Bringing A Dog To Another Country

[BJean]

Make sure Macau doesn't have a rule to whether animals can be shipped through non-rabies free countries. Taiwan has that rule so I can't ship through most countries (didn't matter, I wanted a direct flight which was what Jet Pets couldn't give me despite their low quote). I also can't ship through HK because they have a rule that animals are not to be transited there.

You can ship through as freight, not as excess baggage

[minyvlz]

ETA: I'm sure domestic flights allow pets to be arranged without an agent (except Qantas even for domestic), but the ones that I've checked for international all do not allow (to Taiwan/East Asian countries). Jet Pets also informed me that all animals from Australia have to be shipped as freight, even if you are on the same flight.

I believe this must be Qantas policy only (requiring an agent).

Passengers can check their own dogs in as freight and fly on the same flight.

It is the Airline's policy which determines if you will pay the freight rate or the excess baggage rate or extra baggage rate.

By freight I mean the dog travels in the pressurized cargo hold, not on board with the people in the cabin.

Yes I would expect so. It is entirely up to the airline. I am merely stating that the ones I've checked do require an agent. I just added the Qantas reply because you mentioned Qantas. I would expect that if I travel with my dog, I would pay for them as excess baggage but only if I don't require an agent. If I travel with my dog and still require an agent I would not expect to pay the excess baggage rate. This is why I've tried so hard to find an airline that does not require an agent but every airline that goes to TW does.

BTW China Airlines told me they charge $5-10 per kilo which is insanely cheap, but the freight department said the reservation dept was wrong and I do need an agent, so check with your preferred airline.

[minyvlz]

Make sure Macau doesn't have a rule to whether animals can be shipped through non-rabies free countries. Taiwan has that rule so I can't ship through most countries (didn't matter, I wanted a direct flight which was what Jet Pets couldn't give me despite their low quote). I also can't ship through HK because they have a rule that animals are not to be transited there.

You can ship through as freight, not as excess baggage

All animals from Australia are shipped as freight according to Jetpets; excess baggage is still cargo regardless of the price.

According to the Taiwan condition of entry, they are not to be transited through non rabies-free countries (esp China or Bangladesh or they will be destroyed upon arrival), so I can't.

[BJean]

Yes I would expect so. It is entirely up to the airline. I am merely stating that the ones I've checked do require an agent. I just added the Qantas reply because you mentioned Qantas. I would expect that if I travel with my dog, I would pay for them as excess baggage but only if I don't require an agent. If I travel with my dog and still require an agent I would not expect to pay the excess baggage rate. This is why I've tried so hard to find an airline that does not require an agent but every airline that goes to TW does.

BTW China Airlines told me they charge $5-10 per kilo which is insanely cheap, but the freight department said the reservation dept was wrong and I do need an agent, so check with your preferred airline.

Cathay Pacific:

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_AU/helpingyoutravel/pets

www.cathaypacificcargo.com/common/contentDoc/Pet_Shipping.pdf

Edited July 24, 2011 by lilli

[BJean]

All animals from Australia are shipped as freight according to Jetpets; excess baggage is still cargo regardless of the price.

According to the Taiwan condition of entry, they are not to be transited through non rabies-free countries (esp China or Bangladesh or they will be destroyed upon arrival), so I can't.

Most airlines require dogs to be shipped as cargo/freight. Basically anything that can't go through the passenger terminal and into the passenger cabin, is classed as cargo/freight. (This is why I find it amusing that Uzbekistan lets you take monkeys and dogs on board, and in Ankara when I produce my passport I also produce my puppies' passport, and they go through the xray scanner machine with me lol :D Doha airport is much like Melbourne airport wrt rules and regulations, and my dogs stay in the cargo area and that's it.)

My point is, that except for a few countries, most international airports operate like MEL/SYD/PER and Jet Pets are correct that all dogs ex. Australia travel as freight, but that is only half the story.

There is a big difference flying with my dog and paying $600, than utilizing the service of an agent and paying $3000.

If the Airline allows you to transport your dog at the excess baggage freight rate, you should not use an agent as you will pay a lot more.

Edited July 24, 2011 by lilli

[minyvlz]

Yes I would expect so. It is entirely up to the airline. I am merely stating that the ones I've checked do require an agent. I just added the Qantas reply because you mentioned Qantas. I would expect that if I travel with my dog, I would pay for them as excess baggage but only if I don't require an agent. If I travel with my dog and still require an agent I would not expect to pay the excess baggage rate. This is why I've tried so hard to find an airline that does not require an agent but every airline that goes to TW does.

