Australia Pet Import Reality
Three Things That Control the Timeline
01
Approved-Country Pathway
Pets from Vietnam usually need preparation through an approved country before they can enter Australia.
02
Rabies Test Timing
The RNATT blood test and waiting period control the earliest possible export date.
03
Melbourne Arrival
Cats and dogs must arrive in Melbourne as manifest cargo before Mickleham quarantine.
Pets we've guided to Australia
Before You Book
What Australia Requires
Australia is strict about timing, route, documents, testing, and quarantine. A small mismatch can delay the move.
Dogs
Approved Route, RNATT & Dog Testing
- Approved-country pathway is required
- ISO microchip and accurate records are required
- Rabies vaccination and RNATT blood test are required
- Import permit must be approved before quarantine booking
- Dog-specific disease testing may apply
- Parasite treatments must follow the required schedule
- Arrival must be in Melbourne as manifest cargo
- Mickleham quarantine is mandatory
Dog moves are more complex because extra disease testing and treatment windows may apply.
Cats
Approved Route, RNATT & Quarantine
- Approved-country pathway is required
- ISO microchip and accurate records are required
- Rabies vaccination and RNATT blood test are required
- Import permit must be approved before quarantine booking
- Parasite treatments must follow the required schedule
- Arrival must be in Melbourne as manifest cargo
- Mickleham quarantine is mandatory
Cat moves are usually simpler than dog moves, but the route, timing, permit, and quarantine rules still apply.
How We Help
We Build the Route Before Your Pet Moves
Australia moves need planning before booking. We map the approved-country pathway, timing, documents, flight, and quarantine sequence.
Get a Custom Plan
Route & Timeline Check
We confirm the approved-country pathway and estimate the realistic travel window.
Record Review
We check microchip, rabies, test, and ownership records before the plan starts.
RNATT & Vet Scheduling
We coordinate the key blood test and required veterinary steps.
Import Permit Support
We prepare the file for DAFF import permit submission.
Quarantine Planning
We align Mickleham booking with the approved permit and flight window.
Final Cargo Move
We coordinate the final flight into Melbourne as manifest cargo.
Clear Answers
Pet Relocation FAQs
Can my pet fly directly from Vietnam to Australia?
For standard dog and cat imports, no. Pets usually need to complete preparation through an approved country before entering Australia.
How long does the process take?
Most Australia moves need 7–12+ months because of the approved-country pathway, rabies testing timeline, import permit, and quarantine availability.
Can my pet fly in the cabin?
No. Cats and dogs entering Australia must travel as manifest cargo and arrive directly in Melbourne. Eligible assistance dogs may be treated differently.
Is quarantine required?
Yes. Cats and dogs must complete post-entry quarantine at Mickleham. The minimum stay is usually 10 days, but it can be longer if requirements are not met.
Are dogs and cats the same?
No. Dogs usually have more testing requirements. Cats are simpler, but still need the approved-country pathway, rabies testing, permit, Melbourne arrival, and quarantine.
When should we book the flight?
Only after the route, permit, quarantine booking, and veterinary timeline are aligned. Booking too early can create costly changes.