Taking Pets to Australia: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Taking pets ‘down under’ from the UK can feel overwhelming at first. Rules are strict, and there’s very little room for error. But with the right support, it can be a smooth and safe process for both you and your pet.

At Airpets, we’ve been helping families relocate their pets worldwide since 1966. We handle every stage of the journey, from the paperwork to veterinary procedures, flights and quarantine coordination, so you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to taking pets to Australia, including what’s required, how long it takes and how we support you along the way.

Step 1: Understand Australia’s Rules for Importing Pets

Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity regulations in the world. These rules are in place to protect the country’s unique ecosystem and prevent the spread of diseases.

If you’re planning pet travel to Australia from the UK, your dog or cat must meet specific requirements, including:

• Microchipping before any vaccinations
• Up-to-date rabies vaccination
• Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre test (RNATT) at least 180 days prior to export 
• Import permit approval
• Post Entry Quarantine reservation 
• Pre-export veterinary checks

We guide you through all of these requirements and make sure everything is completed in the correct order and timeframes. Missing a step can delay your move, so it’s vital to get everything right. 

Pets must also not be a restricted breed. 

Currently the following pure breed dogs cannot be imported into Australia:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Barsileiro
• Pit Bull Terrier 
• Presa Canario 

The import of mixes involving the breeds above is not restricted.

Domestic/non domestic hybrids (e.g. dog-wolf crosses) are also prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak
• Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound
• Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog
• Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog.

Domestic/non domestic hybrids of cats cannot be imported to Australia. Hybrid cats include, but are not limited to:

• Savannah cat, domestic cat (Felis catus) crossed with serval cat (Felis serval)
• Safari cat, domestic cat crossed with Geoffroy cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi)
• Chausie, domestic cat crossed with Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
• Bengal cat, domestic cat crossed with Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).

Step 2: Microchipping and Vaccinations

Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO compliant chip before any rabies vaccinations are administered. This is a strict requirement for pet import to Australia.

Once microchipped, your pet will need:

• A valid rabies vaccination

We work closely with trusted veterinary partners, including on-site specialists at Travelvet, to make sure your pet’s vaccinations and treatments meet Australia’s standards.

Step 3: OV66 Identity Verifications to qualify for 10 days quarantine 

If your pet does not originate from Australia, they require 2 x Identity Verifications with OV66 vets prior to the rabies blood test in order to qualify for 10 days quarantine instead of 20. 

Pets who originate from Australia do not require the identity checks. 

We provide full guidance on which vets can carry out these checks and when they should be completed. 

Step 4: Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)

After vaccination (30 days is the recommendation), your pet must undergo a rabies blood test. This confirms that the vaccine has been effective. The blood sample must be collected by either an OV66 vet (if doing the ID checks) or an OV/OV66 if your pet originates from Australia.

The timing is important here. There is a mandatory 180 day waiting period after the blood samples arrive at the testing laboratory before your pet can travel. This is one of the key factors in the overall pet travel timeline to Australia.

We track these timelines for you and ensure everything stays on schedule.

Step 5: Obtain the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test declaration

This document is required for the import permit application and must be completed by either an OV66 vet (if doing the ID checks) or an OV/OV66 if your pet originates from Australia. The vet must be in a different practice to the one which collected the rabies blood test sample. We typically obtain this on behalf of our clients.

Step 6: Apply for an Import Permit

All pets travelling to Australia must have an official import permit from the Australian authorities. This document confirms that your pet meets all entry requirements and is eligible for travel.

As part of our pet relocation service, we handle the application process on your behalf, checking all supporting documents and submitting everything correctly. Import permits can take anywhere from 1-123 days to be granted though they typically take 1-6 weeks – your travel consultant can confirm current processing times at the time of application. 

Step 7: Make Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) reservation 

Once your pets import permit has been granted, a PEQ reservation request can then be submitted to the Mickleham quarantine facility to reserve a space for your pets arrival. 

As part of our pet relocation service, we handle the application process on your behalf. Reservation confirmations can take anywhere from 1 day to 3 months to come through though they typically take 1-6 weeks – your travel consultant can confirm current processing times at the time of application.