BTW China Airlines told me they charge $5-10 per kilo which is insanely cheap, but the freight department said the reservation dept was wrong and I do need an agent, so check with your preferred airline.

Cathay Pacific:

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_AU/helpingyoutravel/pets

www.cathaypacificcargo.com/common/contentDoc/Pet_Shipping.pdf

Not sure what you are trying to say? In the 2nd link you provided it says pets as excess baggage are not available for pets travelling to Australia, HK, NZ, South Africa, Taiwan or UK as well as transiting HK where govts do not permit it. Be it as excess baggage or cargo they will still be in cargo it seems.

[BJean]

Yes I would expect so. It is entirely up to the airline. I am merely stating that the ones I've checked do require an agent. I just added the Qantas reply because you mentioned Qantas. I would expect that if I travel with my dog, I would pay for them as excess baggage but only if I don't require an agent. If I travel with my dog and still require an agent I would not expect to pay the excess baggage rate. This is why I've tried so hard to find an airline that does not require an agent but every airline that goes to TW does.

BTW China Airlines told me they charge $5-10 per kilo which is insanely cheap, but the freight department said the reservation dept was wrong and I do need an agent, so check with your preferred airline.

Cathay Pacific:

http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_AU/helpingyoutravel/pets

www.cathaypacificcargo.com/common/contentDoc/Pet_Shipping.pdf

Not sure what you are trying to say? In the 2nd link you provided it says pets as excess baggage are not available for pets travelling to Australia, HK, NZ, South Africa, Taiwan or UK as well as transiting HK where govts do not permit it. Be it as excess baggage or cargo they will still be in cargo it seems.

maybe my post above explains?

[minyvlz]

All animals from Australia are shipped as freight according to Jetpets; excess baggage is still cargo regardless of the price.

According to the Taiwan condition of entry, they are not to be transited through non rabies-free countries (esp China or Bangladesh or they will be destroyed upon arrival), so I can't.

Most airlines require dogs to be shipped as cargo/freight. Basically anything that can't go through the passenger terminal and into the passenger cabin, is classed as cargo/freight. (This is why I find it amusing that Uzbekistan lets you take monkeys and dogs on board, and in Ankara when I produce my passport I also produce my puppies' passport, and they go through the xray scanner machine with me lol :D Doha airport is much like Melbourne airport wrt rules and regulations, and my dogs stay in the cargo area and that's it.)

My point is, that except for a few countries, most international airports operate like MEL/SYD/PER and Jet Pets are correct that all dogs ex. Australia travel as freight, but that is only half the story.

There is a big difference flying with my dog and paying $600, than utilizing the service of an agent and paying $3000.

If the Airline allows you to transport your dog at the excess baggage freight rate, you should not use an agent as you will pay a lot more.

Yep, exactly my point as I said "I would expect that if I travel with my dog, I would pay for them as excess baggage but only if I don't require an agent. If I travel with my dog and still require an agent I would not expect to pay the excess baggage rate. This is why I've tried so hard to find an airline that does not require an agent but every airline that goes to TW does. " It seems a little more complicated to go to Macau though. Good luck OP

Edited. Excuse the lack of clarity.

Edited July 24, 2011 by minyvlz

[BJean]

All animals from Australia are shipped as freight according to Jetpets; excess baggage is still cargo regardless of the price.

According to the Taiwan condition of entry, they are not to be transited through non rabies-free countries (esp China or Bangladesh or they will be destroyed upon arrival), so I can't.

Most airlines require dogs to be shipped as cargo/freight. Basically anything that can't go through the passenger terminal and into the passenger cabin, is classed as cargo/freight. (This is why I find it amusing that Uzbekistan lets you take monkeys and dogs on board, and in Ankara when I produce my passport I also produce my puppies' passport, and they go through the xray scanner machine with me lol :D Doha airport is much like Melbourne airport wrt rules and regulations, and my dogs stay in the cargo area and that's it.)

My point is, that except for a few countries, most international airports operate like MEL/SYD/PER and Jet Pets are correct that all dogs ex. Australia travel as freight, but that is only half the story.

There is a big difference flying with my dog and paying $600, than utilizing the service of an agent and paying $3000.

If the Airline allows you to transport your dog at the excess baggage freight rate, you should not use an agent as you will pay a lot more.

