Rachel Sawaya
Melbourne-based freelance writer Rachel Sawaya has a Masters of Creative Writing from Victoria University of Wellington. Rachel has traveled extensively, and been employed as an aid worker, a librarian and a teacher, but writing has always been her first love. She has worked for WiseGEEK, Xiaoduo Media and Demand Studios, among others.
Rachel has an enduring love and fascination for animals of all kinds. She has kept doves, guinea fowl, horses, rabbits, quail, hamsters, frogs, dogs, cats and basically any animal that seemed to need a home.
Originally from New Zealand, Rachel is still hoping to see a snake in the wild, but so far the Melbourne suburbs have disappointed her.
This article provides an overview of the process of bringing a dog or cat into Australia. It is not meant as legal advice. For full guidelines, visit the Australian Department of Agriculture website.
Bringing a pet into Australia can be difficult, but it is not impossible. There are often services that will handle the process from start to finish, but generally knowing what you have to do and why it must be done can help to minimise frustration. Australia has strict import laws, designed to keep the locals safe from foreign diseases. These laws regulate what vaccinations a pet must have and the amount of quarantine they must undergo before being allowed into Australia. The laws change depending on the country you are bringing your dog or cat in from. Airlines may have separate regulations you must also follow to keep your pet comfortable on the flight. Following the guidelines will keep you and your pet safe and welcome Down Under.
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