Pet Transport Colombia to Australia: 2026 Staged Move Guide

The choice of staging country affects both the timeline and the complexity. USA and Singapore are the most common choices for Colombian expats, with the USA being more frequently used simply because direct Avianca and American Airlines flights connect Bogota and Medellin to Miami and New York.

But the USA is DAFF Group 3, which means that after completing 180 days of US residency, the pet must still go through the Group 3 Australia import process: an RNATT titre test, a 180-day wait from the blood draw date, and the full documentation chain. This adds roughly 6 months to the timeline compared to staging via Singapore (Group 2), which skips the RNATT requirement entirely. If your own relocation timeline gives you the option, Singapore is the more efficient staging post for the Australia leg.

The Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) is Colombia’s agricultural and animal health authority. All pets leaving Colombia need an ICA-registered vet to issue the health certificate and an ICA export permit. The documentation must confirm microchip, vaccination history, and health status. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for ICA processing.

The ICA documentation forms part of the record chain that will be needed by your staging country (whether USA, UK, or Singapore) and eventually by DAFF for the import permit assessment. Keep originals of all ICA documents throughout the process.

Wherever in Australia you are ultimately heading, your pet arrives first at Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. This is the only DAFF-approved quarantine centre for imported cats and dogs in Australia. The mandatory stay is 10 days, staffed by vets throughout.

Pre-booking Mickleham is essential. Spaces are limited and public holidays create gaps in the operating schedule (Mickleham only receives pets on weekdays). Book your quarantine place as soon as you have a confirmed Australia arrival date and coordinate the timing so your pet’s flight arrives on a Monday to Thursday.