A Step-by-Step Guide on Bringing a Dog to Australia

Dreaming of bringing your dog Australia with you? Settling in the Land Down Under with your loyal four-legged companion is a promising adventure, but it requires careful preparation and compliance with strict regulations. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the key steps on how to travel to Australia with a dog — from strict animal import regulations and quarantine requirements to updating vaccinations and compiling a complete set of administrative documents. Whether you’re planning a permanent move or a long-term stay, this guide will help you prepare every step so that you and your furry friend can peacefully enjoy your new life in Australia.

Bringing Your Dog to Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Australia enforces very strict biosecurity regulations, especially regarding the importation of pets. If you’re planning to bring your dog with you, here are the essential Australian pet entry requirements to be aware of before going to Australia with your dog.

Australia’s Restrictions on Animal Importation

Australia is free from many animal diseases found in other parts of the world, such as rabies. To protect its wildlife, environment, and public health, the country has established strict r pet import regulations.

Before entering Australia with your dog, your pet must:

• Be identified with a microchip.
• Be vaccinated against rabies and undergo a rabies antibody titre test.
• Complete a mandatory quarantine period in an approved facility (usually in Melbourne) for at least 10 days.
• Provide several veterinary documents and permits issued by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

This process can take several months and must be carefully planned.

Eligible Countries

Australia classifies countries into three groups based on their rabies status:

• Group 1: Rabies-free countries for which import conditions are more relaxed (e.g., New Zealand, Iceland, Japan)
• Group 2: Countries where rabies is absent or well-controlled and for which import conditions are strict but manageable (e.g., France, Germany, Canada)
• Group 3: Countries where rabies is present and for which importation is either prohibited or extremely restricted, unless there is a transit procedure through a Group 2 country.

What Are the Administrative Formalities for Bringing a Dog to Australia?

Importing a dog into Australia is not something you can improvise. In addition to meeting health requirements, several administrative steps are essential. Here’s an overview of the main procedures to follow to bring a dog to Australia:

1. Obtain an Import Permit from the Australian Authorities

One of the first steps is to apply for an import permit from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This permit is mandatory for any dog coming from a Group 2 country, such as France.

• When to apply? At least 6 to 7 months before the planned arrival date.
• How? Through the BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions System) portal, online.
• Estimated cost: Between AUD 480 and AUD 1,200, depending on the complexity of your application.

2. Prepare the Required Documents for the Dog

Here are the main documents you’ll need to gather before departure:

• A pet passport or updated vaccination record.
• Proof of microchip identification (which must be done before any vaccination).
• Rabies vaccination certificate, along with rabies antibody titer test
• Veterinary certificates confirming the dog’s good health, including a health certificate issued within 5 days prior to departure.
• An official export certificate, issued by a certified veterinarian in the country of origin.
• The travel itinerary and proof of quarantine reservation in Australia.

All documents must be in English, or accompanied by a certified English translation.

3. Quarantine Reservation in Australia

All imported dogs must stay in an approved quarantine center, located in Melbourne, at the Australian Post-Entry Quarantine Facility. It can be done online through the official portal upon receiving the import permit. Don’t forget to book the quarantine stay as early as possible, spaces are limited!

What Are the Health Protocols for Bringing a Dog to Australia?

Australia enforces strict health protocols to ensure the safety of its local wildlife. If you wish to bring your dog with you, here are the essential health steps to follow:

1. Microchip Identification

Before any vaccination, the dog must be identified with a microchip that complies with the ISO 11784/11785 standard, readable with a 15-digit code.

The microchip will be scanned at each step of the process (vaccination, tests, veterinary exams).

If the microchip is not readable upon arrival, the dog may be refused entry or placed in extended quarantine.

2. Mandatory Vaccinations

Bringing a dog to Australia requires a rabies vaccination, even for dogs coming from a low-risk country like France. The vaccine must be administered after microchip identification and be valid at the time of travel (according to the manufacturer’s expiration date).

Rabies is not the only required vaccine. Your dog will also have to be vaccinated against the following common diseases:

• Distemper (Canine Distemper)
• Canine Hepatitis
• Parvovirus
• Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough) — often recommended but not always mandatory.

3. Rabies Antibody Titer Test

After the rabies vaccination, a blood test (rabies antibody titer test) will need to be conducted to ensure that the dog is properly immunized.

