Preparing your pet for Australia takes at least six months, mainly because of the mandatory 180-day waiting period associated with rabies antibody testing (RNATT).

We recommend starting 8–10 months before your intended travel date to allow enough time for veterinary appointments, blood tests, import permits and quarantine arrangements.

Yes. Although the UK is considered rabies-free, Australia classifies it as a Group 3 country for pet imports.

Both dogs and cats require a valid rabies vaccination and a successful Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT). Your pet must also meet Australia's microchip identification requirements.

Our vets can help you organise the necessary vaccinations, blood tests and documentation.

Yes. Dogs and cats travelling from the UK generally need to complete quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility near Melbourne.

The standard minimum stay is 30 days, but eligible pets can reduce this to a minimum of 10 days by completing the required OV66 Identity Verification process before their rabies antibody blood test.

Your pet may qualify for a minimum 10-day quarantine period through the OV66 identity verification process.

This involves identity checks by two OV66-authorised Official Veterinarians from separate veterinary practices, completed before the RNATT blood sample is taken.

Our team can help arrange all of these checks and guide you through the correct sequence of veterinary preparations.

Learn more about our OV66 identity checks.

Possibly, but the timing is crucial.

If your pet's RNATT blood sample was collected before the required OV66 identity checks, you would generally need to repeat the RNATT after completing those checks to qualify for the reduced quarantine period. This also restarts the 180-day waiting period.

If you've already begun preparing your pet for Australia, contact us before arranging further procedures so we can review your options.

Dogs and cats travelling from the UK generally require an Australian import permit, rabies vaccination and blood test records, supporting veterinary declarations, and an official UK Export Health Certificate (EHC).

The exact veterinary tests, parasite treatments and certification requirements differ between dogs and cats.

Our Official Veterinarians can help prepare the required veterinary documentation and guide you through the export certification process.

For standard commercial flights to Australia, pets must travel as manifested cargo in an airline-compliant travel crate rather than in the passenger cabin.

Dogs and cats imported from the UK must normally arrive directly at Melbourne International Airport before being transferred to the government quarantine facility.

Special arrangements may apply to eligible assistance animals and private or chartered flights.

The total cost depends on your pet, the veterinary preparations required, transport arrangements and quarantine duration.

Typical expenses include veterinary consultations, vaccinations, laboratory testing, OV66 identity checks, export certification, Australian import permit fees, flights and quarantine charges.

We can provide a personalised quote for the veterinary services your pet requires, helping you plan your relocation costs.

Using a professional pet transport company isn't compulsory, but the Australian Government strongly recommends working with an experienced animal transport agent.

A pet shipper can help organise flights, travel crates and transport logistics, while our Official Veterinarians can manage the required veterinary preparations and documentation.

We can work alongside your chosen pet relocation company to help keep the process coordinated.

Yes. Our Official Veterinarians, including vets holding OV66 authorisation, can assist with the veterinary requirements for relocating your dog or cat to Australia.

Our services include identity verification, rabies antibody blood tests, vaccinations, parasite treatments, additional health testing and Export Health Certificates.

We also offer convenient veterinary home visits across London for suitable procedures.

Explore our dedicated guides for dogs travelling to Australia and cats travelling to Australia, or contact us for a personalised quotation.