Every year, thousands of animals arrive in Australia where they are required to stay at least 30 days in one of Australia's three animal quarantine stations (6,700 dogs and cats in 2007–08). Located in New South Wales (Eastern Creek), Western Australia (Byford) and Victoria (Spotswood), animal quarantine stations are managed by AQIS and help protect Australia's favourable animal health status by monitoring the health of animals prior to their release in Australia.

AQIS's veterinarians conduct full health checks on all animals upon arrival and departure from quarantine. Handlers are then assigned to care for an animal during the quarantine period and this continuous contact enables handlers to learn quirks of individual pets and easily recognise any developing health problems. If a health problem does arise, the animal is referred to an AQIS vet immediately.

The outstanding service that pets receive by experienced kennel hands at the quarantine stations alleviates any anxiety animal owners might have. 

This client of Spotswood Animal Quarantine Station agreed: 'It was obvious they all truly cared for the animals they looked after. It gave me peace of mind knowing that a kennel hand was taking care of my dog while in quarantine. I was encouraged that they remembered the animals by name!'

Spotswood Quarantine Station has received plenty of praise from animal owners impressed with the care their animals have received. A client who had two dogs in Spotswood—with one dog diabetic—commented, 'Both dogs returned from Spotswood in fantastic health. My diabetic dog was healthier during and after his stay than before entering Spotswood!'

Not only are animals expertly cared for, but health information is also given to owners. 'I was offered excellent advice prior to leaving Singapore and when I arrived in Melbourne. This was helpful in managing diabetic issues.'

While dogs and cats make up approximately 80 per cent of animals at quarantine stations, other animals receiving daily care include horses, alpacas, rabbits and pigeons.

'One of the most important things to take into consideration when planning to take your pet into Australia is to book a place at a quarantine station well ahead of the journey,' Wayne Gundry, Manager Animal Quarantine said.

All our animal quarantine stations regularly receive compliments and feedback from satisfied pet owners. Byford Quarantine Station in WA recently received the following:

'Halle (our Golden Retriever) completed her 30 day quarantine period at the Byford Quarantine Facility in Western Australia. I found the staff to be extremely professional and courteous, and most importantly, showed a lot of care for the well being and comfort of Halle… We would like to thank you for the wonderful service and care we received. It certainly made us feel a lot better about our dog having to go through the quarantine period.'

More information on importing your dog or cat.