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THE PROCESS

airplane taking off

The Livestock Export Process -

A clear, step‑by‑step guide to how Hedley John Exporters manages international livestock shipments.

1.      Tell Us What You Need 

Start by completing the Hedley John Contact Form with clear details about the livestock you want to import.  The more specific your request, the faster we can begin the process.

 

2.     Confirm Your Country’s Import Requirements

Every government has strict health and biosecurity rules for importing live animals.

  • Many countries have an agreed import protocol with New Zealand or Australia.

  • If a protocol exists, we can review it immediately.

  • If not, we rely on you to provide your country’s most recent import health requirements so we can confirm feasibility

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3.     Receive Your Quote

Once we understand your livestock requirements and the import health standards, we prepare a formal letter of offer outlining pricing, timelines, and conditions

 

4.     Accept The Offer & Sign the Contract

If you accept the offer, we issue a detailed contract.

  • A deposit is required to secure your order.

  • Once the deposit is received, we begin preparing your livestock for export.

 

5.     Pre-Selection of Livestock

If needed, we work with our network of trusted breeders to pre‑select animals that meet the specifications in your agreement

 

6.     Final Selection

You can confirm your livestock selection in one of three ways:

  • A personal on‑farm visit

  • Remote selection via photos and video

  • Full delegation to our experienced team

 

7.      On Farm Preparation 

This is one of the first operational steps in the export chain.
We ensure:

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  • The farm of origin meets all importing country requirements

  •  Any required on‑farm health testing is completed before animals move further through the process

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8.      Transport To Quarantine 

Animals that pass on‑farm checks are transported to our pre‑export quarantine facility.

 

9.      Pre-Export Quarantine

During quarantine, animals are held in a government‑approved, biosecure facility.
We manage:

  • All required health testing and treatments

  • Nutrition and animal welfare

  • Final preparations for export

Final payment is required before delivery.

 

10.    Loading for Export

Qualified animals are loaded into internationally approved livestock crates designed for safe, comfortable air transport.
Crates are:

  • Wooden

  • Secure

  • Internally lined

  • Well‑ventilated

 

11.     Transit to Your Country

Animals travel via modern aircraft.

  • Small consignments may travel unaccompanied.

  • Large consignments include a professional stock groom who oversees loading, unloading, and in‑flight care, and assists you on arrival

 

12.     Export Documentation

We prepare all documents required for import, which may include:

  • Veterinary Health Certificate

  • Air Waybill

  • Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Certificate of Origin

  • Insurance Certificate

Import

The Import Process -

Your Responsibilities on Arrival

1.       Prepare for the Arrival of Your Livestock

Before the animals land in your country, you must ensure all arrival logistics and legal requirements are fully organised. This includes:

  • Government‑endorsed import permit or permission
    Your national authority must approve the import before the animals depart.

  • Border clearance arrangements
    Coordinate with your customs service to ensure smooth clearance on arrival.

  • Payment of duty and any excise charges
    All applicable fees must be settled in advance to avoid delays.

  • Suitable trucking arranged
    Our livestock crates are often loaded directly onto a flat‑deck truck, so ensure the correct vehicle is ready.

  • Loading and unloading equipment available, such as:

  • Long‑pronged forklifts for lifting crates on and off trucks

  • Ramps suitable for unloading stock from multi‑deck crates

These preparations ensure the animals can be safely transferred from the aircraft to your facility without stress or delay.

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2.     Provide a Suitable Facility for the Livestock

Hedley John only sends livestock to buyers who can demonstrate excellent standards of animal care. Before export, you will need to complete our facility and welfare form to show that:

  • You have an appropriate, secure facility for the animals to begin their new life

  • Experienced, capable staff will be caring for them

  • All welfare, housing, and biosecurity requirements are met

This step protects the animals’ wellbeing and ensures compliance with international welfare expectations.

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