Relocating your pet to Australia? You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong to feel overwhelmed! Australia has one of the most comprehensive and strict pet import processes in the world. Whether you’re moving your dog or cat from the United States or another country, it’s essential to understand every step, from microchipping and vaccinations to quarantine and import permits.
In this complete guide, we break down the Australia pet import process step by step, highlight the key requirements, and explain how pet relocation experts (like us!) help you and your pet through it all.
🇦🇺 Why Is Moving Pets to Australia So Complicated?
Australia is an island nation with a unique ecosystem. To protect its biodiversity and prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases, the Australian government enforces very strict biosecurity laws. As a result, importing pets to Australia involves a multi-step process that spans several months and requires precise timing, certified documentation, and veterinary support.
Timeline to prepare: At least 7 months before departure.
🩺 Step 1: Microchip & Vaccinations
Time frame: At least 210 days before departure
Every pet entering Australia must have a microchip that can be read by an ISO-compatible scanner. This microchip must be implanted before the rabies titer test is conducted.
Key Vaccine Requirements:
- Rabies (inactivated vaccine)
- Rabies Antibody Titer Test (RNAT) at an approved lab 3-4 weeks after vaccination
- Pet must be at least 90 days old at time of rabies vaccination
Make sure to maintain clear vaccination records, as some vaccines are only valid for one year, while others last two years.
Pro tip: We manage 4–5 vet visits per relocation and provide all the template documents your vet needs to fill out correctly on the first try.
🌍 Step 2: What If You’re in a Non-Approved Country?
Only dogs and cats are eligible for import into Australia, and only from DAFF-approved countries. If your pet is coming from a non-approved country (like Brazil), you’ll need to first relocate your pet to an approved country for a holding period and testing.
Banned Species and Breeds:
- Banned dog breeds include: Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, Presa Canario
- No pets derived from a cross with wild species (e.g., wolf hybrids)
Have an unusual case? We’ve helped pets like Deco and Sprite move from Brazil by creating customized relocation paths through approved countries.
🩺 Step 3: Veterinary Accreditation & Blood Tests
Time frame: Before applying for the import permit
All veterinary work must be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian if departing from the U.S. Your vet must:
- Certify the rabies vaccination and RNAT test results
- Complete and sign the Rabies Titer Test Declaration
- Ensure all information is complete, accurate, and submitted to the USDA
Don’t have an accredited vet? No problem. We’ll help connect you with one in your area and provide all necessary documentation and checklists to avoid costly mistakes.
💉 Step 4: Required Blood Tests & Treatments
Strict timelines apply—coordinate carefully!
Pets must undergo a Rabies Antibody Titer Test to prove immunity, conducted at least 180 days before departure. But that’s just the start.
Additional Testing & Treatment Timeline:
- Leptospirosis: Vaccination or test (dogs only), 14+ days before departure
- Canine Influenza Virus (CIV): Required for dogs from the USA or Singapore
- Ehrlichia canis testing: External parasite treatment 21+ days before testing
- Brucellosis, Leishmaniasis, Leptospirosis testing: Within 45 days of departure (dogs)
- Internal parasite treatment: Required within 5 days before export
Recommended Vaccines for Dogs:
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Para-influenza
- Bordetella
Important: Misaligned travel dates or missing treatments can delay or cancel your pet’s relocation. Our coordinators ensure everything is completed accurately and on time.
📄 Step 5: Import Documentation & DAFF Permit
Time frame: Approximately 60 days before departure
You must obtain an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in Australia. This is a required step before booking quarantine.
Required Documents Include:
- Rabies vaccination and titer results
- RNAT test declaration
- Pet details and ownership declaration
- Vet certification of health
- Proof of microchipping
This paperwork can run up to 14 pages long depending on your pet’s health history and breed.
We handle this entire process for you, ensuring every section is complete and submitted on time—because a single typo can delay everything.
🏨 Step 6: Quarantine in Australia
10-night stay required at Mickleham PEQ (Post Entry Quarantine Facility)
All dogs and cats entering Australia must complete a 10-day quarantine in Melbourne. This facility is clean, secure, and well-staffed with caretakers trained to provide medical and emotional support.
What to Expect in Quarantine:
- Daily care and monitoring
- Emergency veterinary attention if needed
- Dietary or medication accommodations
- No public visitation, but updates are available
Quarantine is booked only after your import permit is granted. We manage this booking and coordinate final delivery after release.
Curious about what pickup looks like? Check out real reunion stories on our blog or YouTube channel!
✈️ After Quarantine: Home Delivery
Once released, your pet can be:
- Picked up directly from the facility (Melbourne residents)
- Put on a domestic flight to your city (we book this for you)
- Delivered via ground transport to your home or a pet hotel
Whether you’re in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, or a remote town, our team arranges safe and stress-free delivery to your pet’s new home.
📅 Sample Pet Relocation Timeline
Here’s what a typical relocation from the U.S. to Australia looks like:
| Step | Timeline | Task |
| Day 0 | 7 months before | Rabies vaccine + microchip |
| Day 21-28 | 6.5 months before | Rabies titer test (RNAT) |
| Day 180+ | 1 month before | Eligible to depart |
| 60 days before | 2 months before | Submit import permit application |
| 30 days before | 1 month before | Final vet visit & paperwork |
| Travel Day | – | Flight to Melbourne |
| Arrival +10 days | – | Quarantine release and home delivery |
🔄 Common Questions About Pet Travel to Australia
Q: How long does it take to relocate a pet to Australia?
A: On average, the process takes 6 to 7 months from start to finish.
Q: How much does it cost to bring a pet to Australia?
A: Costs vary but typically range between $4,000 to $8,000 USD, depending on size, location, and airline fees.
Q: Can pets fly with me in-cabin to Australia?
A: No. All pets must travel as manifest cargo to Australia and cannot be brought in-cabin.
Q: Can I use my regular vet?
A: Only USDA-accredited vets (or equivalent in your country) can complete the required paperwork. We help you find one if needed.
Q: Is quarantine mandatory?
A: Yes, the 10-day quarantine at Mickleham is required for all pet imports.
✨ Real Success Stories: Pets We’ve Moved to Australia
- 🐕🦺 Bart from the U.S. to Australia
- 🐈 Monti and Roscoe from New York to Melbourne
- 🐾 Deco & Sprite relocated from Brazil (non-approved country)
- 🐶 Hudson, who made the round-trip from U.S. to Australia and back!
Their journeys inspire and reassure new pet parents every day.
🤝 How We Help You Navigate Australia’s Import Rules
We handle:
- Health and vaccine coordination
- USDA and DAFF documentation
- Import permit submissions
- Quarantine booking
- Flight and delivery logistics
- Emergency planning and backup options
Our team stays up-to-date on the latest regulatory changes and manages 200+ vet visits per month for our clients. We’re experts so you don’t have to be.
Ready to Bring Your Pet to Australia?
📞 Schedule a free consultation with our relocation team
📝 Receive a customized checklist and quote
📦 Let us manage the logistics while you prepare for your move
We know this journey is big—but with the right help, it’s totally doable. Let’s get your pet moving!
Helpful searches to get started:
- “Australia pet import requirements 2025”
- “DAFF pet relocation permit application”
- “USDA-accredited vets for pet travel”
- “Mickleham quarantine Melbourne info”