Frequently Asked Questions
NSW import/export online http://www.onegov.nsw.gov.au//new/categories/parks-wildlife#NativeAnimals
VIC https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/keeping-and-trading-wildlife/import-and-export-permits
QLD https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/licences-permits/plants-animals/application-forms
ACT https://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/plants-and-animals/animal_licensing
NT https://nt.gov.au/environment/animals/wildlife-permits/import-or-export-wildlife
SA https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/
WA https://www.dpaw.wa.gov.au/
TAS https://nre.tas.gov.au/
Current list of airports can be seen at:
BIRD BOXES GALORE Stuart Williams: 0422 956 248 Julie Williams: 0439 521 435 Rouse Hill NSW 2155 Email: sales@birboxesgalore.com.au
FRED SCHMETZER Riverina Region. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Will post Australia wide. Mobile: 0428 557 270
Important notice for Qantas and Virgin flights: All crates must have ventillation and be covered with a shade cloth. The perch must also be mounted to the floor (either by glue or bolt).
Before freighting birds try make sure they remain as stress free as possible before hand. When boxing them up make sure they have eaten beforehand and put some fruit and seed (for the seed eaters) and maybe a spray of Millet, into the box for the trip. For non-seed eaters put fruit in the box for them. This way it helps to keep them hydrated and if flights happen to be delayed they have food.
Once you receive you bird/s, don’t force them out of the box. Have a holding cage, rag and net ready in the room. I like to use my bathroom to get them out. Make sure the room is sealed so the bird can’t escape. Open the box and try coax the bird out but don’t force it. Let it come out on its own accord. I like to let them have a bit of a fly around the room first to stretch their wings a bit. I then use a net to catch the bird so not to stress it too much and then put it into the holding cage.
I also like to give it some fresh food and water and add some Spark to the water as well as some probiotics. This helps to rehydrate the bird as well as lower the stress levels from the trip.
I also like to keep them on a course of probiotics for at least 5 days. With seed eaters I put this in their water and with nectar eaters I put it in their wet mix. This also helps in case of any bugs or infections that it may have or have picked up in transit. It is always better to err on the side of caution. It is just a safety measure, I am not saying the bird does or doesn’t have or been exposed to.
It is also advisable to keep the new bird isolated (quarantined) from the rest of your flock for at least 3 weeks to 3 months where possible — once again as a precaution. In a lot of cases if the bird has a pre-existing problem it's very likely to present itself within this time, especially in the first 3 weeks as the stress of change of home etc. even if it's only going next door or 3 doors down, it is the same, will bring the problem if any to the surface.
Example freight boxes:
Minimum age to airfreight with Qantas is 10 weeks
Your pet’s health
Your pet should be fit and healthy and able to cope with being confined for an extended period. An airport is an unfamiliar and noisy environment that can cause some animals to become stressed and agitated.
It is advisable to consult with your veterinarian before you consider transporting your pet by air. They will be able to check your pet’s health and assess your pet for air travel. Air transport is not recommended for anxious or stressed animals and other alternative safer modes of transport, where direct supervision throughout the transport process is possible, should be chosen instead.
Preparing your pet
Your pet should be used to and comfortable in the container in which they will be transported. This process needs to start at least a few weeks before travel. The aim is for your pet to associate the container with good things and become so comfortable with it that they may even choose to go into it and sleep.
Place the container somewhere your pet likes to relax in the house. Make it as inviting as possible by putting in your pet’s favourite comfortable bedding, toys and treats. You can feed your pet treats and their meals inside the container also and give them looks of praise and cuddles when they go inside it. Keep doing this every day for at least a few weeks and until the time of travel arrives.
Your pet will be confined in their container from the time of lodgement until you collect them at the destination.
Before you place your pet in the container and lodge them, make sure they have had plenty of opportunities to go to the toilet and stretch and exercise.
You may offer your pet a light meal a few hours before travel.
Container type
Containers should comply with the current IATA Live Animal Regulations.
The animal in the container must have enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.
Choose a container that has a water container present within it, with outside access for filling. Food is usually not needed for domestic flights,
Containers must provide adequate ventilation (which is a causative factor in heat stress, as well as temperature) and adequate shelter and shade to provide protection from the weather and to allow the animal to feel protected and not exposed.
Containers made entirely of welded mesh or wire mesh are not suitable for air transport.
Sedation
Sedation is generally not recommended for pets travelling by air due to health and safety concerns. Please see the IATA regulations which include the statement ‘Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary direction, is not recommended’.
Access to drinking water
A water container should be present within the container with outside access for filling. The water holder should remain in an upright position at all times and water holders need to be firmly attached to the cage. To ensure containment of any spills the container should have a spill tray installed lined with safe absorbent material.
