Extra Crate Space
These breeds require 10% more space for better airflow to keep them comfortable.
Australia
Pet Relocation Australia
Australia is a pet lover’s haven, with pet-friendly beaches, parks, and cafés – especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Pet services such as grooming, daycare, and boarding are easy to find, and modern veterinary clinics offer everything from routine check-ups to advanced medical care. As a rabies-free country for over 100 years, Australia maintains very strict biosecurity regulations under the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Country Groups & Overview
Group 1: Rabies-free (New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos Islands)
→ Pets from Group 1 can enter Australia without an import permit, without RNATT, and without quarantine, as long as all eligibility requirements are met.
Group 2: Rabies-free approved countries/territories
(e.g. Singapore, Japan, Fiji, French Polynesia,…)
→ Pets from Group 2 require an import permit and must complete required vet steps and stay in quarantine on arrival.
Group 3: Approved countries where rabies is absent or well-controlled
(e.g. USA, Canada, EU countries, South Korea, Hong Kong,…)
→ Pets from Group 3 must be vaccinated for rabies, have a valid RNATT, and the RNATT sample must be received by the lab at least 180 days before export.
Non-approved countries: Countries not included in Group 1, 2, or 3. Pets cannot be imported directly into Australia. They must move to an approved country (Group 2 or 3) and stay ≥ 180 days before export.
Australia Pet Import Requirements
01
Microchip:
Required ISO 11784/11785 microchip; the number must be scanned and recorded in all documentation, blood sample, permit, and health certificate.
02
Identity Check:
Applies to Group 2/3. Recommended to reduce the quarantine period in Australia from 30 days to 10 days.
03
Rabies Vaccination:
Group 1: Not required if the pet has never lived in a country where rabies is present.
Group 2/3: Required after microchipping. The vaccine must be valid and remain continuously effective from the date of RNATT sampling until export.
04
RNATT Test (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test):
Mandatory for Group 3 and Group 2 if previously lived in Group 3.
Blood sample taken 3–4 weeks post-vaccination. The result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Sampling must be at least 180 days prior to export.
05
Veterinary Health Check & Certificate:
Issued and signed by a government-approved veterinarian. The transport crate must be sealed, and each page of the certificate must be signed.
Group 1: Simple health certificate including details like breed, age, sex, microchip number, any travel history to Africa, and confirmation that the pet is not a banned breed.
Group 2/3: Includes RNAT Declaration, test results, parasite treatment records, official endorsement, and stamps.
Sources: Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Ferndale Kennels & Cattery
06
Parasite Treatment:
Must be treated for both internal and external parasites. Tapeworm treatment is required if there is a risk. Treatment must be done within 5 days before departure.
07
Import Permit:
Group 1: Import permit NOT required
Group 2/3: Required via BICON system + fee
08
Quarantine:
Group 1: No quarantine if all conditions are met
Group 2/3: Mandatory minimum 10-day quarantine at Mickleham (Melbourne). May extend to 30 days if identity is not confirmed.
01
Microchip:
Required ISO 11784/11785 microchip; the number must be scanned and recorded in all documentation, blood sample, permit, and health certificate.
02
Identity Check:
Applies to Group 2/3. Recommended to reduce the quarantine period in Australia from 30 days to 10 days.
03
Rabies Vaccination:
Group 1: Not required if the pet has never lived in a country where rabies is present.
Group 2/3: Required after microchipping. The vaccine must be valid and remain continuously effective from the date of RNATT sampling until export.
04
RNATT Test (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test):
Mandatory for Group 3 and Group 2 if previously lived in Group 3.
Blood sample taken 3–4 weeks post-vaccination. The result must be ≥ 0.5 IU/ml. Sampling must be at least 180 days prior to export.
05
Veterinary Health Check & Certificate:
Issued and signed by a government-approved veterinarian. The transport crate must be sealed, and each page of the certificate must be signed.
Group 1: Simple health certificate including details like breed, age, sex, microchip number, any travel history to Africa, and confirmation that the pet is not a banned breed.
Group 2/3: Includes RNAT Declaration, test results, parasite treatment records, official endorsement, and stamps.
Sources: Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Ferndale Kennels & Cattery
06
Parasite Treatment:
External parasite treatment must be done at least 21 days before travel. Follow DAFF-specific requirements.
07
Import Permit:
Group 1: Import permit NOT required
Group 2/3: Required via BICON system + fee
08
Quarantine
Group 1: No quarantine if all conditions are met
Group 2/3: Mandatory minimum 10-day quarantine at Mickleham (Melbourne). May extend to 30 days if identity is not confirmed.
Important Notes
We know all pet's are special - but for the extra-special snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds there are some specific requirements that can make navigating your adventure a little more challenging. Luckily we specialise in just these types of situations!
Temperature Control
These breeds can only fly under safe temperature conditions, often requiring cooler travel times or temperature-controlled aircraft areas.
Vet Check
We are the only IPATA Certified Veterinary Hospital in the region that can perform the BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) test.
Airline Selection
We can help you to choose carriers that accommodate these breeds, ensuring a safe journey.
IATA-Compliant Crates
- Size: Spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Material: Fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, welded wire mesh, solid wood or plywood (meeting IPPC standards) (There may be special requirements for certain breeds).
- Ventilation: Openings on all 4 sides to provide plenty of airflow.
- Rigid plastic containers must be securely bolted together with metal nutes and bolts.
- Spacer bars to prevent other freight from blocking ventilation.
- Labeling: Clearly marked with “Live Animal” and your contact details.
FAQs
What are the key steps to bring a pet into Australia?
Is quarantine mandatory for all pets entering Australia?
How long before travel should I start the preparation process?
What are the rabies vaccination requirements?
Can my pet travel in-cabin to Australia?
Are there breed restrictions for dogs entering Australia?
What happens when my pet arrives in Australia?
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity rules in the world. To import a pet, you must first apply for an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip, meet vaccination requirements, undergo a rabies antibody titre test, complete parasite treatments, and fulfill the mandatory quarantine period upon arrival.
All dogs and cats must complete a minimum of 10 days in an approved Australian quarantine facility, such as the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) Centre in Melbourne. The duration may be extended if any health concerns are detected.
You should begin preparations at least 12 months in advance. This timeline allows time for the rabies vaccination, the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) with a 180-day waiting period, and any additional treatments or tests required.
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies at least 180 days and no more than 12 months before travel. The vaccine must be inactivated, and the details must be recorded in official veterinary documents.
All pets entering Australia must travel as manifest cargo. In-cabin pet travel is not permitted under Australian biosecurity regulations. Flying in a private jet may be accepted.
Certain dog breeds are prohibited, including Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Perro de Presa Canario. Assistance dogs are subject to special regulations.
Upon arrival, your pet will be transferred directly to the quarantine facility. Veterinary officers will inspect documents, conduct health checks, and monitor your pet during quarantine to ensure they are free from contagious diseases.
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Every journey starts with a conversation.