Yep, exactly my point as I said "I would expect that if I travel with my dog, I would pay for them as excess baggage but only if I don't require an agent. If I travel with my dog and still require an agent I would not expect to pay the excess baggage rate. This is why I've tried so hard to find an airline that does not require an agent but every airline that goes to TW does. " It seems a little more complicated to go to Macau though. Good luck OP

Edited. Excuse the lack of clarity.

Japan Airlines does not require you to use an agent.

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/pet/

You can fly direct Australia to Japan and then to Taiwan.

Japan is also considered rabies free by TW, so there will be no quarantine issue on arrival.

[Greytmate]

Thanks for the replies. I will be bringing him there permanently and I have been quoted by Dog Tainers for $2500. Dog tainers will transport him by going through Manila then to Macau. But my girlfriend is a bit worried about my dog going to Manila (as both of us haven't been there before). The price is not too much of an issue for us. We are more concern about his wellbeing when travelling. Anyone has experience with Dog Tainers which they could share?

Jetpets only transport him to Hong Kong though.

That is a reasonable price for the assurance that your dog will arrive. Using an agent is a good idea, because the consequences for not following correct procedure are pretty severe. Dogtainers are very reputable.

[minyvlz]

All animals from Australia are shipped as freight according to Jetpets; excess baggage is still cargo regardless of the price.

According to the Taiwan condition of entry, they are not to be transited through non rabies-free countries (esp China or Bangladesh or they will be destroyed upon arrival), so I can't.

Most airlines require dogs to be shipped as cargo/freight. Basically anything that can't go through the passenger terminal and into the passenger cabin, is classed as cargo/freight. (This is why I find it amusing that Uzbekistan lets you take monkeys and dogs on board, and in Ankara when I produce my passport I also produce my puppies' passport, and they go through the xray scanner machine with me lol :D Doha airport is much like Melbourne airport wrt rules and regulations, and my dogs stay in the cargo area and that's it.)

My point is, that except for a few countries, most international airports operate like MEL/SYD/PER and Jet Pets are correct that all dogs ex. Australia travel as freight, but that is only half the story.

There is a big difference flying with my dog and paying $600, than utilizing the service of an agent and paying $3000.

If the Airline allows you to transport your dog at the excess baggage freight rate, you should not use an agent as you will pay a lot more.

Yep, exactly my point as I said "I would expect that if I travel with my dog, I would pay for them as excess baggage but only if I don't require an agent. If I travel with my dog and still require an agent I would not expect to pay the excess baggage rate. This is why I've tried so hard to find an airline that does not require an agent but every airline that goes to TW does. " It seems a little more complicated to go to Macau though. Good luck OP

Edited. Excuse the lack of clarity.

Japan Airlines does not require you to use an agent.

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/pet/

You can fly direct Australia to Japan and then to Taiwan.

Japan is also considered rabies free by TW, so there will be no quarantine issue on arrival.

Yes, but my friend does not want her dog to transit even in Sydney, so why would she want her dog to transit in Japan? Less flight time, less stressful for the dog. OP does not have a direct flight to Macau, but there is a direct flight from Brisbane to Taipei. It just doesn't make sense to book connecting flights. Besides, JAL does not fly direct to Tokyo from Brisbane. Again, there is a stopover in Singapore. A check shows no direct flights to Japan from Brisbane. Thanks anyway

[Dogsfevr]

Does that quote just mean freight or like the companies we use does the quote cover every aspect of the dog leaving .

Permits

Vet tests

pre vet check

Crate

etc etc

As already said if the paperwork isn't correct you will be stuffed bigtime ,exporting is very reliant on all factors being completed within the time frame of tests.

[Greytmate]

Yes, but my friend does not want her dog to transit even in Sydney, so why would she want her dog to transit in Japan? Less flight time, less stressful for the dog. OP does not have a direct flight to Macau, but there is a direct flight from Brisbane to Taipei. It just doesn't make sense to book connecting flights. Besides, JAL does not fly direct to Tokyo from Brisbane. Again, there is a stopover in Singapore. A check shows no direct flights to Japan from Brisbane. Thanks anyway

What your friend wants and the proper export procedure for dogs may not be compatible. Dogs have to leave this country through a port where AQUIS can inspect them.

Agents like JetPets and Dogtainers have affiliations with other animal transport companies where stopovers have to happen, and those agents look after the dog where a freight company or airline will not. You will not have access or facilities to exercise and feed the dog even if you can access it in a strange airport.

Does that quote just mean freight or like the companies we use does the quote cover every aspect of the dog leaving .

