Taking your Dog to
Australia from the UK
Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide (2025/2026)
Moving your dog from the UK to Australia is a complex but achievable process, that requires a minimum six-month preparation timeline of mandatory vet procedures, blood tests, and documentation to protect Australia’s unique ecosystem.
Because the process is detailed, time-sensitive, and unforgiving, we recommend starting the process 9–10 months before your planned flight date. A single error can result in extended quarantine or, worse, refusal of entry.
At AHC London we have partnered with PetsAbroad, to offer a complete solution so that you won’t have to deal with the complexity of the process and ensure your dog meets every Australian Government (DAFF) requirement for a safe and timely arrival.
Phase 1: Critical First Steps & The 180-Day Countdown
This phase must be started at least 6 months (180 days) before the earliest possible export date.
1. Check Eligibility: Banned Breeds & Mandatory Microchip
Prohibited Breeds: The Australian Government strictly prohibits the import of several pure and hybrid dog breeds. You must confirm your dog is not on this list:
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Japanese Tosa
American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier
Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
Certain hybrid breeds (e.g., Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Saarloos Wolfdog).
ISO Microchip Implantation: Your dog must have an ISO-compliant microchip or transponder (15 digits). This must be implanted before any other preparations (vaccinations, blood samples) begin. The chip must be scanned at every single vet appointment and recorded on all documentation.
2. Rabies Vaccination & The RNATT Test
Since the UK is a Category 3 country, a current rabies vaccination is mandatory.
Vaccination: Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies by a vet. Any vet can vaccinate your dog against Rabies (no special qualifications are required).
RNATT Blood Sample: 3–4 weeks after vaccination, a blood sample must be taken for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT). This test checks for protective antibodies. The test sample myst be sent to an approved laboratory (APHA Weybridge, Biobest or IDEXX in Germany).
The Waiting Period: Australia requires a mandatory 180-day waiting period starting from the date the successful RNATT blood sample is received by the laboratory. Your dog cannot travel until this period is complete.
🚨 Pro Tip: If you are planning to get your pet vaccinated, please note that Rabies and routine vaccinations should not be given on the same day, as they may invalidate each other.
⭐ How to Reduce Quarantine from 30 Days to 10 Days ⭐
The official minimum quarantine stay is 30 days at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. However, you can reduce this to a minimum of 10 days by completing a critical step, called OV66 ID Check.
During this process, your dog’s identity has to be verified twice by two independent Government Approved Veterinarians (OV66) BEFORE the blood sample for the RNATT is taken. This check proves the microchipped dog is the one undergoing the entire preparation process.
More information about this process can be found on our dedicated page.
Phase 2: Documentation & Logistics
Once your RNATT results have returned successful, you can move forward with the next steps: applying for the Import Permit (IP) and booking your quarantine accommodation.
If you’ve chosen our Complete Package, we’ll handle both applications on your behalf.
3. Apply for the Import Permit
You must apply for an Import Permit from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
When to Apply: Apply after you have confirmation of the successful RNATT results, but ensure the permit is valid for your travel date. Processing times can take several weeks (up to 12 weeks during peak season).
4. Book Quarantine Accommodation
All dogs entering Australia must serve their quarantine period at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne, Victoria.
Spaces are limited and must be booked well in advance, immediately after your Import Permit is issued, to secure your desired travel dates.
Phase 3: Final Pre-Export Preparations (Within 45 Days)
These time-critical procedures must be performed by a UK Government Approved Veterinarian (OV).
Leishmania infantum Test
Blood sample taken within 30 days of export. Must be a negative result.
Brucella canis Test (only for non-desexed/non-neutered dogs).
Blood sample taken within 45 days of export. Must be a negative result.
Leptospira interrogans
Vaccination OR Blood Test taken within 30 days of export. If vaccinated, the last dose must be given between 14 days and 12 months before export.
External Parasite Treatment (Ticks/Fleas)
Treatment started at least 30 days before export and maintained until departure.
Must use an approved product effective against ticks and fleas.
Internal Parasite Treatment (Worming)
Two treatments required:
1st treatment within 45 days of export.
2nd treatment within 5 days of export.
The two treatments must be spaced at least 14 days apart.
⏱️ Our Pro Tip: Two Smart Visits, Zero Stress
The final export phase can feel quite overwhelming - but it doesn’t have to be. To keep things simple (and save you extra trips!), we recommend a two-visit plan:
Visit 1 (about 40 days before export):
Start your external parasite treatment for ticks and fleas.
Visit 2 (2 weeks later):
Second round of parasite treatments - this time both internal and external - AND have your dogs bloods taken for Leishmania and, if required, Brucella testing.
This way, you’ll keeping everything perfectly timed for export approval. ✈️
Phase 4: The Final Countdown (Within 5 Days of Flight)
5. Final Veterinary Health Check + Export Health Certificate (DEFRA Official Travel Document)
An OV Vet must perform a final clinical examination within 5 days of the dog’s export date to confirm the dog is fit to travel and free of parasites or infectious disease.
This is the best time to administer the second mandatory Internal Parasite (worming) treatment.
At the end of the visit, the vet will complete the Export Health Certificate (EHC). This is the official sign-off confirming all legal requirements have been met, and your dog is now ready to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The absolute minimum time is 180 days (6 months), which begins on the day your dog’s successful RNATT blood sample arrives at the lab. However, accounting for vet scheduling, permit application processing, and quarantine booking, we recommend starting 8 to 10 months in advance.
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Yes. All dogs from the UK (Group 3 country) must complete a mandatory stay at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. The minimum duration is 10 days if the pre-RNATT Identity Checks are completed (more about OV66 checks here), or 30 days if these check are missed or if there are any documentation issues.
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The UK government agency responsible for endorsing the final Veterinary Health Certificate (EHC) and all supporting documents is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). This endorsement must be completed by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 5 days of export.
All of our vets are OV and OV66 certified, and deal with the Australian requirements on a daily basis. -
No. All dogs must first land in Melbourne and be transported directly to the Mickleham quarantine facility. After the quarantine period, you must arrange domestic transport to your final destination (e.g., Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide).
Why Choosing Us for Your Australia Dog Relocation?
The process of taking a dog to Australia is detailed and the Australian government enforces its rules strictly. We at AHC Specialists have joined forces with PetsAbroadUK, to offer you a Complete Solution, for your peace of mind 🧘🏻
✅ Compliance Guarantee: We handle all paperwork and logistics, ensuring every test, vaccination, and treatment is done on the correct day, by the correct type of veterinarian, and within the required timeframes.
📆 10-Day Quarantine Eligibility: We guide you through the critical OV66 ID Check required to minimise your dog's quarantine stay to the shortest possible time.
🧑🏻⚖️ OV Certification: Our Official Veterinarians (OVs) will can care of all the veterinary requirements, from taking the Rabies Blood sample, to the RNATT declaration, and the final process to obtain and provide you with the Export Health Certificate from DEFRA.
😌 Stress-Free Journey: From IATA crate selection to flight booking and liaising with the Mickleham facility, we manage the entire process so you can focus on your move.