Australia Cat Import Permit Question

I was able to move my cat to Australia without using a pet transporter. Here are my suggestions.

1. Work with your vet to fill out the paper. My vet filled out most of it and helped me get the necessary government approvals. There really is no reason to use a transporter company to fill out the paperwork, unless you struggle with English.

2. Will you be in Figi longer than the 10 day quarantine period? If so, are you planning a longer quarantine? Quarantine is incredibly tough on cats. When my cat went over the first time, it was for 30 days. She lost 1/3 of her body weight because she refused to eat. She hasn't regained it in 6 years and it impacted her kidneys. I recommend keeping her in quarantine for the shortest period possible. If necessary, you could hire a service in Australia to assist with moving her to a pet hotel until you get back. Surely, you will at least have a hotel booked for your arrival in Australia. Use the address that you are putting on your freight when you move your furniture, clothes, etc. as your permanent address.

3. It is no problem flying on a different plane. When your cat arrives in Melbourne, the agriculture people take control of the cat. You aren't even allowed to visit the cat until it is out of quarantine 10 days later. The last time you see the cat is when you hand it over to the Qantas freight service in Finland.

4. If you need an Australian phone number (and you likely will to save on phone fees for international calls), purchase a Skype unlimited international subscription. It comes with 50% off of an Australian phone number. That way, you can list that number on your documents (and job applications). People are much more trusting of someone who has an Aussie phone number. You can always cancel the subscription once you get your mobile phone over there.

I am working on getting my cat back over to Australia from the USA (we moved back to the USA in 2011) and it is a very streamlined process - nothing to be concerned about.

Good luck!
Monique Littlejohn