Intro
The Cane Corso is a beautiful and fascinating breed, and interest in these dogs is also growing in Australia, especially for those specimens that have been bred in Italy.
Importing a puppy (or even an older individual) Cane Corso from the Bel Paese to Australia requires a number of key steps, which include preparing the dog, the necessary documentation regarding the specimen, and quarantining the specimen upon its arrival in the new country.
This article is intended to be a guide that considers, in a quick and easy manner, each step of the process, helping you to bring your Italian-bred Cane Corso pup to Australia in the safest and least stressful way possible.
Import requirements
First you need to check the requirements for importing dogs into Australia. Here is a brief summary:
- the dog must be at least 6 months old;
- the dog must have a veterinary certificate attesting to its good health, vaccinations performed and antiparasitic treatments;
- the puppy must be identified with a microchip that complies with ISO 11784 or 11785 standards;
- it is necessary to prepare some documentation for this purpose; we’ll take a look at it later.
Preparing the Dog
First of all, it is important to make sure that your Cane Corso is healthy and ready to travel.
Vaccinations
The Cane Corso must be vaccinated against rabies at least 180 days before arrival in Australia. It should also be up-to-date with all other necessary vaccinations.
Microchip
As anticipated, the dog must have a microchip that meets the ISO 11784 or 11785 standard and makes it identifiable.
Parasite treatment
The dog must be treated against internal and external parasites 5 days before departure.
Documentation Required
Documentation required for importation includes:
- a copy of the export declaration from the competent body in the country of origin;
- veterinary documentation, including proof of vaccinations (including rabies shots) and parasite treatments;
- an import permit issued by Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (for your convenience, here is the link to the official website: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/);
- pedigree certificate (stating the dog’s pedigree);
- pedigree passport (issued by ENCI, the italian National Kennel Club: https://www.enci.it/).
Travel preparation
Once you are in compliance with vaccinations, microchips and whatever other import requirements met, you need to plan your Cane Corso’s travel from Italy to Australia. Look for airlines that allow animal transport and check their policies and procedures for pet travel so that the flight is safe and comfortable for your dog.
Obtain a dog carrier that is in line with IATA (acronym for: International Air Transport Association) guidelines; below, we put a couple of useful resources from that association’s own website:
- https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/
- https://www.iata.org/en/youandiata/travelers/traveling-with-pets/
Quarantine
Once you arrive in Australia, your Cane Corso must spend a period of quarantine in an approved facility.
The length of quarantine may vary, but it is generally at least 10 days.
Adaptation to the Australian environment
After the quarantine period, your Cane Corso can finally join you.
Keep in mind that your dog may require a period of adjustment to the Australian environment, including climate, diet, and habits. Provide your dog with the attention, love and care he needs to help him acclimate to his new environment.
Costs
The costs of importing a Cane Corso puppy to Australia can vary depending on various factors, such as airfares, quarantine costs, and veterinary costs. They are quite significant, however, given the various steps that need to be taken and that we have seen and the various parties that will need to be involved in the process.
It is important to keep this in mind when preparing a budget that is appropriate and commensurate with all of this.
Cane Corso in Australia: What to Expect
Legal and Social Framework in Australia.
In addition to referring to the dedicated article, we can meanwhile say that in Australia the Cane Corso is generally viewed and considered, both legally and socially, as a safe breed. In addition, there are numerous communities and clubs dedicated to the Cane Corso in Australia, an indication that there is interest around this dog breed in that country… These groups can provide valuable support for new owners.
Final Considerations.
Importing a Cane Corso from Italy to Australia is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. It is important to work with an experienced veterinarian and a licensed animal transporter to ensure that your Cane Corso arrives in Australia safely and happily.
For more information, you can visit the official website of Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (https://www.agriculture.gov.au/).
