Cost of Bringing a Pet to Australia (2026)

Mickleham quarantine fees

Every dog or cat from a Group 2 or Group 3 country must spend a minimum of 10 days at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility in Victoria (Melbourne). This is non-negotiable and is where most of the government cost sits.

From about $1,877 for the 10-day minimum, Mickleham's fees include a reservation charge (roughly $269), an importation and food charge (around $1,078), and accommodation (about $530). The longer your pet stays—if health checks or treatment takes extra time—the cost rises proportionally. Always confirm the current DAFF fees; these charges are adjusted regularly.

Import permit costs

Before your pet even flies, you need a BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions) import permit from DAFF. These permits roughly cost $480–$1,200 depending on the animal and the complexity of your situation. The permit processing can take weeks, which is why starting early—at least 6 months before your intended travel date—is essential.

Veterinary and testing costs

On top of government fees, your veterinarian will charge for several mandatory procedures:

- ISO microchip implant — usually $50–150
- Rabies vaccination — typically $100–300
- RNATT blood test (rabies neutralising antibody titre) — often $300–600. This is the blood test that unlocks the 180-day waiting period. If it fails, you must revaccinate and test again, adding cost and time.
- Pre-export health checks and treatments — parasites, external treatments, and the government-endorsed health certificate. Budget $300–800 for these combined.

Your vet will handle most of this with you; ask them for an estimate early so there are no surprises.

Travel crate and flights

An IATA-compliant travel crate suitable for international air transport costs $150–400 depending on the size and quality. International flights for pets run $500–2,000+ from Europe or North America to Australia, depending on the airline, your departure city, and whether your pet travels as checked baggage or in a dedicated pet carrier service.

Professional pet-transport services

Many people hire a professional pet-transport company to handle logistics, crate arrangements, airport coordination, and quarantine bookings. These services range widely but typically cost $2,000–5,000+ on top of the other fees. Using one is optional but reduces stress and the risk of missed deadlines. If you do, budget accordingly.

Total cost estimate

Adding it all up:

- Quarantine (10 days): ~$1,877
- Import permit: ~$480–1,200
- Vet fees (microchip, rabies, RNATT, health cert, treatments): ~$800–1,800
- IATA crate: ~$150–400
- International flights: ~$500–2,000+
- Optional professional transport: ~$2,000–5,000+

Total commonly reaches several thousand dollars, and can easily exceed $10,000 for long-haul moves, especially if complications arise (failed rabies test = revaccination + retest + longer quarantine; delayed permits; additional vet treatments).

When costs might be lower

If you're moving from New Zealand, Norfolk Island, or Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Group 1 countries), the costs are significantly lower. Group 1 pets don't require quarantine or rabies testing, so you skip the $1,877 quarantine fee and the RNATT test cost entirely. Government fees are much smaller. If you're moving from a Group 2 rabies-free country (Japan, Singapore, Mauritius, and a few small territories), you still need quarantine but skip the RNATT test, reducing vet costs.

Things not to cut

Never try to save money by skipping steps or falsifying records. DAFF biosecurity is strict because Australia is rabies-free. Every animal must complete the full process. Attempting to bypass quarantine or submitting false health certificates is a criminal offence and will result in your pet being denied entry, quarantined for much longer, or (in worst-case scenarios) returned or euthanised.

Verify current fees before you move

Quarantine fees, permit costs, and biosecurity requirements change. Before booking your move, visit the DAFF website and confirm all current charges and timelines. Call Mickleham directly to check quarantine availability for your intended arrival date—places can fill up, especially during peak immigration seasons.

What is the cheapest way to bring a pet to Australia?

The cheapest path is from a Group 1 country (New Zealand, Norfolk Island, or Cocos Islands), which avoids quarantine and rabies testing altogether. From any other approved country, you cannot significantly reduce costs without breaking biosecurity law. Start early, plan at least 6–7 months ahead, and budget for the full process.

Can I bring my pet from a non-approved country?

No. If your country is not on DAFF's approved list, your pet cannot enter Australia directly. The only option is to move your pet to an approved country, have it live there for 6 months, complete all the steps from that country, and then travel to Australia. This adds time and cost.

Is the $1,877 quarantine fee the full cost?

The $1,877 covers the 10-day minimum stay at Mickleham. If your pet requires additional health checks, treatment, or stays longer than 10 days, costs rise. Always ask Mickleham for a full quote based on your pet's expected arrival and health status.

Do I have to use a professional pet-transport company?

No, it's optional. You can arrange everything yourself—microchip, vaccinations, permits, flights, quarantine booking. Many people do. A professional company costs $2,000–5,000+ but saves you time and reduces the risk of missing deadlines or making costly mistakes.

What happens if my rabies test fails?

If the RNATT blood test fails, your pet is not yet clear to enter Australia. You must revaccinate against rabies and wait another 180 days from the new test date. This adds months to your timeline and costs for vaccination and testing again. Your vet will advise you on next steps.

Can I ship my pet to Australia without quarantine?

No. Every dog or cat from a Group 2 or Group 3 country must complete the full 10-day quarantine at Mickleham. Group 1 (NZ etc.) is exempt. There are no exceptions, and attempting to bypass quarantine is a criminal offence.