13 October 2020
Who does this notice affect?
All operators of cruise vessels under biosecurity control that may carry passengers accompanied by assistance dogs.
What has changed?
This advice supersedes the notice 100-2018 – Assistance dogs travelling on cruise vessels under biosecurity control.
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has amended the application process for assistance dogs travelling on international cruise vessels that remain under biosecurity control.
From 12 October 2020, the eligibility of a dog to travel on a domestic cruise as a bona fide assistance animal will be determined by the operator of the vessel under biosecurity control, using their own criteria and with regard to the Australian Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992.
The dog’s handler should obtain written evidence of the operator’s agreement to carry to the dog as an assistance animal.
The department continues to recognise the critical, ongoing, and dependent relationship between eligible assistance dogs and their handlers.
Further information
Information about the process, including eligibility requirements and the updated application form is available on the department’s website.
If you require further information, please call 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au