Pet Relocation to Australia: The Complete Guide [2026]

Australia has some of the strictest pet import rules in the world — and for good reason. Its unique ecosystem is protected by a biosecurity system that leaves no room for shortcuts. A mandatory 180-day waiting period, a rabies titre test (RNATT), quarantine, an import permit, and a rigid documentation chain make this one of the most demanding pet relocations possible.

The good news: it is done successfully every week. With the right preparation and the right specialist, your dog or cat can make it to Australia. This guide explains exactly what is required, in the right order, with no shortcuts omitted.

At a Glance: What Australia Requires

Australia's Approved Country Groups

Australia classifies origin countries into three groups. The group determines which tests and waiting periods apply. If your country is not on the list, direct travel is not permitted.

Portugal is a Group 3 country — the most demanding tier among permitted countries. The 180-day RNATT waiting period applies.

Entry Requirements — Step by Step

Step 1 — Microchip

Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit) microchip implanted before all vaccinations and tests. This is a hard rule — a vaccination given before microchipping is invalid for Australian purposes and must be repeated. Have the chip scanned at your vet to confirm it is readable before any other step.

Step 2 — Rabies Vaccination

A full rabies vaccination course is required: primary vaccination plus booster. The vaccination must be administered after the microchip is implanted. All boosters must remain within the validity period of the previous vaccine — if a booster is given late (after the previous vaccine has expired), the entire process may need to restart.

Step 3 — RNATT (Rabies Antibody Titre Test)

This is the single biggest timeline constraint for Australia. The RNATT must be performed at an approved laboratory — in Portugal, the approved laboratory is INIAV (Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Oeiras).

• Minimum result: ≥ 0.5 IU/ml
• After a passing result, a 180-day waiting period begins — this cannot be shortened under any circumstances
• If the result is below 0.5 IU/ml, the pet must be re-vaccinated and re-tested; the 180-day clock only starts from a passing result

Step 4 — Additional Blood Tests (Dogs — Group 3)

Dogs travelling from Group 3 countries (including Portugal) require additional blood tests — including Brucella canis and Leishmania infantum — completed within a set window before export. The exact timing and panel must be confirmed by a certified pet relocation specialist for your specific situation.

Step 5 — Import Permit

An import permit from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is mandatory. Apply at: agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs. Allow 4–8 weeks for processing. The import permit must be obtained before you can book the quarantine facility.

Step 6 — Quarantine Booking (Mickleham)

All pets entering Australia must spend 10 days at the Mickleham Quarantine Facility in Melbourne — this is the only approved quarantine facility in Australia. Key facts:

• Pets arriving at Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, or any other Australian city are flown or transported to Melbourne for quarantine after landing
• Quarantine must be pre-booked and pre-paid before your pet travels
• The facility has limited capacity — book immediately after your import permit is approved
• Owners can visit their pets during quarantine — contact the facility to arrange
• All costs (housing, feeding, veterinary care) are the owner's responsibility

Step 7 — Health Certificate

The official health certificate must:

• Follow the Australian Government health certificate template exactly — deviations are not accepted
• Be endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority (in Portugal: DGAV)
• Be valid for a maximum of 10 days before travel

Step 8 — Tapeworm Treatment (Dogs only)

Dogs must be treated for Echinococcus tapeworm within 1–5 days before travel. Treatment must be documented by a vet. Tapeworm treatment is not required for cats.

Full Preparation Timeline

For a side-by-side comparison of timelines across all destinations, see How Long Does Pet Relocation Take?

Minimum recommended preparation time: 24–28 weeks (6–7 months) from an approved origin country.

Cat-Specific Requirements

Breed Restrictions

The following dog breeds are permanently prohibited from entering Australia under any circumstances:

• American Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Perro de Presa Canario

If your dog is one of these breeds or has significant characteristics of one of these breeds, it cannot enter Australia. There are no exemptions.

For a complete overview of breed restrictions across all major destinations, see the International Breed Restrictions Guide.

Airlines: Getting Your Pet to Australia

All pets travel as cargo to Australia — no cabin transport is available on long-haul routes. For a full cost breakdown of what this involves, see How Much Does Pet Relocation Cost? The most common routes from Europe:

Regardless of which Australian city is your final destination, quarantine is in Melbourne. Plan for this in your routing.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Derail Australia Relocations

• Starting too late. The 180-day RNATT wait is non-negotiable. Starting the process 4 or 5 months before your target date means you will miss it.
• Assuming the 90-day wait applies. Some owners are familiar with the 90-day wait for UAE or Singapore and assume Australia is the same. Australia requires 180 days — twice as long.
• Not booking quarantine early. Mickleham has limited capacity. Once your import permit is approved, book immediately.
• Not following the health certificate template exactly. One error in the template means rejection at the destination. Always use the official Australian Government format.
• Assuming pets can fly to Sydney or Brisbane without transiting through Melbourne. Quarantine is in Melbourne only. All pets must go through Melbourne regardless of final destination.
• Microchipping after vaccination. If the vaccination was given before the microchip, it is invalid for Australian purposes and must be repeated after microchipping.

Official Resources

• Australian Government — Importing Cats and Dogs (DAFF)
• Mickleham Quarantine Facility — Booking and information