Pet Transport Tips

Quarantine For Pets in Australia

After a long journey abroad, there’s no better feeling than reuniting with your pet. But you may need to wait a little bit longer. In order to protect Australia’s natural flora and fauna, there is a mandatory quarantine requirement for almost all pets coming into the country. Notably, pets coming from New Zealand and Norfolk Island do not need to quarantine.

Length of Quarantine For Pets in Australia

Pets must undergo a minimum of ten days of quarantine in the Mickleham Quarantine Facility upon arrival in Australia. During this time, they will be monitored for signs of any infectious diseases and receive any necessary veterinary care. The quarantine period may be extended if any health concerns arise during this time.

Ensure Your Pet Is Comfortable In Quarantine

If your dog or cat has dietary restrictions or requires medication, mention these in the “special needs” section of their import permit application. If they require any additional medications, you can arrange for a private veterinarian in Australia to visit the facility. You can email the booking and invoicing team at PEQservices@agriculture.gov.au to make these arrangements for your pet.

Why Pets Need to Quarantine in Australia

The Australian government imposes strict biosecurity measures to protect the country’s unique ecosystem from disease and contamination. These measures include quarantine requirements for pets entering the country. All dogs and cats entering Australia must undergo quarantine in the Mickleham facility. This quarantine period is necessary to ensure that the pets are free from diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, and heartworm.

The quarantine process involves a thorough health check of the animal, including blood tests, to ensure that the animal is healthy and free from any infectious diseases. The pets are also screened for external parasites like ticks and fleas, which can carry diseases harmful to the country’s native animals.

Pet owners need to plan their travel to Australia well in advance and ensure that they comply with all the necessary quarantine requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the pet being refused entry into the country or being put down.

Dogtainers can help pet owners navigate the complex process of preparing their pets for quarantine, including providing advice on required documentation, vaccinations, and health checks. We can arrange transport to and from the quarantine facility, including providing transport crates that meet the necessary requirements. We can also offer assistance with customs clearance and other logistical details, which can help ensure a stress-free and successful quarantine process for pets and their owners.

Cost of Pet Quarantine in Australia

Pet quarantine in Australia will cost around $1700 AUD ($1200 USD). This does not include any airfare, medications, or special food. On top of this, an import permit typically costs $540 AUD ($369 USD). Additional quarantine fees can include:

$33

Quarantine Entry

This fee is per-animal

$33

Veterinary examination of animal and health certification (listed as ‘LAI In Office (1/4hr) Anim/Rep’ on the initial invoice)

Fee per 15 minutes. This fee is charged for each animal.

$1200

PEQ importation charge

Levy

$30

Document clearance (listed as ‘LAI In Office (1/4hr) Anim/Rep’ on the initial invoice)

This fee is charged for each animal. If additional information is required to complete the document assessment, an additional $40 per 15 minutes will be charged

$29

Accommodation for a cat

Daily rate per cat

$29

Accommodation for an additional cat (if sharing with the first cat)

Daily rate per additional cat

$29

Accommodation for a dog

Daily rate per dog

$29

Accommodation for an additional dog (if sharing with the first dog)

Daily rate per additional dog

Varies

Any additional veterinary care

Additional veterinary needs, e.g. booster vaccinations, are provided by a private veterinarian

Varies

International Documentation Fee (IDF)

This fee is charged by the airline and paid by the department on your behalf upon collection of your animal from the airport. This will appear on the first invoice.

Varies

Stowage of goods

For animals not removed after quarantine finishes

Vertical shot of a cute dog sitting on a fluffy white fabric with a white background

Pet Requirements Before Quarantine In Australia

Before pets can go into quarantine in Australia, they need to meet a number of requirements to ensure their health and safety. Some of the key requirements include:

A valid import permit: This permit must be obtained from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment before the pet can be brought into the country.

Microchipping: All cats and dogs must be microchipped and the microchip must be registered with an approved database.

Vaccinations: All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and other diseases. The vaccination requirements may vary depending on the country of origin.

Health certificates: All pets must have a valid health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian in the country of origin. The health certificate must confirm that the pet is healthy and free from any infectious diseases.

Parasite treatments: Pets must be treated for internal and external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, before entering quarantine.

Transport crate: Pets must be transported in a suitable transport crate that meets the requirements set out by IATA.

Booking at a quarantine facility: Owners must book their pet’s quarantine in advance. Quarantine spots can sell out, so it’s important to book your pet’s stay early.

Pay all Mickleham Quarantine fees: Pet owners must ensure that all quarantine fees are paid in full before their pet can be released from the facility. The fees will depend on the length of the quarantine period.

Schedule a release appointment: Pet owners must schedule a release appointment with the Mickleham Quarantine Facility in advance to ensure a smooth and timely release of their pet. This appointment will also allow pet owners to obtain all necessary documentation and information about their pet’s stay in quarantine.

Plan for pickup or post-quarantine pet transportation: Pet owners must make arrangements for their pet’s pickup or post-quarantine transportation. Working with a pet transport provider like Dogtainers can help ensure a safe and comfortable journey for the pet to their final destination.

Mickleham Quarantine Staff

The Mickleham quarantine facility is staffed by a team of experienced and highly trained professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of all animals in their care. The staff includes veterinarians, animal handlers, and support staff who work together to provide the highest standards of care and attention to all pets in the facility.

Pet Transport To Quarantine

You cannot drop your pet off at the quarantine facility in Mickleham. Mickleham staff must pick up all pets from the airport in Melbourne and transport them directly to PEQ (Post Entry Quarantine) where they will be cared for and monitored until 10 days have passed.

The facility will always notify us of your pet’s safe arrival within 24 hours and we will pass on all updates we receiv

Pet Transport After Quarantine

After completing quarantine, pet owners need to pick up or arrange transportation for their pets from the facility. Dogtainers can arrange post-quarantine destination services, including forwarding flights and home delivery, helping ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.