Ship's pets arriving in Australia onboard international vessels
Inspection process
A quarantine officer will inspect your vessel when you arrive at your proclaimed first port of entry in Australia (see the First Port of Entry into Australia fact sheet). During the Pratique inspection of your vessel a quarantine officer will inspect your ship's pet and explain to you the AQIS's requirements for keeping your pet while in Australia. The animal must remain on board your vessel at all times while in Australia. If the animal is showing signs of any illness, contact AQIS immediately.
All international vessels less than 25 metres and returning Australian registered vessels carrying animal/s on board must go to a mid-water anchorage on arrival at your proclaimed first port of call in Australia. When a quarantine officer attends your vessel, you will be called into the quarantine boarding station, where formal quarantine inspection and clearance will be conducted.
If you intend changing moorings, you must advise AQIS of your intention to move your vessel from its current moorings at least 48 hours prior to any movement of the vessel. A proposed itinerary of the vessel’s movements in Australian ports or waters must be provided to AQIS, and any changes to the proposed itinerary must also be brought to the attention of AQIS.
It is important that all animal/s be confined and controlled at all times while the vessel is in Australian ports or waters. The control and confinement of the animal/s is most important during cyclonic conditions or other emergency situations, or in other circumstances as advised by AQIS (i.e. when the vessel is left unattended). All animal waste must be disposed of in a manner approved by AQIS. These arrangements may change on a port-by-port basis; therefore you are advised to check with the local port quarantine officer.
All international vessels with animal/s on board will be given written directions for:
- the control, confinement and prevention of escape of the animal/s from the vessel
- the site of mooring or berthing the vessel while in Australian ports or waters.
General conditions
All animals and birds on board the vessel must be confined in a manner consistent with the written directions provided by AQIS at all times. The general conditions for the safe keeping of animals on board international vessels include the following:
- Animals must be secured and locked below decks, when the owners are away from the vessel.
- Animals must be supervised when on the open deck area.
- Animals must not be taken ashore.
- The master will ensure all animal waste is disposed of in a manner approved by AQIS.
- The owner will be responsible for all AQIS fees and charges relating to the retention of the animal on board the vessel.
The general conditions for the safe keeping of birds on board international vessels include the following:
- The master shall supply a suitable steel/metal cage with padlock/s. This requirement will be discussed with the quarantine officer during the time of the Pratique inspection.
- Birds shall remain locked in an AQIS approved cage below decks at all times.
- AQIS may elect to retain the keys for the padlock/s and the cage shall remain within the confines of the accommodation area of the vessel.
- If birds are taken onto the deck for welfare purposes, they must remain in the cage and under constant supervision to ensure they do not come into contact with local bird life.
- The master will ensure all animal waste is disposed of in a manner approved by AQIS.
- The owner will be responsible for all AQIS charges relating to the retention of birds on board the vessel.
Importation requirements
Only dogs and cats may be eligible for import. Owners must apply for an import permit and meet all import conditions (including health certification) to be eligible, and generally require a mandatory period of quarantine in a quarantine station. All cost associated with importation are at the owner expense. Applications to import an animal into Australia will be assessed by AQIS on a case by case basis. Dogs or cats on board returning Australian registered vessels that are to remain in Australia permanently must also meet import conditions.
Owners should contact the AQIS Live Animal Import section by telephone on +61 2 6272 4454 or by email for the relevant quarantine and/or importation requirements prior to arrival in Australia.