting permission for a pet to depart as an internationally recognised export must be endorsed by DAFF within 48 hours prior to international pet travel and will be retained and presented at departure.

DAFF Health Certificate 

A certificate declaring that a pet is fit to travel internationally must be endorsed by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian within 48 hours prior to international pet travel and will be retained and presented at departure.

European Union Health Certificate 

A health certificate that enables a pet to enter the European Union and verifies that quarantine periods will be omitted must be endorsed by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian within 48 hours prior to international pet travel and retained and presented at departure.

External Parasite Treatment 

External parasite treatments protect against internal parasites that can be transmitted from the environment and between animals. Vaccinations must be administered orally by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian a specific number of days prior to travel according to the destination country. Certificates will be retained and presented at departure.

External Parasite Treatment A (New Zealand only)

Treatment A protects against internal parasites that can be transmitted from the environment and between animals. Vaccinations must be administered topically by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian within 14 to 30 days prior to international pet travel. Certificates will be retained and presented at departure.

External Parasite Treatment B (New Zealand only)

Treatment B protects against internal parasites that can be transmitted from the environment and between animals. Vaccinations must be administered topically by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian within 4 days prior to international pet travel. Certificates will be retained and presented at departure.

Heart Worm Blood Test (Dogs Only)

Heart worm blood test detects the presence of Dirofilaria immitis heart worm that can be contracted from a mosquito bite and result in organ disease and damage or death. Blood tests must be administered by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian and sent to a DAFF-approved laboratory 15 days prior to international pet travel. Puppies younger than 4 months old are exempt from the heart worm blood test.

Hong Kong Import Permit

A permit that enables a pet to enter Hong Kong must be applied for to the Hong Kong Permit and Certification Unit at least 21 days prior to international pet travel. The permit is valid for travel for six months and must be retained and presented at departure.

Internal Parasite Treatment 

Internal parasite treatments protect against internal parasites that can be transmitted from the environment and between animals. Vaccinations must be administered orally by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian a specific number of days prior to travel according to the destination country. Certificates will be retained and presented at departure.

Internal Parasite Treatment A (New Zealand)

Treatment A protects against internal parasites that can be transmitted from the environment and between animals. Vaccinations must be administered orally by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian within 14 to 30 days prior to international pet travel. Certificates will be retained and presented at departure.

Internal Parasite Treatment B (New Zealand)

Treatment B protects against internal parasites that can be transmitted from the environment and between animals. Vaccinations must be administered orally by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian within 4 days prior to international pet travel. Certificates will be retained and presented at departure.

Japanese Import Permit

A permit that enables a pet to enter Japan must be applied for to Animal Quarantine Services at least 40 days prior to international pet travel. The permit is valid for travel for one year and must be retained and presented at departure.

Leptospirosis Vaccination 

Leptospirosis vaccination protects against the infectious and deadly bacterial disease that can be transmitted between animals or from animals to humans. Vaccinations must be administered by a AQIS-accredited veterinarian a specific number of days prior to travel according to the destination country. Vaccination certificates must be retained and presented at collection.

Microchip 

A valid electronic identification microchip is mandatory for international pet transport. Microchips must store a sequence of 15 unique numbers and comply with Australian ISO 11785 standards.

Ministry of Primary Industries Veterinary Examination

An examination with a New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries must be completed upon arrival in Auckland to assess the health and well-being of a pet and ensure they are free from tics and fleas.

Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination protects against the deadly rabies virus that can be transmitted between animals or from animals to humans. Vaccinations must be administered by a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF)-accredited veterinarian a minimum of 21 days prior to international pet travel and the certificates must be retained and presented at collection.

Singapore Import Permit 

A permit that enables a pet to enter Singapore must be applied for to the Singapore Agri-food and Veterinary Authority at least 21 days prior to international pet travel. The permit is valid for travel for 30 days and must be retained and presented at departure.

Tapeworm Vaccination 

Tapeworm vaccination protects against the tapeworm parasite that can be transmitted between animals and humans and most commonly children. Vaccinations must be administered by a Petraveller DAFF-accredited veterinarian within 24 hours prior to international pet travel. Certificates will be retained and presented at departure.

United Arab Emirates Import Permit

A permit that enables a pet to enter the United Arab Emirates must be applied for to The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Environment and Water at least 14 days prior to international pet travel. The permit is valid for travel for one year and must be retained and presented at departure.