Pet Quarantine in Australia: The Mickleham Facility

Where is Mickleham and why there?

Mickleham is a dedicated quarantine facility in Victoria, located near Melbourne. It was purpose-built to quarantine imported animals in a secure, controlled environment where DAFF inspectors can monitor them for any signs of disease, particularly rabies (which Australia has been free of for decades and wants to remain free of). The facility is the final biosecurity checkpoint before your pet is released to you in Australia.

Because Mickleham is the only facility of its kind, all dogs and cats from Group 2 and Group 3 countries must complete their quarantine there. There is no alternative and no way to bypass it.

Who must do quarantine?

Group 1 animals are exempt. If your pet is from New Zealand, Norfolk Island, or Cocos (Keeling) Islands, quarantine is not required. These countries are recognised as rabies-free with equivalent biosecurity standards, so Group 1 pets can go directly to your home.

Group 2 and Group 3 animals must quarantine. If your pet is from any other approved country—including the UK, USA, Germany, France, Canada, Spain, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Mauritius, or any other approved country on the DAFF list—your pet must complete the quarantine at Mickleham. There are no exceptions. Even if your pet has all the paperwork and health certificates, quarantine is mandatory.

Minimum 10-day stay

The minimum quarantine period is 10 days. This is the standard length. During these 10 days, DAFF staff will:

- Inspect your pet's health and behaviour daily
- Monitor for any signs of disease or illness
- Conduct any required health checks
- Ensure your pet is eating, drinking, and settling
- Verify that all paperwork (microchip, vaccinations, permits) is in order

If your pet is healthy and all checks pass by day 10, it will be released to you.

When quarantine is extended

In some cases, quarantine may be extended beyond 10 days:

- Health issues during quarantine. If your pet develops an illness or injury during the stay, DAFF will treat it and keep your pet until it has fully recovered. Extended quarantine costs apply.
- Failed health checks or missing paperwork. If any required documents are missing or don't match the pet (e.g., microchip number doesn't match the permit), quarantine is extended until the issue is resolved.
- Behavioural issues. Very rarely, if a pet is severely distressed or poses a risk, quarantine may be extended while alternatives are assessed.

Most quarantines run the standard 10 days, but budget for the possibility of an extension, especially if your pet is older or has pre-existing health conditions. Ask Mickleham for their fee structure for extensions when you book.

Booking quarantine early

Mickleham has limited capacity, and places fill quickly, especially during peak immigration seasons. You should book your quarantine space at least 2–3 months before your intended travel date, ideally at the same time you're applying for your BICON import permit.

When you book, you'll need:
- Your pet's name, age, and breed
- Microchip number
- BICON import permit number (or application reference if the permit isn't issued yet)
- Your intended arrival date and port of entry (usually Melbourne, but confirm with your airline)
- Your contact details (phone and email)

Mickleham staff will confirm availability and give you a booking confirmation. Keep this confirmation—you'll need it when your plane lands.

What happens when your pet arrives

When your flight lands in Australia, your pet will be transferred directly from the airport to Mickleham. You may or may not be able to escort your pet; this depends on your airline's procedures and DAFF requirements. Your airline will advise you.

Once at Mickleham, your pet is checked in and assigned to a holding area. DAFF staff will verify your pet's microchip, check all health documentation, and begin the 10-day quarantine clock.

Visiting your pet during quarantine

You can visit your pet at Mickleham during designated visiting hours (usually afternoons and weekends, but confirm when you book). You won't be able to take your pet home during the quarantine, but you can see it regularly, bring approved items (toys, bedding from home, if allowed), and get updates from DAFF staff on how it's settling.

Mickleham staff will advise you on visiting hours and any restrictions (e.g., health and safety protocols, items you can bring). Some facilities allow you to provide your pet's own food and toys; others don't. Ask when you book.

Costs and payment

Post-entry quarantine at Mickleham costs from about $1,877 for the 10-day minimum. This includes:
- A reservation charge (roughly $269)
- An importation and food charge (around $1,078)
- Accommodation (about $530)

If quarantine is extended beyond 10 days, costs increase proportionally. Additional vet treatment or special food is charged separately. Always confirm the current DAFF fees; these are adjusted regularly.

Ask Mickleham for a full quote when you book, based on your pet's likely arrival date and any special requirements (e.g., if your pet has a medical condition requiring extra care).

Release from quarantine

On day 10 (or the final day of any extended stay), if all health checks are clear and DAFF is satisfied with the quarantine outcome, your pet will be released to you. You'll receive a clearance certificate confirming the quarantine is complete. This certificate is your proof that quarantine has been fulfilled.

From that point forward, your pet can go home, explore Australia, and live normally. There are no ongoing quarantine restrictions after release from Mickleham.

After quarantine: settling in

Your pet may be stressed, disoriented, or fatigued after quarantine and the long flight. Give it time to settle at home. Your vet in Australia can advise on post-quarantine care, re-registration of the microchip with local councils, and any local pet requirements (e.g., registration, microchipping fees, local laws on breed restrictions).

What if quarantine is refused?

If DAFF determines during quarantine that your pet's health is a risk to Australian biosecurity (e.g., signs of rabies, other serious disease), or if your paperwork is fraudulent or cannot be verified, DAFF can refuse entry. The outcome would be return of your pet to the country of origin or, in very rare cases, euthanasia. This is why all steps before quarantine—microchipping, vaccinations, RNATT testing, health certificates—must be done correctly and honestly. There is no appeal process, and no exceptions are made.

Verify quarantine requirements before you travel

Quarantine rules and fees change. Before you book your flights or arrange your move, contact Mickleham directly and confirm:
- Quarantine availability for your intended arrival date
- Current fees and what they cover
- Visiting hours and policies
- Any special requirements for your pet (age, breed, health conditions)
- Exactly what documents DAFF will require at check-in

DAFF's website and Mickleham's booking page are your best sources for current information.

Can my pet skip quarantine?

Only if it's from New Zealand, Norfolk Island, or Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Group 1). Every other approved country requires quarantine at Mickleham. There are no exceptions. Attempting to bypass quarantine is illegal and will result in your pet being seized and quarantined for much longer, or worse.

How do I book a space at Mickleham?

Contact Mickleham directly (via the DAFF website) with your pet's details, intended arrival date, and BICON permit number. Availability is first-come, first-served. Book at least 2–3 months in advance.

Can my pet stay with me during quarantine?

No. Quarantine must be completed at the Mickleham facility. You can visit during designated hours, but your pet stays at the facility for the full 10 days (or longer if extended).

What if my pet needs medication or special food during quarantine?

Discuss this with DAFF when you book. Some medications and foods are allowed; others aren't. Bring documentation from your vet if your pet has any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Extra costs may apply.

What happens if my pet is sick during quarantine?

DAFF staff will assess and treat any illness. If treatment is straightforward, quarantine continues. If treatment is complex or your pet needs to recover longer, quarantine is extended. Costs for extra care are your responsibility. This is why comprehensive health checks before travel are critical.

How long does quarantine take if my pet fails a health check?

It depends on the nature of the issue. Minor issues may delay release by a few days; serious illnesses could extend quarantine by weeks. If your pet has a pre-existing condition, mention it when you book so DAFF can prepare.

Is Mickleham the only quarantine facility in Australia?

Yes. It is the only government-approved post-entry quarantine facility for imported dogs and cats. If you're importing a pet, it must go through Mickleham (unless it's from Group 1, which is exempt).