Permits

Vet tests

pre vet check

Crate

etc etc

As already said if the paperwork isn't correct you will be stuffed bigtime ,exporting is very reliant on all factors being completed within the time frame of tests.

Exactly. Exporting dogs into China means knowing the rules, getting everything right, or having your dog destroyed.

[minyvlz]

Yes, but my friend does not want her dog to transit even in Sydney, so why would she want her dog to transit in Japan? Less flight time, less stressful for the dog. OP does not have a direct flight to Macau, but there is a direct flight from Brisbane to Taipei. It just doesn't make sense to book connecting flights. Besides, JAL does not fly direct to Tokyo from Brisbane. Again, there is a stopover in Singapore. A check shows no direct flights to Japan from Brisbane. Thanks anyway

What your friend wants and the proper export procedure for dogs may not be compatible. Dogs have to leave this country through a port where AQUIS can inspect them.

Agents like JetPets and Dogtainers have affiliations with other animal transport companies where stopovers have to happen, and those agents look after the dog where a freight company or airline will not. You will not have access or facilities to exercise and feed the dog even if you can access it in a strange airport.

Does that quote just mean freight or like the companies we use does the quote cover every aspect of the dog leaving .

Permits

Vet tests

pre vet check

Crate

etc etc

As already said if the paperwork isn't correct you will be stuffed bigtime ,exporting is very reliant on all factors being completed within the time frame of tests.

Exactly. Exporting dogs into China means knowing the rules, getting everything right, or having your dog destroyed.

Maybe I haven't been clear, but I am going through an agent, just not Jetpets (although they were the cheapest) because they were the only company to have said we need to transit in Sydney. They told me firstly that there were no airlines going from Brisbane to Taipei (lie) and then secondly that there were no airlines going from Brisbane to Taipei that allowed animals (another lie). I assure you Brisbane has an inspection port for AQIS as well. I also have my own AQIS-accredited vet here

A pet transport company may be experienced at this but so far I have done as many things as I can myself to cut costs. That includes permits, rabies vaccination, vet checks, crate. I would have arranged for the flight myself if it was possible. It's not exactly rocket science. Know what the authorities over there want, and you can satisfy their criteria very easily. When I was applying for the import permit, there was a list of criteria given that I had to meet. Most of the quotes I had excluded import permits and service will stop at the point when the plane lands in the destination country. This is airport to airport, not door to door. So if your pet is destroyed upon arrival, they will take no responsibility. Always do your own research regardless of pet transport companies or otherwise.

[wayrod]

Export requirements for Dogs to Macau.

Country name:MACAU

Species name:DOG

Transport requirement:Transport requirements do not exist.

Updated:22 Dec 2010

Protocol Last Negotiated:March 1990

Disclaimer

The information provided in this database is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep this database current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice, and exporters should make their own inquiries in relation to import requirements. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this database. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Permit Requirements:Prior approval is required from the Government Kennel of the Macau City Council:

Canil Municipal

Leal Senado de Macau,

Macau.

Tel: 569776

Top

Health certificate:The dog must be accompanied by a valid certificate issued and signed by the appropriate

government authority in the exporting country.

I. Animal Identification

Name _______________________________________________________________________

Description ________________________________________________________________

Breed ______________________________________________________________________

Sex ________________________________________________________________________

Colour _____________________________________________________________________

Age ________________________________________________________________________

II. Origin

Name of Exporter ___________________________________________________________

Address of Exporter ________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Name of Owner ______________________________________________________________

Address of Owner____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Address of isolation premises ______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

III. Destination

Name of Consignee __________________________________________________________

Address of Consignee _______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Means of Transportation ____________________________________________________

IV. Health Information

The official Veterinary Officer authorized by the competent Veterinary Authority of

Government to certify dog/s for export, should declare that:

1. Dogs under 4 (four) months of age must not be imported.

2. No case of rabies was officially reported in dogs during the past 2 (two) years

in Australia.

3. The dog/s have been vaccinated against rabies with an acceptable anti-rabies

vaccine not less than 30 days and not more than 1 (one) year prior to

export.

4. If the dog comes from a rabies free country, which prohibits vaccination

against rabies, a declaration is required.

5. The dog has been examined today and found healthy and free from evidence of

infectious or contagious disease and external parasites within 48 hours prior

to export.

V. The dog/s must be transported by the fastest and most direct route from the exporting

country to Macau.

VI. The dog/s must be carried and caged with labels in accordance with the current Live

Animals Regulations of IATA (International Air Transport Association) and in such a way

as to ensure humane management at all times.

