Quarantine Requirements Coming From The USA

What Is the Quarantine Time when my Pets arrive from the USA?

Pets arriving from the United States must complete a minimum of 10 days quarantine at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility in Melbourne. This stay can be extended if any biosecurity issues are identified, so meeting all requirements in advance is crucial to avoid delays.

Why Does My Pet Require Quarantine When Entering Australia?

Australia’s strict quarantine rules are in place to:

  • Protect native wildlife and biodiversity
  • Maintain the country’s rabies-free status
  • Prevent the spread of parasites and pests
  • Safeguard public health and agricultural industries

It is for the above reasons that Pets arriving from most countries around the world have to enter a strict quarantine period.

Can I visit My Pet in Quarantine?

Unfortunately, under Australia’s strict biosecurity regulations, pet owners are not permitted to visit their animals while they are in quarantine. However, you can feel confident knowing your pet is in capable hands. The quarantine facility staff are highly trained and experienced in animal care, and in many cases, a dedicated handler is assigned to each pet. This allows for close monitoring of your pet’s health and behaviour, ensuring any changes are promptly addressed to keep them safe and comfortable throughout their stay.

Pet Welfare Whilst in Quarantine

The team at Mickleham is dedicated to ensuring your pet’s well-being throughout their stay. If your pet has specific dietary requirements or needs medication, be sure to include these details in the “Special Needs” section of your import permit application.

Mickleham provides premium-quality Advance AU dry food as the standard diet during quarantine. However, if your pet requires a different type of food, special arrangements can be made—just ensure this is clearly communicated in advance.

If your pet requires medication, you can arrange for one of our Jetpets veterinarians in Australia to visit and prescribe the necessary medication.

Pet Import Requirements from the USA to Australia

To ensure a smooth entry and reduce your pet’s quarantine time, you’ll need to meet the following conditions:

Microchipping
Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip implanted before any vaccinations or treatments.

Rabies Vaccination
All pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 7 months before entering Australia. This is a non-negotiable requirement.

Rabies Titer Test
After vaccination, your pet must pass a Rabies Titer Test to confirm immunity. This test must be done 3–4 weeks post-vaccination and no less than 6 months before travel.

Import Permit
Apply for a pet import permit through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This includes submitting test results, vaccination records, and other supporting documents.

Parasite Treatments
Pets must receive treatments for internal and external parasites close to the departure date, and this must be documented by an approved veterinarian.

Health Certificate
A licensed vet must issue a certificate confirming your pet is healthy and free of contagious diseases. This must include a full record of vaccinations and treatments.

Airline-Approved Travel Crate
Your pet must travel in a secure, well-ventilated crate that complies with the Live Animal Regulations (LAR) that complies with international airline standards. It should allow your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

How Do I Bring My Pet Into Australia From the USA

When bringing your pet into Australia from The United States of America there are many rules and regulations that need to be followed as Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity regulations in the world to protect its unique ecosystem—meaning quarantine is a necessary step for dogs and cats entering Australia.

Pets entering Australia from the United States are classified by the Australian Government as a category 3 country. For a more information on Category 3 expectations visit the Australian Government’s bringing cats and dogs into Australia page.