As our island state, Tasmania is free of many pests and diseases that can be found on mainland Australia which means that it has some of the world’s most stringent biosecurity regulations. The relevance, if you’re travelling to Tasmania with your dog, is there are a few requirements that you need to follow in order to help keep our beautiful southern-most state free of Brown Dog ticks, Ehrlichiosis and Hydatid tapeworm. Please note that tapeworms are not treated by Nexgard or Bravecto – a specific all-wormer or tapewormer product is required (see below).
The main points include:
- Ensure your dog is healthy and do a tick check within 24 hours of travel to Tasmania
- Treat your dog for Hydatid tapeworm within 14 days of travel to Tasmania using a worming medication containing praziquantel at a dose of 5mg/kg bodyweight (this includes products like Milbemax, Milpro, Drontal, Droncit and Popantel)
- Provide evidence of the above worming treatment which can include keeping the medication packet and purchase receipt (I recommend taking a photo of yourself giving your dog the medication, as extra evidence)
- Download, print and complete the declaration form: https://nre.tas.gov.au/Documents/Biosecurity%20Tasmania%20Dog%20Import%20Declaration.pdf
For further information see:
https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/biosecurity/importing-animals/dogs
https://nre.tas.gov.au/Documents/Importing_dogs.pdf
Are you travelling with a pet that isn’t a dog?
As long as your pet is healthy, there are no entry requirements to mainland Tasmania for:
- Cats
- Guinea pigs
- Rabbits
- Rats and mice
If you travel with a pet native reptile or bird species, an import permit may be required or they may be prohibited from entry to Tasmania. Please check this list for requirements for your pet’s species:
Still not sure if you can take your pet to Tasmania or need more information?
For further information, see:
https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania/biosecurity/importing-animals
A summary of Tasmanian Animal Biosecurity requirements for all species can be found here:
https://nre.tas.gov.au/Documents/Tasmanian%20Animal%20Biosecurity%20Manual.pdf
For peace of mind when travelling with your pet, make sure you have packed your Vet in a Van – Navigator Pet First Aid Kit
**The information provided here is only intended as a guide and correct at the time of publishing, no responsibility or liability is taken for incorrect or outdated information. Please always check requirements on the relevant government and biosecurity websites prior to travel with your pet.