• The test must be performed at least 180 days (6 months) before departure, but no more than 24 months before entering Australia.
• The antibody level must be greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml.
• The test must be conducted in an approved laboratory (verify the official list of recognized laboratories by Australia).

4. Mandatory Parasite Treatments

Veterinary treatments against ticks and worms (including Echinococcus) must be administered according to a strict schedule before traveling to Australia with your dog:

• Tick treatment: generally given 21 to 45 days before departure.
• Worm treatment and Echinococcus treatment: at least two treatments, with the last treatment given within 5 days before the flight.

5. Veterinary Examiation Before Departure

In the days leading up to the departure (typically 3 to 5 days before), your dog will have to undergo a full health check by an certified vet.

• The vet will issue a certificate of good health, certifying that the dog is fit to travel and shows no signs of contagious disease.
• The veterinarian must also complete the official export documents, linked to the Australian import permit.

How to Organize Your Dog’s Transport to Australia?

Here are the key steps to organize the transport of your pet to Australia and ensure it has a safe and comfortable journey in compliance with Australia’s regulations.

1. Choose an Airline or Professional Pet Transport Service

Not all airlines allow animals to be transported to Australia. Dogs must arrive through Melbourne, at the Tullamarine International Airport, as it is the only airport authorized for quarantine.

You have two options for bringing your dog to Australia:

• Book directly with an airline that offers pet transport in the cargo hold to Melbourne.
• Hire a professional pet relocation service specializing in international pet transport. These services usually include the logistics (flights, layovers), quarantine booking veterinary assistance and administrative procedures.

Given the long journey and strict regulations, we strongly recommended to use a professional service to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort!

2. Air Transport Rules

Australia enforces strict guidelines for air transport of dogs:

• IATA-approved crate: it must be sturdy, well-ventilated, and the correct size (your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably).
• Cargo hold only: in-cabin pet travel is not allowed, even small breeds.
• Water and absorbent material: the crate must contain a secure water bowl and absorbent material on the floor for your pet’s comfort during the flight.
• Labeling and documents: the crate must be clearly labeled with your pet’s name, microchip number, your contact details, destination.

3. Average Cost of Transport and Associated Services

The cost of traveling to Australia with a dog varies depending on the size of the animal, the airline, the type of crate, and the services chosen. Here’s a general estimate:

Item	Estimated Cost
Flight ticket for the animal	€1,000 to €3,000
IATA-approved crate	€100 to €500
Pet transport services	€1,000 to €2,500
Documents, controls, extra reservations	€500 to €1,000

The total cost can range from €3,000 to €6,000, or even more depending on the services chosen.

4. Tips for Preparing Your Dog for the Journey

A long flight, especially one as long as this, can be stressful for your dog. Here are some tips to ensure optimal preparation:

• Getting used to the crate: start several weeks in advance. Leave the crate open at home, place toys or treats inside and encourage your dog to enter it voluntarily.
• Regular walks and mental stimulation in the days leading up to the departure to keep your dog relaxed.
• Avoid sedatives: these are not recommended during the flight, as they can have side effects at high altitudes. Opt for natural solutions (pheromones, calming spray) if necessary, after consulting with your vet.
• Light meal before the flight, but don’t allow your dog to go on an empty stomach (generally, no food 6-8 hours before departure).

Quarantine in Australia: What to Expect?

Quarantine Centers and Accommodation

In Australia, all imported animals go through one official quarantine center: the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility, located near Melbourne. This is a modern, secure facility with accommodations designed for animal well-being, including individual kennels, ventilation, feeding, and veterinary care.

Duration and Quarantine Protocol

The quarantine period lasts a minimum of 10 days, provided all health conditions are met before arrival. During this time, veterinary checks are conducted to ensure your dog shows no signs of illness or parasites.

Follow-up and Contact During Quarantine

Visits are not allowed, but owners can monitor their pet’s condition remotely through email or phone communications with the center’s staff. Regular updates are provided.

Cost and Exit Procedures

The cost of quarantine depends on the dog’s weight and required care, but the average is between 2,000 and 3,000 AUD. At the end of the quarantine period, if no issues are found, the pet can be collected by the owner or an authorized agent after the exit documents are validated.