You may offer your pet a light meal a few hours prior to travel.
Note that some types of animals are prohibited from air travel, some can only travel if a veterinary certificate is supplied certifying the animal is fit to travel and for some pets travel is not recommended.
How to prepare your pet prior to booking
When do you want your pet to travel?
If you ship your pet as air freight, check with the airline to ensure the air freight facility is open so your pet may be claimed by the consignee. Note that it is preferable to ship your pet on week days as all staff are working and liaison is easier all along the route.
Contact the airline you have selected to confirm that they accept your pet on the day and flight that you prefer. Some airlines restrict the number of animals on a flight so the more advance notice you give them the better it is.
Transport of snub nose dogs, such as boxers, pugs, bulldogs and Pekinese, in hot season is not recommended. These animals have difficulty in maintaining a normal body temperature in hot weather.
Where is your pet traveling to?
Is your pet going to travel within your own country, or will it be traveling internationally? Do you intend to break the journey, or stopover at an intermediate station? What is the pet's final destination?
What is your pet's size and weight?
Only small dogs and cats can go in the cabin. Some airlines may not even allow them in, and will transport them as special baggage in a heated and ventilated hold. Do not worry, cats and dogs actually travel better this way because it is quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment.
Do you have a suitable container for your pet?
It is important that you purchase an appropriately sized container for your animal traveling by air. Airlines use the following indications to ensure the animal has enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.
- Download the Container Requirements 1 in English (pdf) applicable to cats and dogs (CR1 LAR 2022)
Guidance for Dimensions of Container
To assist in determining the approximate size of the traveling container, the following formula may be useful. When calculating the minimum internal height of the container, the height of bedding should be added to the height of the animal.
Animal measurements:
A = length of animal from tip of nose to base/root of tail.
B = height from ground to elbow joint.
C = width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater).
D = height of animal in natural standing position from top of the head or the ear tip to the floor (whichever is higher).
Note:
Measurements A, B, C and D for determining the container dimensions must relate to the largest animal.
The calculated dimensions are internal container dimensions.
Minimum internal container dimensions for a single animal:
- Container length = A + ½ B
- Container width = C x 2
- Container height E = D + bedding
- Snub-nosed breeds require 10% larger container
Note:
Container width calculation for multiple animals:
- Two animals: C x 3
- Three animals: C x 4
How many animals will be traveling?
Weaned puppies or kittens may travel well together in the same primary enclosure. When crating puppies or kittens together in the same container/primary enclosure they must be from the same litter, not older than six months, weigh no more than 14 kg each and no more than three per container. Certain national regulations require cats or dogs to be crated individually unless the consignment is a litter over 8 weeks and travelling with the mother.
A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size up to 14 kg each, that are compatible in size and used to cohabiting, may be shipped in the same container/primary enclosure. Animals over 14 kg must be crated individually.
Remember, animals may become stressed and aggressive when traveling by air and should not be placed in the same container unless they are young puppies or kittens. Animals which share the same household may become stressed and aggressive towards each other when traveling by air.
Minimum age to airfreight with Qantas is 10 weeks
Your pet’s health
Your pet should be fit and healthy and able to cope with being confined for an extended period. An airport is an unfamiliar and noisy environment that can cause some animals to become stressed and agitated.
It is advisable to consult with your veterinarian before you consider transporting your pet by air. They will be able to check your pet’s health and assess your pet for air travel. Air transport is not recommended for anxious or stressed animals and other alternative safer modes of transport, where direct supervision throughout the transport process is possible, should be chosen instead.
Preparing your pet
Your pet should be used to and comfortable in the container in which they will be transported. This process needs to start at least a few weeks before travel. The aim is for your pet to associate the container with good things and become so comfortable with it that they may even choose to go into it and sleep.
Place the container somewhere your pet likes to relax in the house. Make it as inviting as possible by putting in your pet’s favourite comfortable bedding, toys and treats. You can feed your pet treats and their meals inside the container also and give them looks of praise and cuddles when they go inside it. Keep doing this every day for at least a few weeks and until the time of travel arrives.
Your pet will be confined in their container from the time of lodgement until you collect them at the destination.
Before you place your pet in the container and lodge them, make sure they have had plenty of opportunities to go to the toilet and stretch and exercise.
You may offer your pet a light meal a few hours before travel.
Container type
Containers should comply with the current IATA Live Animal Regulations.
The animal in the container must have enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.
Choose a container that has a water container present within it, with outside access for filling. Food is usually not needed for domestic flights,
Containers must provide adequate ventilation (which is a causative factor in heat stress, as well as temperature) and adequate shelter and shade to provide protection from the weather and to allow the animal to feel protected and not exposed.
