So long North America. I'm out.

[Triple J]

So what are you doing about Australia's dog quarantine law?  I had a chance to move to Melbourne for work 2 years ago, but turned it down because all dogs had to go through a 3-6 MONTH quarantine period...at my expense.  No thanks...you likely won't get the same dog back that you arrived with following quarantine (temperament wise). 

Did you find a way around that, or have they changed the laws?  Not required for Canadians? I heard they were talking about a pet Visa, but...

[somegirl]

I think it is 30 days quarantine now.

Congrats, SKOM!  Whereabouts in Oz?

I have thought about it from time to time...since they changed the immigration laws a few years ago, I think I can qualify for dual citizenship.

[Super T.I.B]

Congrats, SKOM!  Whereabouts in Oz?

Adelaide! 

[Popeye the Sailor]

I thought he was in Canada? 


Doesn't he know us yanks don't consider Canada part of the same continent? They're merely a land bridge so we can get to Alaska.

[Super T.I.B]

You won't have to worry about this bloke at Immigration, he lost his job last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9gw3x9zGVc&feature=related

& start getting used to the language... (NSFW)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sry7JYV1U24&feature=related

[IZ]

I think it is 30 days quarantine now.

It depends on how soon you get the vaccinations and paperwork going here in the US.  It can be anywhere from 1-6 months!  If I recall..there are only 3 points of entry too for pets..Brisbaine, Sydney and Perth

[SKOM]

The dogs are staying in quarantine for 1 month. The facility is in Melbourne. It's not too bad although far from ideal.
The SO is going to be staying with friends in Melbourne for that month.

The good:
-They get to stay together in the same pen.
-We (ie the SO) can visit the dogs up to 3 times a week.
-They are kept in runs (not tiny cages)
-There is a field where they can run around a play fetch. The game of fetch is like crack for my dogs.

The bad:
-A really long flight for them which will stress them out.
-They are still in quarntine for a month. I am a little nervous about them changing while behind bars. At least they will have each other. They are litter mates and have never been apart.   

I have had alot of people asking why bother bringing them given the cost and hassle. These people don't have dogs. I feel kind of guilty for putting them through it but there is no way I could part with them. They are family.

I got a position with a geotech firm. It works out pretty well because the will be sending me all over the country to support the other offices. Which means I get to travel the country on their dime.

I will keep you posted on the interesting hurdles that will no doubt come up. This will be a HUGE life change for us. All we are taking with us are suitcases. Starting from scratch. I might invest in a nice air mattress.

[Triple J]

I have had alot of people asking why bother bringing them given the cost and hassle. These people don't have dogs. I feel kind of guilty for putting them through it but there is no way I could part with them. They are family.

I got a position with a geotech firm. It works out pretty well because the will be sending me all over the country to support the other offices. Which means I get to travel the country on their dime.

That's great it's only a month.  A big +1 to the family thing as well...my dogs are why we didn't go to Melbourne.

On a side...looks like we do the same type of work.  I'm a geotech. also  ...specializing in tunnels now a days though. Who are you going to work for? We have a small office in Melbourne...I hear they are dying for good engineers down under. 

[SKOM]

I'll be working with a Geotech consultant in Adelaide.

Yesterday I spent the entire day on the phone trying to find the quickest flight routing to Melbourne for the dogs. A new level of frustrating. 
I can get them to LA no problem (for cheap too). The shit part is that I have to put them on an air cargo flight into Oz.
That's okay - I'm sure LAX is really small and it will be easy for me to find the cargo terminal. 

Tomorrow they get the last of their bloodwork done. My goal date is sept 15th.

[NuTTs]

Congrats and good luck on the move.