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Moving to Australia with Pets — Quarantine, Costs & Step-by-Step Guide
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world, and bringing a pet into the country is a lengthy, expensive, and bureaucratic process. But thousands of people do it successfully every year. This guide walks you through every step, from the first vet visit to collecting your pet from quarantine.
Australia's Strict Biosecurity
Australia is free from many animal diseases that are common in other countries, including rabies. To protect this status, all cats and dogs entering Australia must complete mandatory quarantine — no exceptions. There's only one quarantine facility in the entire country: the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility near Melbourne.
This means regardless of whether you're moving to Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, or anywhere else, your pet will fly into Melbourne, complete 10 days of quarantine at Mickleham, and then either fly or be driven to your final destination.
Approved Countries
Australia categorises countries into groups based on disease risk. This affects the requirements and timeline:
| Group | Countries | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | New Zealand only | Simplest process, minimal testing |
| Group 2 | UK, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, Hawaii, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and other rabies-free territories | Rabies vaccination, blood test, 180-day wait, 10-day quarantine |
| Group 3 | USA, Canada, most of Europe, South Africa, UAE, and many others | Rabies vaccination, blood test, 180-day wait, internal/external parasite treatment, 10-day quarantine |
| Non-approved | Countries with high rabies risk (many African and Asian countries) | Pet must spend 6+ months in a Group 2 or 3 country first before entering Australia |
Check the Department of Agriculture website for the full list of approved countries and specific requirements for each.
Timeline — Start 6+ Months Before Travel
Here's a typical timeline for bringing a dog from a Group 3 country (e.g., the USA or UK):
- Month 1 (6+ months before travel): Microchip your pet (ISO 15-digit microchip), start rabies vaccination course if not already done
- Month 2: Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) — blood test at an approved lab (must be at least 30 days after rabies vaccination)
- Month 2-7: Wait 180 days from the date the blood sample was taken (this is the longest part)
- Month 4-5: Apply for an Australian import permit from the Department of Agriculture ($480)
- Month 5-6: Book quarantine at Mickleham (spaces fill up — book early)
- Month 6: Internal and external parasite treatments (specific schedule in the 45 days before travel)
- Final week: Veterinary health certificate signed by an accredited vet and endorsed by your country's government vet authority
- Travel day: Pet flies in the cargo hold (IATA-approved crate required)
- Arrival: 10 days quarantine at Mickleham, then released to you
Required Steps in Detail
1. Microchip
Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip implanted before any vaccinations or tests. If your pet already has a microchip but it's not ISO-compliant, they'll need a new one (or you bring a compatible scanner).
2. Rabies Vaccination
Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination given at least 30 days before the blood test and not more than 12 months before arrival in Australia. The vaccine must be an inactivated (killed) virus vaccine.
3. Rabies Blood Test (RNATT)
A blood test measuring rabies antibody levels must be done at an Australian-government-approved laboratory. The result must show antibody levels of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination. Then you wait 180 days from the date the sample was taken before your pet can enter Australia.
4. Import Permit
Apply online through the Department of Agriculture BICON system. The permit costs $480 and is valid for 6 months. You'll need all your pet's documentation ready when applying.
5. Parasite Treatments
Your pet must receive specific internal and external parasite treatments in the 45 days before travel, following an exact schedule. This includes treatments for ticks, tapeworm, and other parasites. The exact products and timing are specified in the import conditions — follow them precisely.
6. Health Certificate
Within 5 days of travel, an accredited veterinarian must examine your pet and complete the Australian Government health certificate. This certificate must then be endorsed by your country's official government veterinary authority.
