It would be a deal breaker if we can’t move our babies too.  It turns out that we can, but it’s going to be a challenge.  According to the official DAFF import process, it’s going to take 6 months!  I really wish the recruiter would have said something much sooner in the process.  We probably would have researched and started the import process, just in case.

We are fortunate to have an amazing vet who has been very willing to help us figure the process out, and has done a ton of research along the way.  If you’re looking for a vet, I highly recommend Dr. Carolyn Karlin at West Gate Pet Clinic in Edina, MN.

Over the next few months, I’ll take you through the step by step process of importing our dogs to Australia.  Here is where we are at:

1. Confirm Eligibility – you must have been the owner of your pet either since birth or for a minimum of 6 months; we’ve had Astrid since she was a puppy and Gizmo since last December.  Neither are a prohibited breed.
2. Verify or implant a microchip: While Gizmo already had a microchip, it did not meet the international standard, so both had to have these imported.  Dr. Karlin is drafting a letter to prevent confusion when Gizmo is imported, since he’ll have two microchips.  Confirming whether or not his chip met standard was quite difficult because it looked like it would in online research, but when we actually spoke with HomeAgain, they we quite clear that it did not.  Astrid has never had a chip, so this was very clear cut for her.  Here is were Dr. Karlin began taking very detailed by the minute notes.
3. Check for a rabies vaccination – must be current to within 12 months of export.  It is not clear that the vaccination must be conducted prior to implanting the microchip, so I called Dr. Frank at the USDA and he confirmed that it did not.
4. RNAT and Quarantine Begins – this is where I realized just how long quarantine was for my babies – 180 days.  RNAT is expensive, but an easy blood draw for my dogs.  Dr. Karlin drew their blood just after scanning their microchip to ensure that everything was being done in the correct order.  Assuming the test comes back with desirable results, this begins the excessively long quarantine period.  150 days of quarantine can be done in the home country, the last 30 must be done in physical quarantine in Australia.  It doesn’t matter how detailed your pet’s health records are, there is no way around this.  This test took about 30 days to come back.
5. RNAT Declaration – this caused a lot of confusion for me.  What is this and how do I get it?  Turns out your test results magically come with it!  The poor girl assisting Dr. Karlin, I think I called her 3 times to confirm.
6. Apply for an Export Permit – this is where we are stuck.  Once Congress figures out how to do their jobs, I can proceed in the process.  Fingers crossed that this will be soon!  We are stuck – we cannot even arrange quarantine without an export permit.

Astrid is my little champ; she’ll take all this really well.  I feel kind of terrible for Gizmo, he just started to like, respect and listen to us in the last couple of months.  This will be particularly hard on him.  This is also the biggest favor we’ve ever asked of someone. My sister has graciously agreed to watch my babies until Ben and I come for a visit at Christmas.  We’re hoping to have a export permit by then, have arranged quarantine and will be able to take them back with us.

Oh shit!  We’re doing this!