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Moving Dogs to Australia from the UK: Step by Step Guide

Since the UK falls under a Group 3 country, this step-by-step guide will help you prepare your dog to import into Australia from the UK.

Step 1: Find a Pet Transport Agent

Choose an experienced pet transport agent to guide you through the complex process of importing your cat to Australia. Look online or check the IPATA for reliable agents.

More: Pet Moving Company: How to Choose International Pet Movers?

Step 2: Confirm Your Dog’s Eligibility for Import to Australia

To import your dog from the UK, ensure it has lived in an approved country for at least 180 days before export and meets rabies vaccination and testing requirements. Dogs must not be under quarantine, pregnant, or nursing.

Certain breeds, including hybrids like the Czechoslovakian wolfdog, are banned. Consult relevant authorities for breed restrictions. Additionally, consider your dog’s age and health; sick or elderly dogs may not tolerate long travel and quarantine.

Some dog breeds are banned from entering Australia due to environmental protection and customs laws. These bans are not related to biosecurity.

Hybrid dogs banned:

• Czechoslovakian wolfdog
• Saarloos wolfdog
• Lupo Italiano
• Kunming wolfdog

Pure-bred dogs banned:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Perro de Presa Canario

Step 3: Check Your Dog’s Microchip

Remember that your dog must have an ISO-compliant microchip before starting the import process. The microchip must be scanned by an approved veterinarian at each visit and match all documentation. If your dog has two compliant microchips, both must be recorded. If the microchip is unreadable, it must be fixed before proceeding.

A working microchip is essential for the import process, and if it's not scannable, your dog cannot be imported to Australia.

Step 4: Confirm Your Dog’s Identity

To reduce quarantine time, verify your dog's identity with the competent authority in the UK before the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre test (RNATT). The identity check must be done before any other preparations, and the document must be provided directly by an official veterinarian.

A pet passport, vaccination card, or microchip certificate cannot replace the identity verification.

Ensure this is completed at least 180 days before export for dogs over six months old.

Step 5: Arrange Rabies Vaccination & Testing for Your Dog

Find an Approved Veterinarian: All rabies-related preparations must be done by a government-approved vet. Contact the competent authority in the export country to find the right veterinarian.

Vaccinate Against Rabies: Your dog must be vaccinated with an approved rabies vaccine at least 84 days before the rabies neutralizing antibody titre test (RNATT). Ensure the vaccination remains valid from the RNATT date to export.

Arrange RNATT: A government-approved veterinarian must perform the RNATT, checking if your dog is rabies-free. The sample must be taken between 12 months and 180 days before export, and the results must meet the minimum 0.5 IU/ml threshold.

Get RNATT Declaration: After the test, request the RNATT declaration from the competent authority in the export country. This declaration must match the details of the rabies vaccination certificate and laboratory report.

The RNATT is valid for 12 months. If it expires before export, your dog must be retested. Keep all related documents, including the laboratory report and RNATT declaration, for your import permit application.

Step 6: Apply & Pay for the Import Permit

Apply Early: Apply for your import permit soon after receiving the RNATT declaration. Permits typically take 20-40 business days but may take up to 123 days.

Provide Documents: Submit the RNATT laboratory report and RNATT declaration endorsed by the government veterinarian when applying through the Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON).

Permit Conditions: Carefully read your permit’s conditions, including the required pre-export veterinary procedures. Non-compliance may result in additional costs, extended quarantine, or refusal of entry.

Permit Validity: The import permit is valid until the RNATT expires (12 months from the blood sample date). To extend it, the RNATT process must be repeated.

Step 7: Book Your Dog’s Post-Entry Quarantine

Quarantine Duration: Your dog will stay at least 10 days in the Mickleham facility, or 30 days if no identity verification is done before the RNATT. The 10-day quarantine applies if your dog’s identity is verified in advance.

Quarantine Costs: All quarantine fees must be paid in full before your dog’s release.

Travel Stops & Regulations: Check travel rules for stops. Your dog may transit or tranship in approved countries but must remain on the international side of the airport. Ensure you meet specific conditions at transit locations.

Travel Arrangements: Book your dog’s flight directly to Melbourne International airport, using an IATA-approved crate. Your dog must travel as manifested cargo, not in the cabin. You’re responsible for transport costs.

Explore: Pet Travel: How Do You Transport Pets By Air?