Step 8: Prepare for Export from the UK

Exporting pets from the UK involves additional documentation and health checks. This includes:

• Multiple internal and external parasite treatments 
• Additional vaccinations (dogs only)
• Additional blood tests (dogs only)
• Official export health certificates

Our team will guide you and your vet through the full export process. This includes providing full veterinary schedules for the required appointments along with supporting documentation for your vet to complete; ensuring compliance with both UK and Australian regulations whilst making the process as simple as possible for you and your vet. 

Step 9: Travel Arrangements and Flight Booking

Flying a pet to Australia is not as simple as booking a standard ticket. Airlines have strict requirements around:

• Approved travel crates (IATA-compliant)
• Flight routes and stopovers
• Temperature and safety regulations

Flight bookings can typically be made 1-3 months prior to your pets departure date. 

As an IATA accredited agent, we book flights directly with airlines. This allows us to secure the safest and most efficient routes for your pet.

We also supply airline-approved travel crates that are the correct size and specification, ensuring your pet travels comfortably and safely.

Step 10: Pre-Travel Care at Our Heathrow Animal Lounge

Before departure, your pet may stay at our Heathrow Animal Lounge (typically for 1 night). This is a fully licensed, 5-star rated facility designed specifically for animal comfort and care.

Here, we provide:

• Calm, secure boarding before travel
• Monitoring by experienced handlers
• Preparation for the journey ahead
• Large grass exercise paddocks for dogs 

During this time we complete the final health check and export health certificate, along with making the final preparations to your pets travel crate and documents. 

Our location on the Heathrow perimeter means shorter transit times and less stress for your pet on the day of travel.

Step 11: The Journey to Australia

During the journey, your pet travels in a temperature-controlled, pressurised environment. Airlines follow strict animal welfare standards, and we only work with trusted partners.

We keep you updated throughout the journey, so you always know where your pet is and how things are progressing.

Step 12: Quarantine in Australia

All pets entering Australia must complete a period of quarantine.

Most dogs and cats are required to stay at the Mickleham quarantine facility in Melbourne. The length of stay can vary depending on compliance, but it is typically around 10 days.

During quarantine:

• Pets are monitored by trained staff
• Health and compliance checks are carried out
• Feeding and care routines are maintained

We coordinate the booking and timing of quarantine as part of the overall process, ensuring everything aligns with your travel plans.

Step 13: Reuniting with Your Pet

Once quarantine is complete, your pet is ready to be released and reunited with you.

We can assist with onward travel arrangements where needed, helping you complete the final step of your move.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking pets to Australia involves detailed planning. Some of the most common issues we see include:

• Incorrect timing of rabies blood tests
• Vets using unapproved laboratories for the rabies blood tests
• Vets completing paperwork incorrectly 
• Dog vaccines not being given within the correct timeframes
• Unaccepted parasite treatment being administered 
• Vets giving parasite treatments outside of the required timeframes 
• Final blood test for dogs being sent to unapproved laboratories
• Missing paperwork
• Using non-compliant travel crates

These mistakes can cause delays, added costs, or even refusal of entry.

That’s why many families choose a professional pet transport service. We manage every detail to avoid these risks and give you peace of mind.

How We Make Transporting Pets to Australia Easier

We know that moving abroad is stressful enough without worrying about your pet’s journey.

At Airpets, we take care of the entire process, including:

• Door-to-door pet transport across the UK
• Expert guidance on Australia pet import rules
• Coordination of veterinary work and documentation
• Flight booking with trusted airlines
• Access to our Heathrow Animal Lounge
• Ongoing updates and support throughout

Our team includes experienced pet travel consultants, veterinarians, and handlers who genuinely care about animal welfare. Your pet’s safety and happiness are always our priority.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of taking a pet to Australia depends on several factors, including:

• The size and breed of your pet
• Travel route and airline rules
• Veterinary requirements
• Crate size and transport needs

Because every journey is different, we provide tailored quotes based on your specific situation.

Start Planning Your Pet’s Journey

Taking pets to Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support, it becomes a clear, manageable process.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from the first consultation to the final reunion.

If you’re planning to transport a pet to or from the UK, get in touch with us for a personalised quote and expert advice.