Lyla Lindsey
Shipping a bird from Australia to the USA requires careful planning and attention to detail. The process is challenging and costly, but it is possible to safely relocate your feathered friend. The first step is to determine the eligibility and type of quarantine required, followed by obtaining the necessary permits and health certificates. Birds entering the USA must adhere to specific regulations, including direct flights to designated ports of entry and inspections by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The entire process can take several months, so advance planning is crucial to ensure a smooth transition for your bird.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for paperwork | Several months to a year |
| Cost | Not cheap; minimum of $700 for VS services |
| Health certificate | Required; issued or endorsed by the government of the foreign country the bird is travelling from |
| Examination | Required at the first U.S. port of entry |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) certifications and permits | Required |
| Quarantine | Minimum of 30 days in a federal quarantine facility |
| Travel crate | Required; must comply with IATA's Live Animal Regulations (LAR) |
| Route of travel | Must fly directly to a designated port of entry without stopping at other U.S. airports |
| VS import permit | Required; apply 30 days prior to departure |
| Weight of bird | Birds weighing more than 100 grams must be identified by a microchip, leg band, or tattoo to qualify for home quarantine |
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What You'll Learn
Quarantine requirements
Birds that are eligible for home quarantine must still enter the USA at a designated port of entry, flying directly without stopping at other US airports. The owner must allow plenty of time at the port to complete all activities involved in getting their bird to federal quarantine. If a connecting flight is required, a minimum of four hours should be allowed between flights.
All pet birds entering the USA must have a VS import permit, which should be applied for approximately 30 days before departure. The import permit is valid for 30 days from the specified travel date, and the route of travel should include a direct flight to a designated port of entry. A copy of the US health certificate is required with the application.
Birds entering the USA from a country other than Canada or Mexico generally require an original health certificate issued or endorsed by the government of the country the bird is travelling from, and an examination at the first US port of entry. There are fees associated with these services, typically a minimum of $700.
In some cases, birds may need to be kept in an "embarkation quarantine facility" for 21 days before departure to prevent the entry of mosquitoes, depending on the import requirements of the destination country. It is important to research these requirements in advance.
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Health certificates
To ship a bird from Australia to the USA, you will need to obtain a health certificate. This is a crucial part of the process, as it ensures that your bird is in good health and free from any diseases that could potentially harm the bird population in the destination country.
Firstly, you must determine the type of health certificate required for your bird. If you are importing a bird from Australia to the USA, you will need to obtain an endorsed health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian or importer. This certificate must be issued within 30 days of your bird's travel and stamped by an official government veterinarian in Australia. It is important to note that some airlines may require a shorter time frame for the health certificate, so it is best to check with your airline carrier about their specific requirements for transporting pet birds.
The endorsed health certificate will need to accompany your bird during its travel or shipment. This certificate will need to include the bird's microchip or official identification details, which must also be recorded on all other relevant documentation. It is critical that all microchip numbers are correctly documented if your bird has more than one microchip.
If you are returning a U.S.-origin pet bird to the USA, you will need a different set of documents. In addition to the health certificate from the country of origin, you will also need a U.S. health certificate issued before your bird left the USA. This U.S. health certificate must include the bird's identification details, such as a microchip, leg band, or tattoo, if the bird weighs more than 100 grams. This requirement has been in place since February 19, 2018, for birds returning to the USA from HPAI-free countries.
Additionally, it is important to be aware that some countries, including the USA, may have specific entry and exit requirements for certain bird species. For example, in the USA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates birds protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 (WBCA). Therefore, it is crucial to contact the relevant authorities and carefully review all import and export requirements to ensure that you have the correct health certificates and permits for your bird's travel.
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Permits
When shipping a bird from Australia to the USA, you will need to obtain several permits and licences. The specific permits required will depend on the type of bird being imported, the purpose of the import, and the origin country. Here is a step-by-step guide to the permits you will need:
- Import Permit: An import permit is required for all pet birds entering the USA from a country other than Canada or Mexico. The import permit application, VS Form 17-129, must be submitted at least 7 business days before shipping the bird. This form can be submitted electronically, via email, standard mail, or fax. The permit is valid for 30 days and must accompany the bird during its travel. The fee for this permit is $700.
- Health Certificate: All pet birds entering the USA must be accompanied by a health certificate issued by the country of origin. This certificate must be in English or include an English translation. It must be issued by a salaried veterinarian or endorsed by the competent authority of the exporting country. The health certificate should state that the bird has been examined and shows no evidence of communicable diseases, and that it is being exported in accordance with the laws of the origin country.
- USFWS Requirements: Depending on the species of bird, you may need to obtain additional permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Contact the FWS to determine if your bird is subject to any additional requirements.
- USDA Transit Permit: If your bird is transiting through the USA to another country, you will need a USDA transit permit. This permit is required for all commercial bird shipments and must be arranged at least 72 hours in advance.
- CITES Export Documents: If your bird is a CITES-listed species, you will need to obtain the necessary export documents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This process can take up to a year, so plan well in advance.
- Port of Entry Inspection: Upon arrival in the USA, your bird will undergo an inspection at the designated port of entry. You must notify the port veterinarian in advance and provide them with the necessary documentation, including health certificates and import permits.
- Quarantine Requirements: All pet birds entering the USA are subject to quarantine requirements. Contact the USDA Animal Import Center to make reservations for quarantine before submitting your import permit application. The quarantine facility will provide an estimate of the total costs.
