Animal quarantine changes in Perth, Australia

The following Important information was recently released by The Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA.

For people importing cats or dogs to Byford from 19 March 2013 to 31 May 2013 (inclusive)
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is suspending the intake of animals to the Byford quarantine facility (Perth, Western Australia) until 31 May 2013. This is due to the heightened and ongoing risk of bushfires in the surrounding area and our concern for your pet and all users of the facility.

Australia’s strong biosecurity system protects animal, plant and human health, underpins the productivity of our primary industries and protects the environment. All cats and dogs being imported into Australia, either for the first time or returning, are required to meet Australian import conditions so that Australian people and animals aren’t exposed to potentially fatal diseases not currently present here, such as rabies.

What do I need to do?
You are required to change the port of arrival for your pet/s to either Sydney or Melbourne international airport and change your quarantine facility to either Eastern Creek Quarantine Facility (Sydney, New South Wales) or Spotswood Quarantine Facility (Melbourne, Victoria).

To make these changes you will need to:
1. Contact either Eastern Creek or Spotswood quarantine facilities to book in your pet and have a place confirmed.
2. Change the flights with your airline or pet transport provider.
3. Contact DAFF to confirm the change to flights and confirm when your pet/s are expected to arrive in Sydney or Melbourne.
4. Have DAFF issue you with a Certificate of Equivalence for each import permit that you hold. This will change the quarantine location to your alternative facility.

To find out more about either quarantine facility visit www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs/accom or contact Eastern Creek on, +61 2 8805 1000; or Spotswood on, +61 3 9391 1627.

How will I collect my pet/s after quarantine?
You will need to arrange for your pet/s to be transported to your preferred location once they have completed the quarantine period in Sydney or Melbourne.

Is this going to cost me more?
You will be responsible for costs associated with organising transport to either the Eastern Creek or Spotswood quarantine facilities. You will also be responsible for transporting your cat or dog to your preferred location once the quarantine period is complete.
The change to the place of quarantine will not result in any additional quarantine costs or charges associated with the quarantine facility itself. The fees that would otherwise be charged to you at Byford will continue to apply at the Eastern Creek or Spotswood facilities.


I won’t be able to visit so how will I know if my cat or dog is okay?

While we understand that the distance between you and your pet may be of concern, the precautionary action to temporarily close Byford has been made to safeguard your animal’s health and wellbeing.
You can contact your chosen quarantine facility directly for updates during your pet’s stay.

Can I rebook into Byford for a later date?
A decision about when to reopen the facility will be made closer to 31 May 2013. We do not recommend that you change your pet’s planned travel dates to after 31 May 2013 as we cannot predetermine the decision about when the facility may reopen.

What about my exercise or grooming appointments?
You may have arranged for someone to exercise or groom your animal at Byford. We recommend you contact your provider to discuss options to transfer the delivery of these services to Eastern Creek or Spotswood. If you are unable to transfer these services and would like to arrange for them to be provided, please contact the relevant quarantine facility in Sydney or Melbourne.

I have more questions – who can I talk to?
If you require further information please call DAFF on +61 2 6272 4454 during the Australian working hours of 9am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm (Eastern Daylight Savings Time).
For information about the Eastern Creek or Spotswood facilities, please see our website at:
www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs/accom

DAFF regrets the inconvenience from this necessary safety measure and would like to minimise any adverse impacts to you as a result of this change. Please contact us as soon as possible if you will have difficulty with any of the steps outlined above.