Moving a pet from Canada to Australia is one of the most involved international pet moves you can make. Australia maintains strict biosecurity rules and every step in the preparation process is mandatory.
At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test with a waiting period after the result, an approved import permit from the destination authority, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 26-30 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.
Mandatory quarantine applies: all pets must complete a stay at the Mickleham Post-Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. The facility is government-run and owner-paid. Plan for at least 10 days. Use our step-by-step guide below to track what you need to do and when.
Documents Required for This Route
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | Required. Government-issued veterinary health certificate (country-specific format). Issued by: Government veterinarian in country of export. Certificate format is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Must use exact DAFF-approved format for the specific country of export. |
| Microchip record | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on same day as rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination record | Minimum age: 12 weeks. Vaccination schedule must be completed before titre test blood draw |
| Rabies titre test | Required for: Groups 3, 4, 5, 6 (all except Groups 1 and 2). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml |
| Import permit | Required. Must be obtained BEFORE travel. Permit specifies conditions for import. |
| Export permit (Canada) | No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate. |
How the Process Works
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)
Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies vaccination
At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)
Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Apply for import permit from Australia
Lead time: Check with authorities
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets
Responsible: You + airline cargo desk
Quarantine on arrival (varies days)
Immediately on arrival
Responsible: Australia quarantine authorities
Australia: Entry Requirements for Pets
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on same day as rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination | Minimum age: 12 weeks. Vaccination schedule must be completed before titre test blood draw |
| Rabies titre test | Required for: Groups 3, 4, 5, 6 (all except Groups 1 and 2). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml |
| Quarantine | Mandatory quarantine. Facility: Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility. Location: Melbourne, Victoria |
| Import permit | Required. Must be obtained BEFORE travel. Permit specifies conditions for import. |
| Health certificate | Required. Government-issued veterinary health certificate (country-specific format). Issued by: Government veterinarian in country of export. Certificate format is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Must use exact DAFF-approved format for the specific country of export. |
Leaving Canada: Export Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate. |
What This Route Typically Costs
| # | Cost factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip) |
| 4 | Rabies titre test (laboratory fee) |
| 5 | Import permit application fee (Australia) |
| 6 | Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid) |
| 7 | Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable) |
| 8 | Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service) |
Critical Points — Read Before You Book
Mandatory quarantine in Australia: Plan for separation from your pet.
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
Australian airlines may restrict pet cargo during peak summer (December to February) when temperatures exceed safe thresholds.
Australia has the strictest pet import process globally. Expect a minimum 180-day preparation period. Pets can only enter through Melbourne (Mickleham quarantine facility).
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow at least 26-30 weeks: more if your pet is not yet vaccinated. The timeline is driven by mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened.
Yes. Mandatory quarantine. Facility: Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility. Location: Melbourne, Victoria Plan your trip around the quarantine period and factor in the cost, which is owner-paid.
Required. Must be obtained BEFORE travel. Permit specifies conditions for import.
Required. Government-issued veterinary health certificate (country-specific format). Issued by: Government veterinarian in country of export. Certificate format is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Must use exact DAFF-approved format for the specific country of export. Your Canada vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by Australia: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.
Yes. Required for: Groups 3, 4, 5, 6 (all except Groups 1 and 2). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible.
Other Routes to Consider
Country guides:
Shipping from CanadaImporting to Australia
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