Importing a pet (dog) from Europe

[Oneworldplus2]

Hi All,
A quick question.

Has anybody imported/relocated a pet (dog) from Europe (Eastern Europe preferably). I am looking to bring back a Dutch or Belgium Shepard (Malinois).

The pure breeds in Australia can top $5k, whereas in Europe they can be had for ~$500. I have had a quick look online and the prices are eye watering...around $2500++... (like jetpets.com/petcarriers.com)

Another option which I have thought about is to purchase a J/F award (US Div Miles), fly to Europe and bring the pet back myself.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (Routing would be SYD/BNE to BUD and return).

 

[hotpaws]

Hi Oneworldplus2,
I have done this several times (sourcing dogs from overseas is part of my job), and would be budgeting for about $7-8000 plus, and that is if all goes well. You also need to keep in mind that once a dog is found, it cannot travel to Australia for at least 6 months, as it needs a rabies antibody test, and must arrive in Australia no sooner that 180 days after this test was done.

There is then quarantine fees, which have just risen from $39 per day to $159 per day (really, how do they justify this!), so quarantine costs are around $2000. If I recall correctly, the last two dogs I got from the UK (two adult Labradors), the freight costs were about $10000, vet costs about $2000, so it cost us close to $16000 for two dogs.
The freight cost goes on volume, rather than weight, so keeping in mind that the dog will not be able to travel before 9 months of age, the breeds you are talking about will not be much smaller than my dogs were.

I would also question what the quality of dog that you would be getting for $500 from Europe, I would expect similar to a $500 dog purchased here in Australia.

Finally, even if you did go over to Europe, the dog must travel as consigned freight, they cannot travel with you like a domestic flight, so there would be no benefit there, except that you are able to see the dog you are purchasing.
Good luck with your search, I can confirm what a stressful process it is importing dogs, I have not had one go completely straight forward yet.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Yep don't do it