Pet Transport from Belgium to Australia
Moving a dog or cat from Belgium to Australia is a substantial process, but Belgium's DAFF Group 2 status (rabies-controlled) means Belgian pets are exempt from the RNATT titre test, removing a significant time requirement compared with pets from higher-risk …
The Belgium to Australia import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: FASFC-authorised official veterinarian
Responsible: Airline cargo
Responsible: DAFF / MARS
What your pet needs to enter Australia
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). No other Australian airport accepts international pet imports.
Belgium is DAFF Group 2 (no titre test). Confirm classification is current at agriculture.gov.au before booking.
Quarantine fee must be paid before release. Budget AUD 1,877+ per pet.
Health certificate valid for 10 days from issue. A rebooked flight requires a new certificate.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Does my pet from Belgium need a titre test for Australia?
No. Belgium is DAFF Group 2 (rabies-controlled), and Group 2 countries are exempt from the RNATT. This removes the blood draw requirement and its associated waiting period, making Belgium’s process shorter than for higher-risk origin countries.
What is still required: ISO microchip before any vaccination, current rabies vaccination within its validity period, DAFF import permit via BICON, quarantine booking at Mickleham, cargo reservation to Melbourne, and the official FASFC health certificate in DAFF’s required format. Source: DAFF, agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs (2026).
What is the FASFC and what role does it play in my pet's export from Belgium?
The FASFC (Federaal Agentschap voor de Veiligheid van de Voedselketen) is Belgium’s federal agency responsible for the safety of the food chain, including animal health certification for exports. For pets leaving Belgium to Australia, the official export health certificate must be issued by a FASFC-authorised official veterinarian. The certificate must be in the exact format DAFF requires for Group 2 countries.
Belgium is bilingual, and the FASFC operates in both Dutch (FAVV) and French (AFSCA). The health certificate format is the same regardless of language region. Confirm the current DAFF-required template with your official vet before the appointment. From 1 October 2026, the new EU export format under EU Regulation 2026/131 applies. Source: FASFC, favv-afsca.be (2026).
Which airlines carry pets from Belgium to Melbourne?
There is no direct Belgium-to-Melbourne passenger flight. All pet cargo moves via at least one hub. Emirates via Dubai from Brussels Airport (BRU) is the most commonly used option. Qatar Airways via Doha and Singapore Airlines via Changi are viable alternatives. Brussels Airlines connects to Lufthansa Group hubs for onward cargo arrangements.
All airlines carry pets as manifest cargo only. Book eight to twelve weeks ahead. Routes via the Gulf are subject to summer heat embargoes. All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). No other Australian airport accepts international pet imports.