Pet Travel Requirements for Australia

Flying with pets to Australia requires careful planning and adherence to strict biosecurity regulations designed to protect the country’s unique environment and animal health. Australia’s import process is one of the most detailed in the world — but with SkyPaws UK guiding you through each step, your pet’s journey can be smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

Below you’ll find everything you need to know about preparing your dog or cat for travel to Australia.

 
✈️ Pre-Arrival Requirements
All pets travelling to Australia must be fit and healthy enough to complete the necessary veterinary preparation without difficulty or distress. While pets can be medicated during quarantine, Australian authorities advise against the import of very elderly or unwell animals.
If you’re unsure whether your pet is suitable to travel, our veterinary team can provide guidance and support.

🐾 Microchip
Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip before any veterinary work begins. This microchip number will be used on all official documentation.

 
🔍 Identification Checks
To qualify for the minimum 10-day quarantine period upon arrival, your pet must undergo two separate identification checks.

Each check must be carried out by a different government-approved veterinarian.
These must both take place before the blood is drawn for the Rabies Titre Test.
SkyPaws UK will coordinate these appointments for you to ensure full compliance.

 
💉 Blood Tests and Vaccinations
To meet Australia’s import conditions, your pet must complete a specific vaccination and blood testing programme.

🐶 Dog Vaccinations
Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough) — strongly advised and required for pre-travel boarding.
Leptospirosis — mandatory for entry to Australia and must be given according to manufacturer’s guidelines. In most cases, this means your dog will need to restart the full vaccine course.
If your dog has ever received the CaniLeish vaccine (commonly used in parts of Europe), please let us know.

🐱 Cat Vaccinations
Cats must be vaccinated against Feline Enteritis, Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Herpesvirus within the 12 months before export.

🐕🐈 Rabies Vaccination
All pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 180 days and no more than 12 months before travel.
Your pet must be at least 3 months old at the time of vaccination.

 
🧪 Blood Tests
Rabies Titre Test: Conducted 3–4 weeks after the rabies vaccination.
Must show a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
The rabies vaccine must remain valid until your pet’s flight date.
Your pet may not enter Australia until 180 days after the date the blood sample reached the testing laboratory.
The test remains valid for 12 months, meaning your pet can travel within a six-month window after the mandatory wait period without repeating veterinary work.

Depending on your pet’s travel history, additional tests for diseases such as Leptospirosis, Brucellosis, and Leishmaniosis may be required.

 
🪪 Import Permit
An import permit must be obtained from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) before travel.
SkyPaws will handle this application for you once all veterinary requirements have been met.

 
🏡 Post-Arrival Quarantine
All pets entering Australia must complete a quarantine stay at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne — the country’s only approved facility.

Quarantine lasts 10 or 30 days, depending on your pet’s preparation.
Bookings must be made in advance and are only offered once an import permit has been approved.
Pets are monitored and undergo health checks on arrival and throughout their stay to ensure they are disease-free.
After quarantine release, owners can either collect their pets directly from Mickleham or allow SkyPaws to coordinate onward travel — whether that’s a connecting domestic flight or door-to-door delivery.

 
🐾 Final Thoughts
Relocating your pet to Australia involves several complex steps, but with SkyPaws UK managing the process, you can rest assured that every requirement will be handled correctly and compassionately. Our team combines veterinary expertise with international logistics to ensure your pet’s move is as smooth as possible.

 
🌏 Ready to Begin Your Pet’s Journey to Australia?
Let SkyPaws UK guide you through every step — from microchipping and testing to import permits, quarantine booking, and final delivery to your new home.

Contact us today:
📧 [email protected]
📞 +44 (0)1202 980200
💬 WhatsApp: +44 (0)7798 772441