Paws & Papers / Routes / United States or European Union → Australia

Bringing a dog or cat from the USA or the EU to Australia in 2026: rules and timeline

Plan at least 200 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time. Quarantine on arrival: at least 10 days at Mickleham, Melbourne.

Minimum from scratch

200 days

If already vaccinated

200 days

Quarantine

at least 10 days at Mickleham, Melbourne

Last checked

3 November 2026

Steps, in order

1. Start nowMicrochip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccineSkip if already chipped and vaccinated
2. With or after the microchipRabies vaccine (inactivated or recombinant)Skip if already chipped and vaccinated
3. 30 days after the rabies vaccineRabies blood test (RNATT) at an approved lab, then at least 180 days before export
4. 14 days after the blood testImport permit. Apply for the import permit through BICON (usually 20 to 40 business days), then book quarantine Official page
5. 45 days before travelLeishmania test, and Brucella canis test for intact dogs, within 45 days of exportDogs only
6. 5 days before travelHealth certificate for Australia. Government-endorsed health certificate as set out in your permit

Documents

• MicrochipAny vet
• Rabies vaccination recordVet, in the pet passport or vaccination card
• Rabies antibody test resultApproved lab, blood drawn by a vet
• Import permitAuthority of the country you enter
• Leishmania and Brucella testsApproved lab
• Health certificate for AustraliaGovernment vet, as your permit says

Already vaccinated? The blood test and the 180-day wait still apply, so the plan stays the same length.

Questions about this route

How long does it take to bring a dog or cat from the USA or the EU to Australia?

Plan at least 200 days if your pet still needs a microchip or rabies vaccine. A pet that is already vaccinated needs the same time. Quarantine on arrival: at least 10 days at Mickleham, Melbourne.

Which documents do I need from the USA or the EU to Australia?

Microchip (any vet); Rabies vaccination record (vet, in the pet passport or vaccination card); Rabies antibody test result (approved lab, blood drawn by a vet); Import permit (authority of the country you enter); Leishmania and Brucella tests (approved lab); Health certificate for Australia (government vet, as your permit says).

Is a rabies blood test needed?

Yes. Rabies blood test (RNATT) at an approved lab, then at least 180 days before export.

Is a microchip needed?

Yes. Microchip (ISO 11784/11785), implanted before or at the same visit as the rabies vaccine.

Will my pet be quarantined?

Yes: at least 10 days at Mickleham, Melbourne.