LIVE ANIMAL EXPORT

EXPORT OF DOGS and CATS from Fiji

In accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2008, all dogs and cats for export require an export health certificate or a veterinary certification from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF). Depending on the importing country’s import requirements, the dogs and cats may have to be treated, tested, and/or vaccinated in Fiji prior to export.

Dogs and cats are exported from Fiji under conditions designed to meet the health requirements of each importing country. Import permits may be required for entry of animals into most of the countries while others only require a health certificate or veterinary certificate issued by BAF.

It is the responsibility of the dog/cat owner or exporter to check whether the importing country requires an import permit to be obtained from their national competent authority for a dog/cat to be taken to that country. This can be easily done by visiting the official website of the relevant government authority for the destination country. The owner or exporter is responsible for making sure that the animal(s) comply with the importing country’s requirements at the time of export. This can be accomplished by obtaining necessary assistance from pet handling agents or veterinary clinics. While making arrangements, ensure that importing country’s requirements are well understood and relevant treatments, vaccination and laboratory testing is carried out and documentations properly filled.

The BAF veterinarian has to be notified via email of the export and an appointment has to be made for the final inspection and export certification of the animal. Date and time of the final inspection varies depending on the importing country’s import requirement. Seven (7) days prior to the date of the final inspection, all export documentation that has been completed by a registered veterinarian together with any other paperwork (e.g. import permit [if required], vaccination certificates, laboratory test results, internal and external parasitic treatment and any other treatment information, etc.) must be provided to the BAF veterinarian.

Based on the above mentioned documentation, the BAF veterinarian will determine whether the animal meets all requirements of the importing country and is suitable for export. The export certificate and BAF health certificate will only be issued once the BAF veterinarian is satisfied that the animal(s) have been prepared in accordance with the importing country’s requirements.

The owner or exporter is responsible for organizing transport and any post-entry quarantine that may be required by the importing country. Also, arrangements must be made by the owner or exporter with airlines for carriage of the animals well in advance. The scheduled departure date determines the timing of the preparation activities and final inspection by the registered veterinarian as well as the appointment time for the issuing of official export documentation by BAF veterinarian. Some airlines require animals to be transported by known agents such as animal logistics companies – please check with your airline.

Animal transport containers must comply with the specifications of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which defines container design, size and construction. The container must be of sufficient size to allow each animal enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.

For more information, please contact the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji on 3312512 or email: info@baf.com.fj