VII. The certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of signature.

VIII. The health certificate must be written in Portuguese or Chinese or English and must

be signed by a full-time government salaried and government authorised veterinary officer,

dated and bear the official stamp.

NOTE: Failure to comply with the above requirements may render the dog liable to

quarantine for 14 (fourteen) days to 21 (twenty one) days. If considered necessary after

inspection by the Official Veterinarian, quarantine may be extended to 6 (six) months.

Top

Special conditions:1. The dog must be accompanied by a valid certificate issued and signed

by the appropriate government authority in the exporting country.

2. If the animal is transitting through Hong Hong to Macau, the Macau

import approval must be submitted to the Hong Kong Agriculture and

Fisheries Department to obtain permission for the dog to transit

through Hong Kong.

3. All vaccination certificates must identify:

- the name and address of the practice

- the name of the attending veterinarian

- the name of the owner of the animal

- description of the animal including age and microchip number

- the date of vaccination

- the vaccine used including serial and batch number

- in the case of vaccination against rabies and/or leptospirosis,

the use by date of the vaccine

Remark: Failure to comply with the above requirements may render the dog(s) liable to

quarantine for 14 (fourteen) days to 21 (twenty-one) days. If considered necessary after

inspection by the official veterinary, quarantine may be extended to 6 (six) months.

[wayrod]

Most of the quotes I had excluded import permits and service will stop at the point when the plane lands in the destination country. This is airport to airport, not door to door.

When exporting checking quotations from different companies to ensure that they are quoting on the same specifications is imperative, items like Import permits, customs clearances can amount to many hundreds of dollars in some destinations, especially if you have to involve Customs Brokers for clearances, this can be a strain on finances, at short notice, if you were not expecting them.

Edited July 24, 2011 by wayrod

[minyvlz]

Most of the quotes I had excluded import permits and service will stop at the point when the plane lands in the destination country. This is airport to airport, not door to door.

When exporting checking quotations from different companies to ensure that they are quoting on the same specifications is imperative, items like Import permits, customs clearances can amount to many hundreds of dollars in some destinations, especially if you have to involve Customs Brokers for clearances, this can be a strain on finances, at short notice, if you were not expecting them.

Yes, I get that. However in my case, import permits to Taiwan are free to apply (I also checked import permits to Malaysia was less than AUD 1). Custom clearances may be a few hundred, but what must be paid will be paid; I'm not concerned. I'm just not sure why all of the travel agents were charging an arm and a leg for those. As a dog owner, I would very much prefer doing those myself than getting my dog into boarding (in the case of Jetpets and Dogtainers they wanted the dog to board for 3 days) with a free deluxe blanket (I can provide my own thanks very much) so travel agents can sort those out while charging exorbitant amounts of what would have been free. As I am not requiring a door-to-door service, all of those I've sought would end at dog's arrival on foreign land, hence I would still have to pay for customs clearance anyway. There was also no guarantee the dog would not be destroyed upon arrival as their service ended once the dog landed with the plane.

As such I requested for multiple quotes from Jetpets, Dogtainers, Petcarriers and many other companies asking how much it would be if everything was included, to how much it would be for the bare minimum. To give you an idea, a door-to-door service from Jetpets was $2080, while an door-to-airport service from them was $1210.

[Greytmate]

Most of the quotes I had excluded import permits and service will stop at the point when the plane lands in the destination country. This is airport to airport, not door to door.

When exporting checking quotations from different companies to ensure that they are quoting on the same specifications is imperative, items like Import permits, customs clearances can amount to many hundreds of dollars in some destinations, especially if you have to involve Customs Brokers for clearances, this can be a strain on finances, at short notice, if you were not expecting them.

Yes, I get that. However in my case, import permits to Taiwan are free to apply (I also checked import permits to Malaysia was less than AUD 1). Custom clearances may be a few hundred, but what must be paid will be paid; I'm not concerned. I'm just not sure why all of the travel agents were charging an arm and a leg for those. As a dog owner, I would very much prefer doing those myself than getting my dog into boarding (in the case of Jetpets and Dogtainers they wanted the dog to board for 3 days) with a free deluxe blanket (I can provide my own thanks very much) so travel agents can sort those out while charging exorbitant amounts of what would have been free. As I am not requiring a door-to-door service, all of those I've sought would end at dog's arrival on foreign land, hence I would still have to pay for customs clearance anyway. There was also no guarantee the dog would not be destroyed upon arrival as their service ended once the dog landed with the plane.

