Moving to Australia with a dog is a big deal. The good news is that Australia welcomes dogs from the UK and most countries.
The less good news is that the process is detailed, time-sensitive and pretty unforgiving if you get the order of steps wrong.
We’re here to guide you through everything you need to know, from permits to quarantine, so you can get your dog there safely and without any nasty surprises.
Do Dogs Need Import Permits to Move to Australia?
Yes. Every dog entering Australia from the UK requires an import permit, no exceptions. It doesn’t matter where you are coming from or how long you plan to stay, Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world, and pets are not exempt.
9 Steps for Moving Your Dog to Australia From the UK
If you’re relocating to the land down under and are overwhelmed with pet relocation for your beloved dog, here are some simple steps to take note of to get you started:
Step #1 – Get Your Dog Microchipped
Before you apply for anything, your dog needs to be microchipped to ISO standard 11784/11785. This is the 15-digit chip format. Most UK dogs chipped in recent years will already meet this standard, but it is worth double-checking with your vet before you go any further.
The microchip number is what ties your dog to every document in this process, so it needs to be in place and verified before you do anything else.
Step #2 – Apply for an Import Permit
You apply for the import permit through DAFF’s online system, BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions). Search for dogs under the live animals category and select the UK as your country of origin.
The permit will list every condition your dog needs to meet, so read it carefully and keep it somewhere you can refer back to throughout the process.
It’s important to apply for this as early as possible. You do not need a confirmed travel date to apply, but having the permit in hand means you know exactly what you are working towards. Please be aware that import permits are only valid for the length of the validity of the RNATT declaration.
Step #3 – Make Sure Vaccinations Are Up to Date
Your dog needs to be up to date with a few vaccinations before travelling.
A pet relocation company can advise on what is required.
Your dog needs a rabies vaccination before travelling to Australia. The UK is classified as a Group 3 country under Australia’s import system, which means this step is mandatory.
The vaccine must be administered after microchipping, in an approved country, when your dog is at least 90 days old, and must remain continuously valid from the date of vaccination right through to the date of export.
Step #4 – Rabies Antibody Blood Test
After having the rabies vaccination, your dog will need a blood test to confirm the vaccine has worked. This is called the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test — also known as RNATT and it must be done at least 180 days before your dog travels to Australia.
Once the blood sample arrives at an approved laboratory, the 180-day waiting period begins. Please remember that your dog cannot travel to Australia until that period is complete and the result meets the required antibody level.
The RNATT is valid for 12 months, so your travel date needs to fall within that window.
Step #5 – Arrange Pre-Export Parasite Treatments
Within a specific window before your dog departs the UK, a vet needs to administer parasite treatments. These typically include treatment for tapeworm and other internal and external parasites.
The timing of these treatments is important, as they need to be given within the number of days specified on your import permit. Your vet will need to record the treatment, the product used, the dosage and the date on your dog’s health certificate.
Due to the strict time sensitivity, it’s recommended to work with a pet relocation company,
who can manage this timeline for you and brief you on exactly what is needed.
Step #6 – Get an Export Health Certificate Issued
Close to your departure date, an Official Veterinarian needs to examine your dog and issue an official health certificate. In the UK, this is done by a vet authorised by the APHA.
This export health certificate confirms that your dog is healthy, meets all the pre-export requirements and is fit to travel.
It needs to be completed within a set number of days before your flight, so timing this alongside your travel booking is important.
Your regular vet may not be an OV, so check this in advance and give yourself enough time to find one if needed.
Step #7 – Book a Space at the Quarantine Facility
All dogs arriving in Australia must complete a period of quarantine at the Post-Entry Quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria.
This is the only approved quarantine facility in the country that all dogs go through, regardless of where they are coming from.
For dogs relocating from the UK, the minimum quarantine stay is 10 days, but depending on status, it could be 30 days. Bear in mind that the facility has limited capacity, so spaces must be booked in advance — it’s best not to leave it until the last minute.
The owner pays quarantine fees. Current fees are listed on the DAFF website and cover accommodation, care and any required health checks during the stay.
Step #8 – Book an Approved Flight and Route
Dogs travelling to Australia from the UK must fly on an approved airline and arrive through an approved port of entry.
Not every airline accepts pets on Australian routes and the specific routing matters.
All pet arrivals must come through Melbourne. Your dog must travel as manifested cargo rather than in the cabin or excess bagage, which sounds daunting but is a well-established and safe way for dogs to travel long haul.
A pet relocation specialist can take the stress out of this step entirely.
That’s because they know which airlines and routes are approved, how to book correctly and how to make sure your dog’s journey is as smooth as possible.
For a move of this distance and complexity, many owners find it is well worth having a professional handle the logistics.
Step #9 – Gather and Check Your Documentation
When your dog arrives in Australia, you will need the following documents ready:
- The import permit
- The official health certificate
- Vaccination records
- Records of all parasite treatments, including dates, products and dosages
- Microchip documentation
Everything needs to be in English, which, as a UK owner, is one less thing to worry about. Keep originals and copies and make sure your pet relocation company or vet has copies too.
How Long Does the Dog Export Process Take From the UK?
The 180-day waiting period after the RNATT blood test is the longest fixed point in the timeline and cannot be shortened. Factor in time before that for microchipping, vaccination, and booking the RNATT and time after for the health certificate, quarantine booking and flight arrangements.
Starting 8 to 9 months before your planned move date should give you comfortable breathing room, helping you avoid pressure around treatment windows and quarantine availability.
Your Dog’s Australian Adventure Starts Here
Moving your dog from the UK to Australia is a manageable process with the right preparation.
The UK’s approved country status means you are starting from the best possible position, and with enough lead time, there is no reason your dog cannot be settled in Australia right alongside you.
This article is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with DAFF or a reputable pet relocation company as conditions and timeframes can change.