General Requirements for Pet Travel to Australia
- All pets must arrive as manifest cargo.
- All vaccinations, treatments, and blood tests must be completed by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian.
- Snub nosed (brachycephalic) pets are allowed to travel if they have undergone an evaluation by a veterinarian and an approved IPATA shipper with Qantas (such as us!)
- Direct flights currently are only out of LAX and DFW (seasonally) with Qantas.
- Other flight routings typically transit Dubai or Qatar, but we prefer direct flights when at all possible.
Step-by-Step Pet Import Process
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Pets must have an ISO-compatible microchip before any other requirements.
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A USDA-Accredited Veterinarian must scan the microchip at each visit and ensure accurate reporting on all documents.
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Microchips beginning with '999' are not acceptable.
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New Rule (March 1, 2023): Identity verification by the USDA must occur before the rabies titer blood test. Pets with verified identity qualify for a 10-day quarantine; otherwise, they face a 30-day quarantine. The ID declaration process requires 2 accredited veterinarians to perform scans, submit photos of the scans to the USDA for endorsement. Once both have been submitted and approved either of the accredited veterinarians can submit the FINAL ID declaration which is then sent to Australia to qualify the pet for a 10 day quarantine.
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Cats and dogs must receive an inactivated rabies vaccine in an approved country at 84+ days old.
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Three-year rabies vaccines are acceptable if administered per manufacturer guidelines.
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The vaccine must remain valid through the export process.
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Must be conducted 3-4 weeks after rabies vaccination. (note pets with 3 year rabies that are nearing their 3 years are recommended to re-vaccinate)
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Blood draw must be performed by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian and can be done at the same time as your 2nd ID declaration as long as you have a current rabies.
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Samples must be sent to an approved laboratory (e.g., Kansas State University in the USA).
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Passing result: ≥ 0.5 IU/mL.
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180-Day Waiting Period: Pets cannot enter Australia until at least 180 days after the blood sample is received by the lab not when you draw your FAVN.
- FAVN testing is only good for 1 year for travel to Australia, but can be re-performed and the wait will not apply as long as it is redone before the prior expires.
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Dogs: Required: Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). Optional but recommended: DHPP, Bordetella.
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Cats: Optional: FVRCP.
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Dogs require additional blood tests (Leishmania, Brucella, Leptospira-if not vaccinated) within 45 days of travel.
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Required unless coming from New Zealand or Norfolk Island.
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Application must include USDA-endorsed RNATT Declaration, Rabies Titer Results, Rabies Vaccination Certificate, and Identity Verification details.
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Apply as early as you can. You are not able to book or request quarantine without an approved import permit. Import permits generally are returned within 21 days, but can take longer depending on processing times with BICON.
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After obtaining the Import Permit, you must book quarantine space at Mickleham Quarantine Facility in Melbourne.
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First-come, first-served basis—availability is limited.
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Pets with verified identity require 10-day quarantine, others require 30 days.
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Administered by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian. OWNERS MAY NOT ADMINISTER PRODUCTS NO EXCEPTIONS.
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External Parasites:
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Dogs: Treated at least 30 days before export and stay current through export so 2 treatments will be required.
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Cats: Treated at least 21 days before export and stay current through export so typically 1 to 2 treatments will be required.
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Internal Parasites:
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Two treatments required within 45 days before travel, final dose within 5 days before export.
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Completed within 5 days before travel.
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Must be issued by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.
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Only Australia-specific health certificates are accepted. These are now digital certificates!
Required Travel Documents
- Microchip verification documents
- Rabies vaccination certificate(s)
- General vaccination certificates
- Endorsed RNATT Declaration
- Parasite treatment records
- Rabies titer test results
- Additional blood test results (for dogs)
- Copy of the Import Permit
- Endorsed Australian Health Certificate
- Additional forms for pets requiring medication or special care in quarantine
Pet Import Restrictions
Banned Breeds & Hybrids
- Dog Breeds:
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Hybrid Cats:
- Savannah Cat (Felis serval hybrid)
- Bengal Cat (if less than five generations removed from Asian Leopard Cat)
Age & Pregnancy Restrictions
- Pets cannot be more than 30 days pregnant at the time of travel.
- No suckling young are allowed to travel.
Quarantine Requirements
- All pets must arrive in Melbourne and spend a minimum of 10 days in Mickleham Quarantine Facility.
- Pets without verified identity before rabies titer test will face 30-day quarantine.
- Quarantine must be booked in advance, and full payment is required before booking a flight.
Other Important Information
Approved Kennels for Travel
- Pets must travel in an IATA-compliant kennel.
- Familiarize your pet with the crate before travel.
- All bedding will be destroyed upon arrival for biosecurity reasons.
Service Dogs
- May travel in the passenger cabin if they meet eligibility criteria.
- Required documents:
- Handler’s medical history form
- Training certification from an accredited organization
- Proof of service dog status
How We Can Help
Pet Relocator specialize in seamless pet relocation and handle:
- Flight bookings
- USDA veterinary endorsements
- Import permit applications
- Quarantine reservations
- Final health certificate processing
- Parasite treatments and USDA compliance
Let us take care of the details so you can focus on your move. Request a quote today!