Bringing Your Dog to Australia: A Step-by-Step Guide

#1 Contact the Authorities

Are you thinking “Can I bring my dog to Australia”? Then, the first thing you need to do is get in touch with the relevant authorities to understand if you’re allowed to import dogs to Australia.

• Make sure your country is eligible to export animals to Australia. Countries like Germany, the UK, the US, and Canada are eligible under specific conditions. Verify your country’s status on the official list.
• Identify approved veterinarians and laboratories near you. All required procedures and vaccinations for importing dogs to Australia must be conducted by an Australian government-approved veterinarian at a recognized laboratory.

#2 Microchip: Ensure Your Dog’s Chip Is Compliant

If you want to bring your dog to Australia, it must have an international standard microchip for identification. This chip will be scanned by the government-approved veterinarian during all vet visits, vaccinations, and treatments to ensure proper records.

#3 Vaccinations, Treatments, and Identity Verification

All vaccinations and treatments must be administered by an Australian government-approved veterinarian at a recognized laboratory.

• Verify identity for importation into Australia: Obtain identity verification for your dog for importation into Australia.
• Vaccinations: Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies and other common diseases.
• Treatments: External and internal parasite treatments (e.g., fleas, ticks, nematodes, tapeworms) are also required.
• Rabies antibody test: After vaccination, your dog needs a blood test to confirm the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine (RNAT: Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Test).

#4 Apply for Import Permit

Apply for an import permit from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF). You can apply online through the Biosecurity Import Conditions System. The current cost is 566 A$. Your dog can only enter Australia within the permit’s validity period.

#5 Prepare for Travel

• Choose an IATA-approved travel crate for your dog. Ensure it’s comfortable and secure. Note: Do not include toys, accessories, or valuables in the crate as they will be destroyed upon arrival in Australia.
• Book your flight well in advance. Not all airlines accept pets, so check restrictions and any specific requirements for travelling with a dog to Australia.
• Arrival in Melbourne: Pets entering Australia must arrive at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport and then proceed to quarantine in Mickleham. Landing at other airports and taking domestic flights is not permitted.
• Book quarantine accommodation: Ensure you book your dog’s quarantine stay early as space is limited. Refer to the official quarantine page for information, costs, and booking details.

#6 Obtain Health Certificate

Within 5 days of departure, visit your veterinarian for a health certificate confirming your dog’s good health and completion of necessary vaccinations.

#7 Quarantine and Arrival in Australia

• Transport to quarantine: Upon arrival in Australia, your dog will be transported directly to an approved quarantine facility (the Mickleham quarantine center).
• Quarantine: all pets must go through a quarantine period, which is usually around 10 days, but may vary depending on where they come from. The animals will be housed in facilities approved by Australian authorities in the Mickleham center and entrusted to experts who will care for them throughout their stay. The quarantine is managed by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services (AQIS).
• Living with a Dog in Australia: Ensure your accommodation in Australia allows pets. Not all places do, so check in advance. Also, consider that hiring a dog sitter in Australia costs between A$ 20 and A$ 60 per hour.

Planning to bring your dog to Australia? Now you know it’s possible with attention to detail, time, and good planning. Here are a couple of tips:

• Always rely on official government channels for up-to-date information on bringing dogs to Australia: government guidelines for importing dogs to Australia.

• Did you know there are specialized agencies that can assist with transporting your dog or cat to Australia? Check out Bliss Pets – they specialize in international pet transport and travelling with a dog to Australia.