How long does the preparation take?

DAFF advises allowing at least 6 months to complete all steps. In particular, Group 3 countries are required to observe a 180-day wait from the date the RNATT sample arrives at the laboratory, on top of which the time for the vaccine, tests, import permit, and quarantine booking is added. Once your moving date is set, start preparing for your pet first.

How much does it cost?

It consists of the sum of vet clinic costs (microchip·vaccine·check), the RNATT test fee, the import permit fee (separate for dogs and cats), Mickleham quarantine facility accommodation·handling fees (proportional to days), and international transport costs. Quarantine facility fees are reviewed each year on a cost-recovery basis and therefore change, so the exact amount must be checked on the DAFF 'Fees and charges' page and in BICON.

Do I have to do the same even for a short trip?

Yes. Australia applies the same biosecurity procedure (import permit·quarantine, etc.) to every dog and cat entering, regardless of the purpose or length of stay. Procedures are not waived just because it is a short visit, so for a short stay, carefully decide whether to bring your pet, taking into account the cost and quarantine burden.

Can the Mickleham quarantine period be reduced?

The default quarantine for Group 3 is at least 30 days, but it may be shortened to a minimum of 10 days if an official government veterinarian verified identity by microchip before the RNATT blood collection, or if a record of departure from Australia is proven with an Australian-issued export certificate. Group 2 is 10 days by default. The conditions for shortening must be met at the time of blood collection, so check with your veterinarian in advance.

·Australian Capital Territory

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Life in Australia Guide

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Pet Import & Quarantine Guide (Dogs & Cats)

To bring a dog or cat you've been keeping along when you move or relocate to Australia, you must pass Australia's biosecurity quarantine — among the strictest in the world. Depending on your country of origin, the preparation alone can take about 6 months, so the key is to start as early as possible once your moving date is set. This page is general guidance based on the official standards of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

First of all — check which group your country is in

Australia divides countries into groups according to rabies risk and applies different procedures to each group. Even for the same dog or cat, the testing, quarantine, and costs vary greatly depending on which country it departs from, so this is the first thing to check. (Group classifications can change, so check your own country directly on the official site.)

Group 1 — the simplest

This includes New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and others. This group generally does not require an import permit, is exempt from the rabies antibody test and quarantine facility stay, and only needs to meet basic health certificate conditions.

Group 2 — rabies-free countries (no RNATT needed)

These are countries and territories approved as free of rabies, such as Japan, Singapore, Hawaii, Iceland, and Fiji. This group is exempt from the RNATT antibody test, and after entry must spend at least 10 days in quarantine at the Mickleham facility. The import permit is usually valid for 12 months.

Group 3 — rabies-controlled countries (RNATT required)

These are countries and territories where rabies is present but approved as well controlled. A rabies vaccine + RNATT antibody test + 180-day wait are all required, and after entry there is at least 30 days of quarantine at Mickleham (which may be shortened to 10 days if conditions are met). Quarantine may be reduced to 10 days if an official government veterinarian verified identity by microchip before the RNATT blood collection, or if an animal that previously departed Australia proves identity with an Australian-issued export certificate.

If your country of origin is not on the group lists above (a non-approved country), you cannot send the animal directly to Australia. You must first have it reside continuously for at least 180 days in an approved Group 1·2·3 country immediately before departure, and complete the preparations under that country's standards. RNATT results taken in a non-approved country, or preparations done there, are not recognised. Be sure to check on the official site which group your country is in.

Life in Australia Guide

Pet Import & Quarantine Guide (Dogs & Cats)

Pet Import & Quarantine Guide (Dogs & Cats)

At a glance — allow at least 6 months

First of all — check which group your country is in

Group 1 — the simplest

Group 2 — rabies-free countries (no RNATT needed)

Group 3 — rabies-controlled countries (RNATT required)

Step 1 — Microchip (the starting point of everything)

Step 2 — Rabies vaccine and RNATT antibody test

Step 3 — Apply for an import permit

Step 4 — Mickleham quarantine stay

Quarantine period by group

Booking and enquiries

Costs and overall timeline

Official sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Pet Import & Quarantine Guide (Dogs & Cats)

Pet Import & Quarantine Guide (Dogs & Cats)

At a glance — allow at least 6 months

First of all — check which group your country is in

Group 1 — the simplest

Group 2 — rabies-free countries (no RNATT needed)

Group 3 — rabies-controlled countries (RNATT required)

Step 1 — Microchip (the starting point of everything)

Step 2 — Rabies vaccine and RNATT antibody test

Step 3 — Apply for an import permit

Step 4 — Mickleham quarantine stay

Quarantine period by group

Booking and enquiries

Costs and overall timeline

Related guides

Official sources

Frequently Asked Questions