Leptospirosis Requirements for Dogs Going to Australia: Vaccine vs. Blood Test

TLDR: Australia requires all dogs to be vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola or pass a negative MAT blood test within 45 days of export. The vaccine is the recommended option. The MAT test carries a risk of false positives, which can delay your move significantly. If your dog is already on a leptospirosis vaccination schedule, confirm the vaccine covers the correct serovar and meets Australia's timing requirements.

Australia requires all dogs to meet leptospirosis requirements before entry. You have two options: vaccination or a blood test. The vaccine is the recommended route because the blood test carries a risk of false positives that can delay your move.

What Are the Two Options?

Option 1: Vaccination (Recommended)

Your dog must be fully vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola. The annual booster must be administered between 12 months and 14 days before export.

If your dog's vaccination series has lapsed, they must restart with a primary dose and booster before they are eligible.

Not all leptospirosis vaccines cover this specific serovar. Before scheduling, confirm with your vet that the vaccine they use includes Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola.

Option 2: Blood Test

If vaccination is not an option, your dog can take a MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test) instead. The result must be negative, and the test must be completed within 45 days of export.

However, we recommend the vaccine route over the blood test. The MAT test has a known risk of false positives. A false positive does not mean your dog has leptospirosis, but it can create significant delays while you work through retesting or alternative documentation. The vaccine route avoids this risk entirely.

Which Option Is Right for Your Dog?

What Should You Tell Your Vet?

If you are going the vaccine route, confirm two things with your vet:

1. The vaccine covers Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola specifically

2. The timing meets Australia's requirements (booster between 12 months and 14 days before export)

If you are going the blood test route, confirm your vet can order the MAT and that results will arrive within the 45-day window. Be aware that a false positive could delay your move.

Make sure whichever option you choose is documented correctly on the health certificate.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with contaminated water or soil, often from the urine of infected animals. It can cause kidney and liver damage in dogs and can also spread to humans.

Planning a move to Australia with your dog? PetRelocation can help you coordinate vaccination timing and documentation. Get in touch to start planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all dogs need to meet leptospirosis requirements for Australia?

Yes. This requirement applies to all dogs regardless of breed, age, or travel history.

Which option do you recommend?

The vaccine. The MAT blood test carries a risk of false positives, which can delay your move significantly. The vaccine route avoids this risk.

Can I use my dog's existing leptospirosis vaccination?

Only if it covers Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola and meets Australia's timing requirements. The booster must have been given between 12 months and 14 days before export. Confirm the vaccine type and dates with your vet.

What if my dog's vaccination series has lapsed?

Your dog must restart with a primary dose and booster. A single dose or lapsed series does not meet the requirement.

Why is the blood test not recommended?

The MAT test has a known risk of false positives. A false positive can create significant delays while you resolve the issue. The vaccine is the more reliable path.