Quarantine at Mickleham
The Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility is located near Melbourne Airport. Here's what to expect:
- Duration: Minimum 10 days (can be extended if any health concerns arise)
- Cost: $2,000-$3,600 depending on pet size and any additional testing
- Conditions: Individual indoor/outdoor enclosures, fed twice daily, veterinary supervision
- Visits: You cannot visit your pet during quarantine (changed since COVID restrictions)
- Updates: You receive regular updates from quarantine staff
- Release: You can collect your pet in person or arrange domestic transport to your city
Cost Breakdown
Here's a realistic breakdown of what it costs to bring one dog from a Group 3 country to Australia:
| Cost Item | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|
| Vet fees (vaccinations, blood test, health certificate) | $500-$1,500 |
| RNATT blood test (lab fee) | $200-$400 |
| Import permit (Australian Government) | $480 |
| IATA-approved travel crate | $200-$600 |
| International pet transport (flight + handling) | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Quarantine (10 days at Mickleham) | $2,000-$3,600 |
| Domestic transport (Melbourne to your city) | $200-$500 |
| Pet transport company fee (if using one) | $500-$2,000 |
| Total estimated cost | $5,000-$15,000+ |
Costs vary significantly based on your pet's size (larger pets = bigger crate = higher freight), origin country, and whether you use a professional pet transport company.
Banned Breeds
Australia bans the import of the following dog breeds:
- Pit Bull Terrier (American Pit Bull Terrier)
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
Mixed breeds that are predominantly one of these breeds may also be denied entry. If your dog resembles a banned breed, get a breed assessment done before starting the import process.
Cats vs Dogs — Key Differences
The process is broadly the same for cats and dogs, with a few differences:
- Cats don't need rabies vaccination from some Group 2 countries (check specific requirements)
- Cats are generally easier to transport — smaller crates, lower freight costs
- Quarantine costs are lower for cats ($1,600-$2,400 typical)
- Overall cost for cats: $3,000-$8,000 (vs $5,000-$15,000 for dogs)
- Same timeline applies — 180-day wait from blood test is still required
Pet Transport Companies vs DIY
You can either manage the entire process yourself or hire a professional pet transport company. Here's the comparison:
DIY Approach
- Pro: Save $500-$2,000 on agency fees
- Con: You manage all paperwork, vet appointments, flights, quarantine booking yourself
- Risk: One mistake in the paperwork or timing can delay your pet by months
- Best for: Detail-oriented people familiar with bureaucratic processes
Professional Pet Transport Company
- Pro: They manage everything — vet appointments, paperwork, flights, quarantine
- Pro: They know the requirements inside out and won't make mistakes
- Con: Extra cost of $500-$2,000+ for their services
- Best for: Most people, especially first-timers
Popular pet transport companies for Australia include Jetpets, PetExpress, and Dogtainers. Get quotes from at least 2-3 companies and check reviews.
Plan Your Move to Australia
Use our tools and guides to prepare for every aspect of your relocation.
Read: First 30 Days GuideFrequently Asked Questions
How long is pet quarantine in Australia?
All cats and dogs entering Australia must spend a minimum of 10 days in quarantine at the Mickleham facility near Melbourne. This is mandatory regardless of country of origin or vaccination status. Quarantine can be extended if any health concerns arise during the period.
How much does it cost to bring a pet to Australia?
Total costs typically range from $5,000 to $15,000+ per pet for dogs, and $3,000 to $8,000 for cats. Major costs include vet fees ($500-$1,500), import permit ($480), quarantine ($2,000-$3,600), and international transport ($2,000-$8,000 depending on pet size and origin).
Which countries can I bring a pet to Australia from?
Australia has three groups of approved countries. Group 1 is New Zealand only. Group 2 includes UK, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, and other rabies-free territories. Group 3 includes the US, Canada, most of Europe, and many others. Pets from non-approved countries must spend 6+ months in an approved country first.
Can I bring any breed of dog to Australia?
No. Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and Perro de Presa Canario are banned. Mixed breeds with significant genetic contribution from these breeds may also be denied. Get a breed assessment if your dog could be mistaken for a banned breed.
How far in advance should I start preparing?
Start at least 6-8 months before travel. The 180-day wait after the rabies blood test is the longest requirement. Add time for microchipping, vaccinations, permit applications, and quarantine booking. Starting too late is the most common mistake people make.
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Create free accountDisclaimer: This article is for general information only. Pet import requirements change frequently. Always check the Department of Agriculture website for current requirements specific to your country and pet type. SettleAU is not affiliated with any pet transport company mentioned.