28 July 2020
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is for all airlines, freight forwarders, pet transport companies and importers of cats and dogs to Australia. This information supersedes information contained in IAN 105-2020.
What has changed?
The COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria has continued to impact some international passenger flight routes and space availability for companion animals arriving into Melbourne. Incoming cargo flights have continued to carry companion animals and arrive directly into Melbourne.
The current COVID-19 pandemic does not change the existing risks posed by diseases of biosecurity concern to Australia or the need for cats and dogs to meet the import permit conditions in full. This includes the requirement for cats and dogs to arrive directly into Melbourne International Airport, excluding dogs and cats exported from New Zealand, or dogs holding an assistance dog permit. The department may consider re-exporting or euthanising animals that do not fulfill this requirement. The department is working with all animals diverted mid-flight to establish alternative arrangements.
Post Entry Quarantine facility (PEQ) – Mickleham
Due to current operational demands the PEQ facility is close to capacity and has a limited number of places available over the next two months. Pet importers and agents are advised to make flight arrangements and PEQ reservations from mid-September onwards as soon as their import permit is approved.
The department requests that no animals be loaded for transport to Australia until confirmation that flights can land at Melbourne Airport. Animals cannot be transhipped to Melbourne on a domestic flight from another Australian port.
Pet importers and owners must secure an airline booking directly into Melbourne Airport and are advised to confirm both the flight arrival date and the PEQ reservation date to receive their animal before being exported to Australia. Please email PEQservices@awe.gov.au if you wish to amend a PEQ reservation due to flight disruptions.
Pet importers and owners will continue to be responsible for arranging the collection of their animals from the PEQ whether in person or by engaging the services of a local pet transport company. Please check relevant state or territory government websites for interstate travel movement restrictions.
Further information
Importers are encouraged to check our website regularly or subscribe to our mailing list for up to date information as import conditions can change without notice.
If you require further information, please call 1800 900 090 or email Imports.