We just cleared at Bundaberg having sailed from Auckland with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. We researched requirements on the Oz AQIS site, and followed their directions to the letter. Our puppy needed:

• MAF import certificate, proving he had entered NZ legally, and that he had been in NZ for over 90 days.
• The MAF lab results from his 30-day quarantine, showing acceptable results.
• The ORIGINAL MAF certified vet signed “export certificate”, including vet inspection of the dog within 72 hours of departure, and no later than 72 hours.

We scanned all the documents and e-mailed them to AQIS district HQ at Brisbane, and to the local office in Bundaberg. This allowed review by the same people who would clear the puppy when we got there, and they emailed us that the paperwork looked correct.

Please note that the customs “port of clearance” are not the same as AQIS “port of clearance”. Additionally, the required 96 hours “pre-arrival report” for customs is not identical to the required AQIS 96 hour report, with different email and telephone contact information.

Since we had everything correct and previewed before we arrived, clearance was quick, professional and entirely painless, except for the AQIS fee of $330 (plus weekend fee) making the total $616. No fee for Customs.

Hope this might help anyone else making this trip with their puppy (who is still better crew, and drinks way less of your beer..)

smooth seas,

Robert Ahbel

SV Concerto