Does My Pet Have to Enter Quarantine?
Yes. All pets entering Australia must undergo a mandatory post-entry quarantine at the Mickleham Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. The standard quarantine period varies depending on the pet’s compliance with Australian import conditions.
How long Does my Pet need to be in Australian Quarantine when arriving from the UK?
The standard quarantine stay is 30 days, unless your pet is returning to Australia, in which case the stay may be reduced to 10 days. It is important to speak to one of our team as each case can vary, depending on the medical history.
Entry into Australia and Quarantine
All pets must enter Australia via Melbourne Airport (MEL), regardless of whether your new home will be in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth or anywhere else in the country. They will spend their quarantine period, currently 30-days (unless the Dog/ Cat is returning to Australia where it is reduced to 10-days) in the Government run post-entry quarantine facility at Mickleham, close to Melbourne airport. After their 30-day period in the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility is finished, an appointment is made for you to collect your pet. If you are not able to collect the animal yourself, we can arrange, through one of our partner pet transport agents in Melbourne, the collection and onward ground or air transport to your new home.
Microchip Your Pet
Pets must be microchipped as this is a mandatory identification requirement by the Australian authorities and must comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards. The microchip must be implanted prior to any vaccinations or testing to be valid for import.
Rabies Vaccination
To begin the importation process, your pet must first receive a rabies vaccination. Approximately one month later, they’ll need to undergo a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT). This test must be completed at least 180 days before your pet’s departure to Australia. The 180 day period is part of the process and mandatory by the Australian Government to protect Australia’s natural environment.
Import Permit
An import permit from Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is required to legally bring your pet into the country. This application includes submission of your pet’s health records, test results, and treatment history. Processing can take several weeks, so early application is recommended. Speak to our team about how we can assist with this process for you. This can be started whilst you are waiting the mandatory 180 day period for Rabies clearance process. The Import permit is required before requesting a booking for the Mickleham Quarantine Facility in Melbourne.
Veterinary Health Certificate
A health certificate must be issued confirming that your pet is fit for travel and free from contagious diseases. This must be completed within 10 days of travel from the UK. This Certificate is essential for customs clearance and quarantine processing.
Treatments When Travelling to Australia
When entering Australia form the UK all pets must have parasite treatments in order to confirm with the strict rules in place. These rules are in place to protect local animals from pests and parasites. Pets must be treated for:
- Ticks – Treatment must be administered within 48 hours of departure.
- Tapeworms – Treatment must be completed within 5 days of departure.
All treatments must be documented by a licensed veterinarian.
Why Happens if Documentation Does Not Comply with Australian Regulations?
The protocols in place are designed to maintain Australia’s strict biosecurity standards. Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to:
- Delayed pet release
- Extended quarantine periods
- Increased costs
- Refusal of entry
It is critical that you plan well in advance for your pet relocation to Australia and contact one of our Pet Travel Consultants to guide you through the process.
Yes, you can bring your dog or cat from the UK to Australia, but you’ll need to meet a range of strict import requirements as Australia’s rigorous biosecurity regulations are some of the strictest laws in the world. These guidelines are all listed on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (DAAF) website and has a step-by-step guides that outlines what is involved.
Australia enforces some of the world’s strictest animal import regulations, designed to safeguard its unique wildlife and agricultural industries from foreign diseases and parasites. If you’re planning to relocate from the UK with your pet, it’s essential to plan well in advance and follow the strict processes that are required to gain approval to import your pets.