As such I requested for multiple quotes from Jetpets, Dogtainers, Petcarriers and many other companies asking how much it would be if everything was included, to how much it would be for the bare minimum. To give you an idea, a door-to-door service from Jetpets was $2080, while an door-to-airport service from them was $1210.

It is the service that they provide in getting the dog onto the plane with the correct procedure that guarantees that the dog will not be destroyed. After that point, it does not matter who collects the dog as long as the fees are paid at the other end.

You have your quotes from the two most reputable agents in Australia. If you can do it by yourself better and cheaper than an agent then go for it. Every overseas buyer I have sold a dog to is happy to use an agent, and none of their fares have been as cheap as the prices you have been quoted.

[minyvlz]

Most of the quotes I had excluded import permits and service will stop at the point when the plane lands in the destination country. This is airport to airport, not door to door.

When exporting checking quotations from different companies to ensure that they are quoting on the same specifications is imperative, items like Import permits, customs clearances can amount to many hundreds of dollars in some destinations, especially if you have to involve Customs Brokers for clearances, this can be a strain on finances, at short notice, if you were not expecting them.

Yes, I get that. However in my case, import permits to Taiwan are free to apply (I also checked import permits to Malaysia was less than AUD 1). Custom clearances may be a few hundred, but what must be paid will be paid; I'm not concerned. I'm just not sure why all of the travel agents were charging an arm and a leg for those. As a dog owner, I would very much prefer doing those myself than getting my dog into boarding (in the case of Jetpets and Dogtainers they wanted the dog to board for 3 days) with a free deluxe blanket (I can provide my own thanks very much) so travel agents can sort those out while charging exorbitant amounts of what would have been free. As I am not requiring a door-to-door service, all of those I've sought would end at dog's arrival on foreign land, hence I would still have to pay for customs clearance anyway. There was also no guarantee the dog would not be destroyed upon arrival as their service ended once the dog landed with the plane.

As such I requested for multiple quotes from Jetpets, Dogtainers, Petcarriers and many other companies asking how much it would be if everything was included, to how much it would be for the bare minimum. To give you an idea, a door-to-door service from Jetpets was $2080, while an door-to-airport service from them was $1210.

It is the service that they provide in getting the dog onto the plane with the correct procedure that guarantees that the dog will not be destroyed. After that point, it does not matter who collects the dog as long as the fees are paid at the other end.

You have your quotes from the two most reputable agents in Australia. If you can do it by yourself better and cheaper than an agent then go for it. Every overseas buyer I have sold a dog to is happy to use an agent, and none of their fares have been as cheap as the prices you have been quoted.

Like I said, I encourage the OP to do his research as to what is needed. The owner/sender should be as clear of the procedure as the agent. The agent might be more experienced, but if the owner knows what is required he shouldn't have to jump through hoops to meet the requirements. I am made to require services with the correct procedure that I could have carried out myself.

As I said, it's not rocket science, and I would do it on my own if I could. However, as I have replied to you earlier, and I shall bold it for you this time, I am using an agent because there is no airline that allows you to book your pet in yourself. The price I've given by Jetpets from airport to door is cheap because I have done most of the work myself. If I can arrange for my own dog to get vet checked and have my dog stay with me until he goes on a direct flight, why should I choose for my dog to be boarded for 3 days, be vet-checked and rabies-vaccinated without me present, and go on a trip where he has to transit in another unknown country? So to answer you, yes I think I can do it by myself better and cheaper, especially if I cut out the middle man. However, unlike lilli, I don't have the luxury of doing so.

Also, some agents do not allow you to do the work yourself, such as Dogtainers would not allow me to use my own AQIS-accredited vet.

[nicolatu]

Thanks for all the replies and it has been helpful to help me decide. There is one my main reason why I would prefer using an agent rather than doing it myself.

If I miss any documents out, it will be disastrous (either my dog gets destroyed or gets sent back to Australia). I would rather my dog have 0% chance of experiencing that.

The quote I was given includes "complementary collection (Metropolitan areas) final health inspection and treatments (within 24 hours prior to departure), health certification, Export and Health permits, travel container (IATA std), Airline Export Documents, airfares and associated airline charges through to Macau."

I called Dog Tainers and they told me that they will collect my dog on Sunday in Melbourne and he will arrive on Monday in Macau. That sounds reasonable to me but I'm just worried about how he will be treated and the conditions he will be in (Manila). I have never been to Manila so that is my main concern.

Nic