1. Confirm Eligibility Before Starting the Process

Before beginning the process of relocating your dog to Australia, ensure your dog meets the eligibility requirements:

• No quarantine restrictions: Dogs must not be under any current quarantine restrictions.
• Pregnancy status: Dogs must not be more than 30 days pregnant or be suckling young at the time of export.
• Breed restrictions: Some dog breeds, including pit bull terriers, are banned from entering Australia. It is crucial to verify if your dog’s breed is permitted for entry.

2. Microchipping

Ensure your dog is microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip, as this will be required for identification throughout the relocation process.

3. Rabies Vaccination

Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination, administered when they are at least 90 days old. The rabies vaccination must be up to date and recorded by an authorized veterinarian.

4. Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNAT) Test

The RNAT test must be conducted between 180 days and 12 months before export. After your dog has received its rabies vaccination, a UK official veterinarian must:

• Scan the microchip and collect a blood sample for the RNAT test.
• The blood sample must be sent to an approved laboratory to confirm sufficient rabies antibody levels.
• Your dog must have a valid RNAT test at the time of export. The blood sample must be taken by an official UK veterinarian—check this with your vet before proceeding.

5. Rabies Vaccination and RNAT Test Declaration by an Official Government Vet

Before applying for the import permit, an Official Government Vet must complete the rabies vaccination and RNAT test declaration. This can be arranged through PetAir UK if you are working with us.

• The veterinarian who conducts the RNATT declaration must be from a different practice than the one that took the blood sample.
• PetAir UK can help coordinate this step to ensure compliance with Australian regulations.

6. Apply for an Import Permit

Once the RNATT declaration is complete, you can apply for the import permit via the [Australian Department of Agriculture website](http://www.agriculture.gov.au). This should be done at least 42 days before export to allow time for processing.

7. Book Quarantine Accommodation

After receiving the import permit, you must book quarantine space for your dog at the Mickleham Quarantine Facility near Melbourne. Quarantine space is limited, so booking early is recommended. Visit the [Australian Department of Agriculture website](http://www.agriculture.gov.au) for more information on how to secure a spot.

8. Ensure Vaccination for Leptospirosis

Your dog must be vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola at least 14 days before export. This vaccination must be valid at the time of travel.

9. External Parasite Treatments

Your dog must be treated for external parasites (ticks and fleas) by a veterinarian with an approved product that kills on contact. This treatment must be given at least 21 days before a blood sample for Ehrlichia canis is taken.

10. Tests for Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania infantum, and Brucella canis

• Ehrlichia canis: Your dog must undergo testing for Ehrlichia canis within 45 days before export.
• Leishmania infantum: Testing for this is also required within 45 days of export.
• Brucella canis: Testing for Brucella canis is only required if your dog has not been neutered. PetAir UK can provide a schedule of these tests to ensure they are performed within the correct timeframe.

11. Internal Parasite Treatments

Your dog must be treated for internal parasites (such as worms) twice before export. The two treatments must:

• Be at least 14 days apart.
• Be administered within 45 days before export, with the second treatment given within 5 days before export.

12. Pre-Export Veterinary Examination

Your dog must undergo a pre-export veterinary examination within 5 days of export. During this examination, the vet will check for external parasites and any signs of contagious or infectious diseases.

13. Veterinary Health Certificate

The Veterinary Health Certificate must be completed by an Official Government Vet from a different practice than the one that administered the initial treatments and took the blood samples. If coordinating this becomes difficult, PetAir UK can assist you in making the necessary arrangements.

After Arrival in Australia

Upon arrival in Australia, your dog will be transferred to the Mickleham Quarantine Facility near Melbourne. During the quarantine period, your dog will be monitored closely to ensure compliance with Australian biosecurity regulations.

• Post-quarantine transportation: After quarantine, your dog can be flown to its final destination in Australia. PetAir UK can assist with this, or you can arrange the transport yourself.

Need Help with the Process?

Relocating your dog to Australia can be a complex and overwhelming process, but PetAir UK can assist you every step of the way. From veterinary scheduling to managing paperwork and transport, we can help make the process as smooth as possible.

For more information or to speak with one of our specialists, please contact us at 01725 551124 or via email. Visit our website for more details on how we can help with your pet’s relocation.