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Locum 101: Taking cats and dogs to Australia

Most locum tenens planning on moving to Australia wouldn't dream of heading down under without their four-legged friends, so they will want to brush up on the country's regulations regarding taking cats and dogs past its borders.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) maintains a list of countries from which pets are permitted to be imported, and the United States (except Hawaii) is luckily on that list. Locums moving to Australia from nations not approved by AQIS must have their pets spend at least six months in a country that has been included. Unfortunately, some breeds—such as the American pit bull—are banned from being brought into Australia altogether.

Well in advance of their down under excursion, locum tenens should check with AQIS to find out what vaccinations are necessary for their pet. All shots required by AQIS must be performed by a government-approved veterinarian in a pet's home country.

In addition, they should have their dog microchipped with a device compatible with AQIS' standards. If an animal arrives in Australia and has either no microchip or one that cannot be read, it will be returned to its country of origin.