Step 1: Plan Early – Timing is Crucial

The first thing to do is decide when you’d like your pet to fly. Preparation is key, as most UK pets are not routinely vaccinated against rabies. You should start the process 9-10 months before your desired travel date to ensure all biosecurity and regulatory requirements are met in time.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination and Blood Test

Once you’ve decided on the timeline, the first major step is vaccinating your pet against rabies. Around 3-4 weeks after the rabies vaccination, your pet will need a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT), which must be conducted by a veterinarian. This test confirms that your pet has developed enough antibodies to protect against rabies.

Your pet cannot enter Australia until at least 180 days after the laboratory receives the rabies blood sample. The test results are valid for one year.

If the RNATT results are unsatisfactory, the process will need to be repeated. PetAir UK can guide you through the steps to ensure everything stays on track.

Step 3: New ID Check Requirement

Starting 4 November 2024, pets will need to undergo an identity check before blood sampling for the RNATT to qualify for 10 days of quarantine rather than 30 days. The identity check must be performed by two separate OV66-authorized veterinarians. If this check is not completed before the RNATT, your pet may need to spend 30 days in quarantine.

This ID check is critical to ensuring your pet is eligible for the shortest possible quarantine period, and PetAir UK will assist you in navigating this new requirement.

Step 4: Get a Bespoke Quote

Once the rabies vaccination and RNATT are complete, contact PetAir UK for a tailored quote to help manage the rest of the process. We handle all the complex logistics and documentation to ensure a smooth experience.

Step 5: RNATT Declaration by a UK Government Vet

After your pet has passed the RNATT, a UK government vet (Official Veterinarian or OV) must complete the RNATT Declaration. This vet will review your pet’s rabies vaccination history and the RNATT results before signing and stamping the declaration.

Importantly, the vet who took the blood sample for the RNATT cannot sign the RNATT declaration—it must be completed by a different veterinary practice. PetAir UK can manage this step for you to ensure compliance with Australian regulations.

Step 6: Apply for an Import Permit

The next step is applying for an import permit, which is required for your pet to enter Australia. This permit is valid for one year and the application process can take up to 12 weeks, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible after receiving the RNATT results.

The application requires:

• Your UK address and Australian contact details
• Your pet’s name, birth date, and microchip information
• The RNATT certificate and declaration

PetAir UK will guide you through this application process to ensure timely submission.

Step 7: Book Quarantine Accommodation

Australia has only one centralised quarantine facility, located in Melbourne. If your pet successfully meets all requirements, they may only need to stay in quarantine for 10 days. However, without the proper ID check or if there are any issues with the documentation, this period could extend to 30 days.

Once the import permit is issued, we will help you book your pet’s quarantine stay. Quarantine spaces fill up quickly and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is essential.

Step 8: Veterinary Appointment – Tick and Vaccination Check

About 6 weeks before your flight, your pet will need to visit the vet again for a tick check and the application of an approved anti-tick treatment. Ensure your vet uses a tick treatment that complies with Australian biosecurity regulations. If your pet’s vaccination against Leptospira is not up to date, your vet can administer the first of two required vaccines at this time.

PetAir UK will provide you and your vet with a detailed schedule, outlining all required treatments to ensure your pet meets Australian import requirements.

Step 9: DEFRA Export Paperwork

At this stage, PetAir UK will apply for the necessary DEFRA export paperwork on your behalf. The paperwork will be completed by our veterinarians shortly before the flight to ensure all documentation is ready for your pet’s journey.

Step 10: Final Pre-Flight Vet Visit

3-4 weeks before your pet’s flight, they will need a final health check and additional blood tests for diseases that Australia screens for. Dogs will also require another tick treatment and internal worming at this time. For dogs, the second Leptospira vaccine should be administered as well.

For cats, the process is simpler, but they will still need a tick check, tick treatment, and worming treatment during this appointment.

Step 11: Last Vet Check – Within 5 Days of Flight

Within 5 days of the flight, your pet will need a final health check to confirm they are fit to travel and free of any infectious diseases. Another round of worm and tick treatment is required at this time.

The DEFRA export paperwork must be completed by a vet from a different practice than the one that performed the earlier checks. PetAir UK will handle all logistics for you, including collecting your pet the day before the flight and boarding them near the airport to ensure a smooth departure.

Step 12: Flight Day

On the day of the flight, we’ll provide you with a tracking link so you can monitor your pet’s journey. Some airlines even send pictures and updates during stopovers to keep you informed.

Step 13: Arrival in Australia

Upon arrival, your pet will be collected from the airport by quarantine staff and transported to the Mickleham Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. You will be notified when your pet is settled and safe, and the quarantine team will monitor your pet’s health and well-being during their stay.

Step 14: Reuniting with Your Pet

After the quarantine period (10 or 30 days depending on eligibility), you can collect your pet and begin your new life together in Australia. If you need transportation for your pet from Melbourne to another destination in Australia, we can arrange this final leg of the journey for you.

We love receiving reunion photos and videos, so don’t forget to share your special moments with us!