If you are relocating a pet from Slovenia to Australia, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. This route takes some organising, and roughly 28-34 weeks of preparation is about right. Quarantine is required on arrival, so …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Slovenia to Australia
typically takes around 28-34 weeks.
Quarantine is required on arrival, so check the requirements below.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Slovenia to Australia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip and rabies vaccination
Responsible: Slovenian vet
Start immediately. Microchip before vaccination. Wait 30 days before RNATT blood draw.
2
RNATT blood draw at DAFF-approved lab
Responsible: Slovenian vet + DAFF-approved laboratory
At least 30 days after vaccination. Blood collection date must be 180+ days before export. This date determines your earliest travel window.
3
Apply for DAFF import permit
Responsible: Owner
As early as possible. Allow several weeks for processing.
4
Book cargo from Ljubljana via hub airports to Australia
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance on every leg.
5
UVHVVR-endorsed EU health certificate
Responsible: Authorised vet + UVHVVR
Within 10 days of departure.
6
Travel to Australia via Vienna, Munich, or Frankfurt hub
Responsible: Airline + owner
Travel day. 24-36 hours typical journey time.
7
10-day mandatory quarantine at Mickleham, Melbourne
Responsible: DAFF Mickleham PEQF
Immediately on arrival. All care managed by DAFF staff.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Australia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit). Implanted before vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current at time of travel. Administered after microchip.
Rabies titre test
Required. RNATT at a DAFF-approved laboratory. Blood collection date must be at least 180 days before export to Australia.
Quarantine
Required. 10 mandatory days at Mickleham PEQF, Melbourne.
Import permit
Required. Apply via DAFF portal before travel.
Health certificate
UVHVVR-endorsed EU health certificate meeting DAFF Group 3 format.
Export permit (Slovenia)
No export permit required for personal companion pets leaving Slovenia.
Costs
What this route typically costs
RNATT at DAFF-approved lab plus blood sample shipping: EUR 150-400
DAFF import permit: approximately AUD 500
Mickleham quarantine: AUD 2,000-4,500 for 10 days
Cargo Ljubljana to Australia via hub: EUR 1,500-4,500
IATA travel crate: EUR 80-350
UVHVVR-endorsed health certificate: EUR 100-250
Pet transport agent: EUR 600-1,500
Total typical range: EUR 4,500-11,000 over 7-9 months
Critical points to read before you book
Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is small. Direct connections to long-haul Australia-capable hubs are limited. Plan via Vienna (VIE) or Munich (MUC) as the primary connecting hub. Confirm cargo pet acceptance on the LJU to hub leg specifically.
UVHVVR is Slovenia's competent authority for animal health export certificates. Make sure your vet is on the UVHVVR authorised list for international export health certificates.
The 180-day RNATT rule applies identically to Slovenia as to any other Group 3 country. EU membership does not reduce this requirement.
Mickleham is in Melbourne. If your destination is elsewhere in Australia, arrange domestic transport separately after quarantine.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AUSTRIAN
Austrian Airlines
Ljubljana (LJU) to Vienna (VIE) is the most practical first leg for Slovenian pets. Austrian Airlines operates this route. From VIE, Austrian Airlines Cargo or Lufthansa Group options to Singapore or Doha for the Australia onwards leg.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Via Munich (MUC) or Frankfurt (FRA) from Ljubljana. Lufthansa Cargo has strong EU-to-Australia pet cargo experience. Frankfurt Animal Lounge is a well-known staging point.
Cargo Only
KLM ROYAL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Via Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) using connections from Ljubljana via Vienna or Munich. KLM Cargo's Australia programme from AMS is one of the established Europe-to-Australia pet cargo routes.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines Cargo
Typically the final long-haul leg from a European hub to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth. Accessed via Lufthansa, KLM, or Austrian connections from Ljubljana.
Cargo Only
QATAR AIRWAYS
Qatar Airways Cargo
Via Doha (DOH) to Australian cities. Connections from Ljubljana via hub airports. Qatar has consistent live animal cargo standards on Europe-Australia routes.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Australia
Australia asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.
How to keep this move on track
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about Slovenia to Australia pet transport
Practically speaking, the main advantage is that Slovenia’s UVHVVR is a recognised EU competent authority, making the health certificate endorsement process reliable and internationally accepted. However, EU membership does not reduce Australia’s Group 3 requirements: the RNATT, import permit, and Mickleham quarantine all apply regardless.
Some can, but not all. The DAFF health certificate format has specific requirements, and vets who have not processed Australia-bound certificates may need guidance. Ask whether your vet has done this before. If not, a pet transport agent who specialises in EU-to-Australia routes can work with your vet to ensure the documentation is correct.
Mickleham is the Australian government’s Post-Entry Quarantine Facility. Your dog or cat is housed there for 10 days under DAFF supervision. DAFF staff manage all feeding, water, and basic care. Owners do not stay at the facility but can arrange visits in some circumstances. DAFF vets conduct health checks. After 10 days, your pet is released provided all documentation was correct.
Airline guides
Austrian Airlines
Lufthansa
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Singapore Airlines Cargo
Qatar Airways Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.