Travel Information for Australia

Pets must have an ISO-compatible microchip before any other requirements.

A USDA-Accredited Veterinarian must scan the microchip at each visit and ensure accurate reporting on all documents.

Microchips beginning with '999' are not acceptable.

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.

Cats and dogs must receive an inactivated rabies vaccine in an approved country at 84+ days old.

Three-year rabies vaccines are acceptable if administered per manufacturer guidelines.

The vaccine must remain valid through the export process.

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)  

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.  

Samples must be sent to an approved laboratory (e.g., Kansas State University in the USA).

Passing result: ≥ 0.5 IU/mL.

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.

Dogs: Required: Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza Virus (CIV). Optional but recommended: DHPP, Bordetella.

Cats: Optional: FVRCP.

Dogs require additional blood tests (Leishmania, Brucella, Leptospira-if not vaccinated) within 45 days of travel.

Required unless coming from New Zealand or Norfolk Island.

Application must include USDA-endorsed RNATT Declaration, Rabies Titer Results, Rabies Vaccination Certificate, and Identity Verification details.

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.

After obtaining the Import Permit, you must book quarantine space at Mickleham Quarantine Facility in Melbourne.

First-come, first-served basis—availability is limited.

Pets with verified identity require 10-day quarantine, others require 30 days.

Administered by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian.  OWNERS MAY NOT ADMINISTER PRODUCTS NO EXCEPTIONS.

External Parasites:

• Dogs: Treated at least 30 days before export and stay current through export so 2 treatments will be required.

• Cats: Treated at least 21 days before export and stay current through export so typically 1 to 2 treatments will be required.

Internal Parasites:

• Two treatments required within 45 days before travel, final dose within 5 days before export.

Completed within 5 days before travel.

Must be issued by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA.

Only Australia-specific health certificates are accepted. These are now digital certificates!