Containers made entirely of welded mesh or wire mesh are not suitable for air transport.
Sedation
Sedation is generally not recommended for pets travelling by air due to health and safety concerns. Please see the IATA regulations which include the statement ‘Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary direction, is not recommended’.
Access to drinking water
A water container should be present within the container with outside access for filling. The water holder should remain in an upright position at all times and water holders need to be firmly attached to the cage. To ensure containment of any spills the container should have a spill tray installed lined with safe absorbent material.
You may offer your pet a light meal a few hours prior to travel.
Note that some types of animals are prohibited from air travel, some can only travel if a veterinary certificate is supplied certifying the animal is fit to travel and for some pets travel is not recommended.
How to prepare your pet prior to booking
When do you want your pet to travel?
If you ship your pet as air freight, check with the airline to ensure the air freight facility is open so your pet may be claimed by the consignee. Note that it is preferable to ship your pet on week days as all staff are working and liaison is easier all along the route.
Contact the airline you have selected to confirm that they accept your pet on the day and flight that you prefer. Some airlines restrict the number of animals on a flight so the more advance notice you give them the better it is.
Transport of snub nose dogs, such as boxers, pugs, bulldogs and Pekinese, in hot season is not recommended. These animals have difficulty in maintaining a normal body temperature in hot weather.
Where is your pet traveling to?
Is your pet going to travel within your own country, or will it be traveling internationally? Do you intend to break the journey, or stopover at an intermediate station? What is the pet's final destination?
What is your pet's size and weight?
Only small dogs and cats can go in the cabin. Some airlines may not even allow them in, and will transport them as special baggage in a heated and ventilated hold. Do not worry, cats and dogs actually travel better this way because it is quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment.
Do you have a suitable container for your pet?
It is important that you purchase an appropriately sized container for your animal traveling by air. Airlines use the following indications to ensure the animal has enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.
- Download the Container Requirements 1 in English (pdf) applicable to cats and dogs (CR1 LAR 2022)
Guidance for Dimensions of Container
To assist in determining the approximate size of the traveling container, the following formula may be useful. When calculating the minimum internal height of the container, the height of bedding should be added to the height of the animal.
Animal measurements:
A = length of animal from tip of nose to base/root of tail.
B = height from ground to elbow joint.
C = width across shoulders or widest point (whichever is the greater).
D = height of animal in natural standing position from top of the head or the ear tip to the floor (whichever is higher).
Note:
Measurements A, B, C and D for determining the container dimensions must relate to the largest animal.
The calculated dimensions are internal container dimensions.
Minimum internal container dimensions for a single animal:
- Container length = A + ½ B
- Container width = C x 2
- Container height E = D + bedding
- Snub-nosed breeds require 10% larger container
Note:
Container width calculation for multiple animals:
- Two animals: C x 3
- Three animals: C x 4
How many animals will be traveling?
Weaned puppies or kittens may travel well together in the same primary enclosure. When crating puppies or kittens together in the same container/primary enclosure they must be from the same litter, not older than six months, weigh no more than 14 kg each and no more than three per container. Certain national regulations require cats or dogs to be crated individually unless the consignment is a litter over 8 weeks and travelling with the mother.
A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size up to 14 kg each, that are compatible in size and used to cohabiting, may be shipped in the same container/primary enclosure. Animals over 14 kg must be crated individually.
Remember, animals may become stressed and aggressive when traveling by air and should not be placed in the same container unless they are young puppies or kittens. Animals which share the same household may become stressed and aggressive towards each other when traveling by air.
Brachycephalic breeds
While any dog or cat is susceptible to heat stress, brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds are generally at greater risk of heat stress when compared to dogs and cats with a normal muzzle length. The characteristic flat face of brachycephalics causes narrowing or obstruction for the passage of air and oxygen trying to get through the airways to the lungs, called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) . Animals with BOAS can’t breathe normally and this significantly compromises their ability to cope with stress and raised temperatures.
The ability of cats and dogs to maintain normal body temperature and thermo-regulate is closely related to the respiration process. Dogs, for example, use panting (evaporative cooling) as a means of expelling heat from their bodies. Dogs rely on normal air flow through their respiratory tract to do this effectively. Abnormal brachycephalic anatomy makes it difficult for these animals to adequately thermo-regulate and oxygenate sometimes even under normal conditions. When placed under additional stressors such as being exercised, stressed/excited or placed in an environment with a high ambient temperature or inadequate ventilation they may be unable to adequately compensate and this can result in over-heating, collapse and in some cases, death.