- Customs Clearance: All shipments must be cleared by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon arrival. You can expedite this process by using the CBP One Mobile Application and uploading the required documentation in advance.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and you should always refer to the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information. The process of importing a bird to the USA can be complex and time-consuming, so it is essential to start the process early and ensure that you have all the required permits and documentation in place.
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Travel crates
When it comes to shipping a bird from Australia to the USA, there are several factors to consider regarding travel crates. Firstly, it is important to select an appropriate travel crate that complies with the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The IATA sets standards for the safe transport of animals, including birds, and their guidelines must be followed to ensure the bird's comfort and safety during the journey.
The specific requirements for IATA-approved travel crates include adequate ventilation, enough space for the bird to stand comfortably, turn around, and fully extend its wings, and a leak-proof design to prevent any messes during transport. The crate should also have a secure door or opening to prevent accidental escape and be made of sturdy materials to withstand the rigours of travel.
In addition to the physical characteristics of the crate, it is essential to properly prepare the bird for the journey. The bird should be comfortable resting and spending time in the crate before the trip. This can involve gradually introducing the crate to the bird, providing treats or favourite toys inside, and ensuring the bird is calm and accustomed to the crate environment. Starting this process well in advance of the travel date is ideal, as it allows the bird to become familiar and comfortable with the crate at its own pace.
Another crucial aspect of bird transportation is adhering to the import and export requirements of both Australia and the United States. This includes obtaining the necessary health certificates, permits, and other relevant documentation. The bird may need to undergo inspections and be cleared by customs authorities in both countries. It is important to research and understand the specific requirements of each country to ensure a smooth travel process.
Additionally, quarantine requirements may apply, depending on the bird's origin, destination, and health status. Birds entering the United States may be subject to federal or home quarantine for a specified period. Understanding these requirements beforehand will help ensure that the bird's travel crate meets the necessary standards and that all necessary arrangements are made for the bird's safe and compliant transport.
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Costs
The cost of shipping a bird from Australia to the USA can vary depending on several factors, including the weight and size of the package, the shipping method, and the choice of courier service. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:
Courier Service Costs
The choice of courier service plays a significant role in determining the overall cost of shipping. Major international courier companies like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer services for shipping between Australia and the USA. These companies have partnerships that help reduce shipping costs and provide resources for navigating customs, taxes, and paperwork. However, their rates can vary, so it is essential to compare prices before selecting a courier. Additionally, using a shipping platform like Shippo can provide significant discounts on UPS and DHL services, making them more cost-effective options.
Shipping Method Costs
The shipping method, such as air freight or sea freight, will also impact the cost. Air freight is typically faster but more expensive than sea freight. Sea freight offers lower rates but may take longer for your package to arrive. If you are shipping time-sensitive items or birds that require faster transit times, air freight might be the preferable option, despite the higher cost.
Package Weight and Size Costs
Most courier services price their shipping rates based on the weight or size of the package, whichever is larger. This is often calculated using the volumetric or dimensional weight of the package, which accounts for the space it occupies in relation to its physical weight. Larger and heavier packages tend to be more expensive to ship due to the increased space they occupy in the shipping vehicle. Flat-rate services charge a flat fee for specific box sizes, regardless of the weight or content.
Quarantine and Inspection Costs
When importing a bird into the USA, it will need to undergo quarantine and inspection procedures. The USDA Animal Import Center charges fees for port inspection, laboratory testing during quarantine, and the quarantine stay itself. Additionally, upon arrival in the USA, a veterinarian will examine the bird for a fee, which is $450 per bird for 30 days in an individual isolet. These costs can add up, especially if the bird requires an extended quarantine period.
Customs and Tax Costs
Customs clearance and taxes can also contribute to the overall cost of shipping a bird to the USA. Using a customs broker can help facilitate the clearance process, but it may come with additional fees. Additionally, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a common tax applied to Australian shipments. Low-value imports (costing $1,000 or less) are charged a 10% GST on the customs value of the goods. Other taxes, such as the Luxury Car Tax and the Wine Equalization Tax, may also apply depending on the nature of the shipment.
Overall, shipping a bird from Australia to the USA can be a complex and costly process. It is essential to carefully consider each of these cost components and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and efficient shipping experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The requirements include an original health certificate from the Australian government, an examination at the first U.S. port of entry, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) certifications and permits, and fees of at least $700. All pet birds that did not previously live in the U.S. must undergo federal quarantine for at least 30 days.
First, determine the eligibility and type of quarantine required 60-90 days before departure. Next, apply for a USDA/Veterinary Services (VS) import permit 30 days before departure. Then, submit the import permit application at least 7 business days before shipping. Finally, ensure that your bird travels in a compliant travel crate and arrives at a designated port of entry.
The minimum cost for importing a pet bird into the U.S. is $700, which covers fees for VS services. Additional costs include port inspection, laboratory testing during quarantine, and the quarantine stay. Fees for home quarantine and testing are charged per "lot" or shipment, with the home quarantine fee covering inspections and sample collections.
It is important to start preparing your bird for its travel crate well in advance of the move. Additionally, ensure that you are aware of both Australia's export requirements and the U.S.A.'s import requirements. If your bird is a protected species, you will need to obtain the necessary permits, which can take 6-7 months.
Birds weighing more than 100 grams (roughly the size of a clinched fist) must be identified with a microchip, leg band, or tattoo prior to leaving the U.S. to qualify for home quarantine upon return. Birds that do not meet this requirement will have to undergo federal quarantine.
