Pets on vessels

Vessels which carry pets are considered high risk and therefore require increased surveillance whilst in Australian waters. Prior to arrival at an Australian first port of call, the Master must notify AQIS of the presence of animals onboard the yacht.
 
The inspecting quarantine officer will issue the Master/Owner with the 'Reporting Requirements for Animals on Vessels' form. This form sets out the general conditions for the keeping of animals onboard the vessel and may include additional conditions as invoked by the quarantine officer. The 'Master Declaration' section of the form must be completed by the vessel Master and signed by the quarantine officer.

The general conditions for yachts with animals onboard include the following:

The vessel must be anchored at mid water mooring

• All animals onboard must be confined in a manner so as to prevent contact with persons or Australian domestic animals
• The animal must be confined below decks if the vessel is left unattended
• All animals waste must be disposed of in a manner approved by AQIS
• AQIS must be notified immediately if the animal becomes sick, dies or escapes whilst in Australia
• A quarantine officer will visit the yacht at each port of call in Australia, or on a regular basis if the yacht is remaining in the same port, to ensure that the conditions stated on the 'Reporting Requirements for Animals on Vessels' form are being met
• All subsequent movements around Australia must be reported to AQIS prior to departure and arrival
• Continuous AQIS surveillance of pet's will incur AQIS fee for service charges
• If the animal is to remain permanently in Australia, contact AQIS Live Animal Imports on +61 2 6272 4454 or by email to determine eligibility for import.