Step 8: Complete Health Checks, Treatments, and Vaccinations

Veterinary Requirements: All treatments must be done by a government-approved vet in an approved country, following proper timelines before export. This excludes rabies testing (see Step 4 for rabies details).

Leptospirosis: Dogs from Group 3 countries must be vaccinated or tested for Leptospira canicola. Vaccination requires two doses, 2-4 weeks apart, with annual boosters. The final dose must be administered within 12-14 days of export.

CIV (Canine Influenza): Dogs from the USA, South Korea, or Canada must be vaccinated or tested for CIV. Vaccination must be completed at least 14 days before export.

Brucellosis Test: If the dog is not desexed, it must be tested for Brucella canis within 45 days of export.

Leishmaniosis: Dogs must be tested for Leishmania infantum within 45 days of export, using approved tests.

Parasite Treatment: Dogs must be treated for ticks, fleas, and internal parasites within specific timeframes before export.

Step 9: Final Vet Check and Document Preparation

Pre-Export Exam: Schedule a final vet check within 5 days of export. Your dog must be examined for external parasites and infectious diseases. Bring required documents: import permit, test reports, vaccination certificates, and health certificate.

Complete Health Certificate: Your vet will complete the veterinary health certificate, which must be signed and stamped by an official government veterinarian in the exporting country.

Endorsement: Have the health certificate and lab reports endorsed by the competent authority within 5 days before export. Ensure all corrections are signed and stamped.

Gather Documents: Ensure your dog has the import permit, health certificate, and relevant test results when traveling. Keep copies for your records.

Learn: Animal Health Certificate for Pet Travel

Step 10: Travel to Australia with Your Pet

Prepare for Travel: Ensure your dog arrives before the import permit expires. Use an IATA-approved crate without personal items. Check with the airline for the correct terminal.

Arrival in Australia: A biosecurity officer will transport your dog to the Mickleham quarantine facility. You'll be notified within 24 hours. The dog will be monitored for health and compliance with import conditions.

Post-Arrival Quarantine: Dogs stay a minimum of 30 days in quarantine (unless eligible for 10 days). If conditions aren’t met, additional treatments or quarantine may apply.

Registration in Australia: Contact your local council to register your dog and meet other local requirements. This may include microchip registration and fees.

Cost of Taking a Dog to Australia from the UK

The cost of transporting a dog from the UK to Australia can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the dog, the chosen pet travel company, and specific travel requirements like quarantine fees and veterinary services. However, on average, the total cost can range from:

• £2,500 to £4,500 for small to medium-sized dogs (including transportation, vaccinations, health checks, quarantine, etc.).
• £3,500 to £6,000 or more for larger dogs or special cases.

This includes:

1. Flight costs (airline charges for pet travel, which typically fall under cargo)
2. Quarantine fees (mandatory post-entry quarantine in Australia, generally at the Mickleham facility)
3. Vet checks and vaccinations (including rabies and other required tests)
4. Pet transport cost (for arranging the logistics and handling the pet during transport)
5. Documentation (including health certificates, import permits, and endorsements from official veterinarians)

For a more precise quote, it’s recommended to reach out to specialized pet shipping companies, as they can provide an exact breakdown tailored to your dog's specific needs and travel dates.

Contact James Cargo for Shipping Pets to Australia from the UK

At James Cargo, we know how important it is to safely transport your dog from the UK to Australia. We specialize in moving pets and understand all the rules, health checks, and vaccinations your dog needs to meet to enter Australia. We handle the entire process, from booking flights to making sure your dog travels in a safe, comfortable crate.

We also take care of all the paperwork and final checks, so you don’t have to worry. With James Cargo, your dog will get the care and attention they need to travel safely and follow all the required rules for entry into Australia.

FAQs on Pet Travel to Australia from the UK

1. How long is the quarantine for dogs from the UK to Australia?
   Typically, dogs coming from the UK to Australia must stay in quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.
2. Can all dog breeds enter Australia?
   No, certain breeds are restricted, including Pit Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa.
3. How much does it cost to move a dog from the UK to Australia?
   Costs range from £3,000 to £6,000, depending on size, travel route, and veterinary expenses.
4. Do I need an import permit to bring my dog to Australia?
   Yes, an import permit from the Australian Department of Agriculture is mandatory.
5. Can I use a pet relocation service?
   Yes, using a pet travel agency can simplify the process

Additional topics:

• Pet Transport from the UK to Spain: Pet Travel Guide
• Moving Pets From US to the UK - Pet Travel Requirements
• Pet Transport from Bulgaria to the UK