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Pet Travel from the UK to Australia: Dog Import Requirements
Dogs travelling from the UK to Australia must meet strict Department of Agriculture import requirements, including ISO microchipping, rabies vaccination, Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNATT) blood testing, two OV66 identity checks, mandatory waiting periods, and an official Export Health Certificate. Careful sequencing and timing are essential to qualify for Australia’s reduced quarantine pathway.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog from the UK to Australia
01
Confirm Eligibility & Plan Early
Australia has some of the world's strictest pet import requirements, so planning well in advance is essential.
Your dog must:
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Be travelling from an approved country (the UK qualifies)
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Not be pregnant or nursing
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Not be under quarantine restrictions
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Not belong to a restricted breed category
Most exports to Australia require 6–8 months of preparation.
02
Microchip, Rabies Vaccine & RNATT Blood Test
Your dog must have:
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An ISO-compliant microchip
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A valid rabies vaccination
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A successful RNATT blood test
Important requirement
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Rabies vaccination must remain valid until export.
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The RNATT blood test begins the mandatory 180-day waiting period before travel.
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Incorrect microchip details or laboratory paperwork can delay travel.
This is one of the most important stages of the process.
03
Optional OV66 Protocol (Reduced Quarantine)
To reduce quarantine from 30 days to 10 days, Australia offers the OV66 identity verification process.
This involves:
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Two separate identity checks by two OV66-authorised veterinarians
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Additional certification completed before RNATT testing
Our team can arrange and manage this specialist service for you.
04
Import Permit & Travel Booking
Once RNATT testing is complete, you'll need to:
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Apply for the official Australia Import Permit (BICON)
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book quarantine at Mickleham Quarantine Facility (Melbourne)
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Arrange your dog's transport as manifest cargo
Quarantine spaces are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.
05
Final Testing, Treatments & Export Certificate
In the final 45 days before travel, Australia requires additional testing and parasite treatments, including:
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Leptospirosis testing or vaccination
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Worming treatments
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Flea and tick treatment protocol
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Additional disease testing (where required)
During this stage, we also arrange EHC 2580, the official Export Health Certificate required for travel.
06
Final Health Check & Travel
Within 5 days of departure, your dog will need a final veterinary examination to confirm they are healthy and fit to travel.
Once complete, we issue the final health certificate and your dog can travel to Australia, where they will complete quarantine on arrival before being released.