Any brachycephalic breed, including British Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese and Himalayan and Persian cats, are at greater risk of heat stress.
Some airlines prohibit carriage of certain brachycephalic breeds. Risks to brachycephalics are significant and, therefore, air transportation of brachycephalic animals should be avoided for their own health, safety and welfare. Owners should be aware of the increased risks associated with air transportation of these types of animals and other alternative safer modes of transport, where direct supervision throughout the transport process is possible, should be chosen instead.
Breeds accepted for travel
The list of brachycephalic breeds covered by this policy are listed below. There are no restrictions on cross breeds
| Dogs | Dogs | Cats |
| Affenpinscher | French Bulldog | Exotic Shorthair |
| American Bully | Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel | Persian/Himalayan |
| American Bulldog | Lhasa Apso | |
| Australian Bulldog | Neapolitian Mastiff | |
| Boston Terrier | Pekingese | |
| Boxer | Pug | |
| Brussels Griffon/Griffon Bruxellois | Chinese Pug | |
| British/English Bulldog | Dutch Pug | |
| Chow Chow | Japanese Pug | |
| Dogue De Bordeaux | Shih-Zhu (Tsu) (Tzu) | |
| English Toy Spaniel/King Charles Spaniel | Tibetan Spaniel | |
| French Mastiff | Valley Bulldog |
When freighting reptiles please follow the following steps:
- Make sure all import export permits are complete from relevant state before shipping. It is the buyers/seller in each state responsibility to fulfil their licence requirement.
- Only send healthy animals. Young animals should be established feeders before being shipped.
- A secure and strong container. Animal secure in a calico bag. Use paper towel, newspaper to make sure the animal has minimal movement in container.
- If using a plastic container best to put another container inside with the animals in it for extra protection.
- Use a wooden container or hard esky. Eskys are good as they are strong and insulated. Secure top with at least 4 cable ties or tape.
- Always have sufficient air holes.
- Be mindful of feeding prior to shipping. Defecation and urination can cause issues in shipped animals.
- Freighting Venomous reptiles requires the animals to be secured in a bag then that bag secured inside another bag (double bagged). The container they are being shipped in MUST be clearly marked all over VENOMOUS REPTILES.
Please note: All reptiles require an import/export or movement advice. A copy of which should be attached to the outside of the shipping container.
A frog should not be transported unless they have had sufficient time to digest any food. A frog should not be fed during transport. A frog must have access to water prior to transport to avoid dehydration and some damp sheets of paper towel placed in the container. I also suggest putting in some silk leaves for the frogs to hide under OR a moistened substrate (such as sphagnum moss). The container must be secured so that the frog cannot escape and must be adequately insulated from noise and heat and adequately ventilated. The container must be strong to protect the frog from injuries such as crushing.
Suggested container would be something like a Sestina Lock and Store plastic container (available from supermarkets) and adequate holes melted in e.g. with a soldering iron. Holes shouldn't be too big to allow frog to escape and make sure there are no sharp edges around the holes. Then the secured container can be put into a foam container with holes put in the container for ventilation.
Clearly label the container with LIVE ANIMALS - Handle with Care - This Side Up.
Please note: Frogs require an import/export or movement advice. A copy of which should be attached to the outside of the shipping container.
- A turtle should not be transported unless they have had sufficient time to digest any food.
- A turtle should not be fed during transport.
- A turtle must have access to water prior to transport to avoid dehydration and some damp sheets of paper towel placed on the bottom & shredded newspaper on top so the turtle is cushioned and this also allows turtle to feel more hidden in the container.
- The container must be secured so that the turtle cannot escape and must be adequately insulated from noise and heat and adequately ventilated.
- The container must be strong to protect the turtle from injuries such as crushing.
- For larger turtles, I would suggest using a clean dampened cotton face washer/tea towel on the bottom of container and shredded newspaper on top.
- Suggested container would be something like a Sistena Lock and Store plastic container (available from supermarkets) and adequate holes melted in e.g with a soldering iron. Holes shouldn't be too big to allow frog to escape and make sure there are no sharp edges around the holes. Then the secured container can be put into a foam container with holes put in the container for ventilation.
Clearly label the container with LIVE ANIMALS- Handle with Care - This Side Up.
Please note: Turtles require an import/export or movement advice. A copy of which should be attached to the outside of the shipping container.
- Cut a window out of the lid. You can do the side but not really needed if a big enough window is cut in lid.
- Drill holes spaced around the cut out to wire or cable tie a piece of Avery wire over it.
- You MUST cable tie the lid to box once rats or mice are in it so holes will need to be drilled for this as well.
- If sending bulk rats or mice in one large container you can wire a frozen bottle of water to the inside of lid to help with overheating.
