Chapter 14 of 15

Bringing Pets

Strict quarantine (10+ days), BICON, import permit, very expensive

Summary

Australia has one of the strictest biosecurity regulations in the world for importing pets. The country is free from many animal diseases (such as rabies) and wants to keep it that way. Bringing a dog or cat requires months of preparation, extensive veterinary procedures, an import permit via BICON, and a mandatory quarantine period of at least 10 days at a government facility. Costs run to AUD 5,000-15,000. This is one of the most expensive and complex processes in the world.

What you need to know

Which animals can be imported?

Dogs and cats: Yes, but with extensive requirements
Rabbits: NO — prohibited in Australia (except Queensland)
Hamsters, ferrets, snakes: NO — prohibited
Birds: Very limited, only certain species through specific programs

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Knowledge Base

Emigrating to Australia
Complete guide for emigrating to Australia.
Cost of living in Australia
Overview of cost of living in Australia.
Australia visa points system
Australian visa system explained.
Medicare Australia
Everything about Medicare in Australia.
Taxes in Australia
Explanation of the Australian tax system.

Glossary

TFN (Tax File Number)
The Australian tax number. Essential for working (otherwise 47% tax is withheld), opening a bank account and superannuation. Apply at the ATO after arrival.
Medicare (Australia)
The Australian public healthcare system. Covers GP visits, hospital care and medicines (via PBS). The Netherlands has an agreement with Australia — you can access Medicare with your EHIC.
Superannuation (Super)
The Australian mandatory pension savings. Your employer deposits 11.5% of your salary into a super fund. You can choose your super fund. When leaving Australia you can (partially) claim your super back.
ABN (Australian Business Number)
The Australian business number for self-employed and businesses. Free to apply for. Without an ABN, 47% no-ABN withholding tax is withheld on payments.
Centrelink (Government Services)
The Australian government service for social benefits: unemployment, child benefit, care allowances. Access via myGov. Wait times are notoriously long.
ATO (Australian Taxation Office)
The Australian tax office. Tax year runs from July 1 to June 30. Returns due by October 31 (or later via a tax agent). Many Australians use a tax agent.
Skilled Visa (subclass 189/190/491)
The main visa categories for skilled migrants. 189 = independent, 190 = state-nominated, 491 = regional. Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List.
PAYG (Pay As You Go)
The Australian payroll tax system: your employer withholds tax directly. As a self-employed person you pay PAYG instalments (quarterly prepayments).
PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)
The Australian medicine subsidy program. Subsidizes medicine costs. With Medicare you pay maximum ~$31 per prescription (or ~$7.70 with concession card).
myGov (Government Portal)
The central online portal for Australian government services: ATO, Medicare, Centrelink. Comparable to MijnOverheid.nl. Create an account as soon as you have a TFN.