Our clients are often surprised to learn that the process of importing pets to Australia requires a significant amount of time and preparation. Our team of experts can provide an explanation of what moving pets to Australia from the US looks like, in addition to managing your pet's entire move down under so you don't have to navigate it alone!
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What to Know Before Bringing Dogs and Cats to Australia
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Microchip and Vaccinations
Make sure your pet meets these basic requirements so you can begin the import process.
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Non-Approved Countries and Banned Species
Some pets and countries of origin require a different path, and some pets are not eligible for import to Australia.
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Veterinary Credentials
An official government veterinarian must complete the rabies vaccination and the RNAT test declaration.
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Blood Tests and Other Treatments
The 180-day timeline for moving a pet to Australia begins with an antibody test.
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Import Documentation
Once your pet's blood test is completed, the documentation process begins!
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Quarantine
Australia quarantine is 10 to 30 days depending on eligibility
Importing Pets to Australia: Requirements and Timeline
Microchip and Vaccinations
Time frame: start at least 6 to 7 months before travel
Your pet must have a readable microchip. For pets moving from the United States, the identity verification process must be completed before the RNATT blood draw if you want your pet to qualify for the shorter quarantine path on arrival.
Your pet must also have a current rabies vaccination that remains valid through the date of export. Your pet must be at least 90 days old at the time of the first rabies vaccination. When obtaining vaccinations, confirm the validity period in writing. Some vaccines are valid for one year, others for two.
Why timing matters so much
Australia’s timeline is driven by rabies vaccine timing, the RNATT blood test, and the 180-day wait after the blood sample reaches the lab. That is why most families should start the process at least 6 to 7 months before departure, and sometimes earlier if the route involves non-approved countries or additional steps.
How We Help with Vaccinations and Vet Records
Bringing pets to Australia usually requires several vet visits, and each one has to be done correctly the first time. Records need to come from an accredited veterinarian, be properly signed and stamped, and align with both U.S. export and Australian import requirements.
Pet records are often spread across multiple clinics, and Australia paperwork has to match exactly. We help organize vaccine history, microchip details, lab results, and veterinary records so the process starts on solid ground.
Australia moves involve strict timing for identity checks, blood testing, treatments, and final paperwork. We provide sample documents to your vet before each appointment so everything is completed correctly the first time.
Our relocation coordinators manage an average of 200 vet visits per month and stay current on regulatory changes so you and your vet are not left trying to piece the process together alone.
Bart: US to Australia
Non-Approved Countries and Banned Species
Certain pets and countries of origin may require a different travel plan, or prevent you from moving your pet to Australia.
Some pets and countries of origin require a different path, and some pets are not eligible for import to Australia.
Australia only allows dogs and cats to be imported under its standard pet import program, with very limited exceptions for other species. Country of origin also matters. If your pet is coming from a non-approved country, the move may still be possible but usually requires time in an approved country before export to Australia.
Do you know how to move from a non-approved country?
We cannot help with banned species or pets that are not eligible under Australia’s rules, but we can help many families whose pets are starting in a non-approved country and need a compliant path through an approved country first.
Not sure whether your pet’s breed, species, or country history creates a problem? We can help you review that early, before you spend time and money on the medical workup.
Banned pure dog breeds in Australia include American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, and Perro de Presa Canario. Dogs derived from a cross with a non-domestic species such as a wolf are also prohibited. As of March 1, 2026, Bengal cats are no longer permitted to enter Australia. Australia also restricts hybrid cats and dogs with non-domestic ancestry.
Monti and Roscoe: US to Australia
Veterinary Credentials
Time frame: before applying for the import permit
Your veterinarian plays a key role in the Australia process. For dogs and cats requiring rabies testing, your vet must review the rabies vaccination history, confirm the RNATT laboratory report, and complete the required declarations accurately before the import permit application can move forward.
For U.S. pets, Australia’s identity verification process requires two USDA-accredited veterinarians at two separate clinics to complete the required identity declarations through VEHCS. Getting these veterinary steps right early helps prevent permit delays and quarantine complications later.
What happens if your veterinarian isn't accredited?
Your dedicated relocation coordinator has likely already worked with an accredited vet in your area or can recommend one.
At this stage, we provide detailed templates for your veterinarian and answer any questions regarding the proper completion of the form.
It's not uncommon for a client's veterinarian to lack these required credentials for import.
Do you know the timeline for the final vet visit? We include this in our service with a veterinarian we know and trust with international travel preparation to avoid delays.
Archie
Blood Tests and Other Treatments
Strict windows apply, plan carefully
Australia’s testing and treatment schedule is strict. The RNATT blood test, parasite treatments, and final pre-export veterinary work all have to happen in the right order and within the right time windows.
Make sure the strict time frames for testing are met
The RNATT timing is one of the biggest checkpoints in the process. The 180-day wait begins when the laboratory receives the blood sample, not when the sample is drawn. The test must still be valid at the time of export. Missing a treatment window or getting the sequence wrong can reset the process. Other treatments, including parasite treatments and final veterinary checks, also have to be completed within specific windows before travel.
Muffin: Japan to Australia (and back!)
Import Documentation
Time frame: usually starts well before departure, with final paperwork closer to travel
Once your pet’s testing is underway, the documentation process begins. Australia import paperwork includes the import permit application, supporting lab results, identity verification documents where required, and the final export health certificate.
For U.S. pets, USDA-accredited veterinarians issue the health certificate through VEHCS and USDA endorses it digitally. Accuracy matters at every step, down to the microchip number, dates, and attachments.
Avoid paperwork headaches by hiring experienced pet movers
Australia paperwork is detailed and timing-sensitive. One mismatch in a date, vaccine record, microchip number, or declaration can create delays or change the quarantine outcome. We review every document before submission and help manage the USDA endorsement process on your behalf.
Hudson: US to Australia (and back!)
Quarantine
Australia quarantine is 10 to 30 days depending on eligibility
Pets entering Australia complete post-entry quarantine at the government facility in Mickleham, near Melbourne. All pets arrive into Melbourne regardless of final destination. The minimum stay is 10 days for pets that have completed the required identity verification process correctly before the RNATT blood draw. Pets that do not meet that identity requirement may be subject to a longer stay of 30 days.
What is the quarantine experience like?
The quarantine facility is in Mickleham, near Melbourne, and is managed by the Australian government. Quarantine bookings must be made as part of the import process, and availability can affect travel timing. Fees are set by the Australian government and updated periodically. Check the current fee schedule directly with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry before travel. Because quarantine is a government-managed step with limited space, plan early and match the travel date carefully to the confirmed booking.
Check out this Australia reunion video!
Our Australia Team
Meet the people behind your pet's move to Australia! Our pet relocation experts are here to plan and manage every step of a successful journey to Australia (and New Zealand!). We know that pet relocation from the USA to Australia or anywhere else in the world can be stressful. Our team not only loves pets but also knows the ins and outs of bringing pets to Australia.
