Relocating to Australia is a life-changing decision, and if you have a furry companion, the journey feels even bigger. At Pets Lets Travel, we specialise in helping families and individuals move their pets from the UK to Australia with care, safety, and complete compliance.
Australia has some of the strictest animal import laws in the world. But with expert guidance and early preparation, the process can be stress-free for both you and your pet. Here’s how to make the journey smooth from start to finish.
Understanding Australia’s Pet Import Rules
Australia’s biosecurity system protects its native wildlife and people from potential diseases. That’s why only cats and dogs from approved countries, including the UK, can enter.
Key things to note:
- Only cats and dogs can be imported as personal pets.
- The UK is an approved country, meaning relocation is allowed.
- Every pet must complete a mandatory quarantine period on arrival.
- All health checks, tests, and permits must follow Australian regulations.
At Pets Lets Travel, we manage all the official steps to ensure your pet meets every import condition before departure.
Step 1: Microchipping and Rabies Vaccination
The first step in the relocation process is identification. Your pet must be microchipped before any vaccinations are administered. The microchip should comply with ISO 11784/11785 standards.
After microchipping, your pet will need a valid rabies vaccination and antibody test (RNATT). This must be done at least 180 days before your planned travel date.
At Pets Lets Travel, our veterinary partners handle the vaccination schedule, documentation, and test submission to DAFF-approved laboratories to keep everything aligned with Australian import rules.
Step 2: Veterinary Health Checks
Australian authorities require all pets to be clinically healthy before travel. This means your vet must perform a series of examinations and confirm your pet is free from diseases such as leptospirosis and ehrlichiosis.
We coordinate these checks through DEFRA-approved veterinarians across the UK, ensuring that every certificate and report matches Australian standards. We also prepare the export health certificate close to the flight date so that your paperwork remains valid.
Step 3: Booking Flights and Travel Crates
Only specific routes and airlines are approved to fly pets into Australia, and currently, Melbourne (MEL) is the designated arrival airport for pet imports.
At Pets Lets Travel, we book flights that prioritise animal welfare. We work with trusted airline partners offering temperature-controlled cargo areas and direct routing to minimise stress.
Travel Crates
We supply and size-check IATA-compliant travel crates for every pet. Each crate is custom-fitted to ensure comfort, space, and safety during the long journey. Pets are provided with absorbent bedding and water containers, and our team labels every crate clearly for easy identification.
Step 4: Quarantine in Australia
Once your pet lands in Melbourne, they’ll spend a mandatory 10 days at the Mickleham Quarantine Facility. This is a government-run facility where pets undergo final checks and treatments before reuniting with their families.
During this period:
- Veterinary professionals monitor each pet’s health.
- Updates are sent regularly to owners through our communication team.
- Pets receive any required parasite treatments or additional checks.
Our job doesn’t stop at the airport. We stay in touch until your pet is safely released and back in your care.
Step 5: Import Permits and Official Documentation
To legally import your pet, you must obtain an Import Permit from Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This permit confirms that all medical and identification requirements are complete.
Our relocation experts at Pets Lets Travel prepare and submit all required documents, including:
- Microchip verification
- Rabies vaccination proof and RNATT results
- Veterinary health certificate
- Flight booking and itinerary
- Import permit application
We handle every step with precision so that you don’t have to deal with confusing government forms or last-minute rejections.
Step 6: Preparing Your Pet for the Flight
Flying from the UK to Australia is a long journey, typically 22 to 25 hours including transfers. That’s why we take preparation seriously.
Pre-Flight Tips
- Give your pet plenty of exercise the day before travel.
- Feed lightly several hours before departure.
- Avoid sedatives unless prescribed by a vet.
- Include familiar bedding or a piece of your clothing in the crate for comfort.
Our team offers pre-flight consultations to help your pet adjust to the crate gradually and travel with less anxiety.
Step 7: Arrival and Settling In
Once released from quarantine, your pet is ready to join you in their new Australian home. The change of environment, sounds, and even smells can be overwhelming at first.
Here’s how to make the transition smoother:
- Keep a consistent feeding routine.
- Allow quiet time to adjust before introducing new spaces.
- Schedule a check-up with a local Australian vet.
- Ensure constant access to shade and fresh water in warmer climates.
At Pets Lets Travel, we stay available for ongoing guidance after your pet arrives, helping you with post-quarantine advice and settling tips.
Why Choose Pets Lets Travel for UK to Australia Relocation
Pet relocation is complex — between health testing, paperwork, and travel logistics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where we step in.
When you choose Pets Lets Travel, you get:
- End-to-end management of your pet’s relocation process
- DEFRA and DAFF-compliant documentation
- Vet coordination and certified lab testing
- Flight booking and crate provision
- Constant updates throughout the journey
- Support through quarantine and final delivery
We treat every pet as if they were our own, ensuring safety, comfort, and compliance at every step.
Quick Facts about Pet Relocation to Australia
- The UK is one of Australia’s approved pet export countries.
- All pets must serve 10 days in Melbourne’s quarantine facility.
- The process takes around 6 to 8 months from start to finish.
- Dogs and cats must have valid rabies and RNATT certification.
- Using a professional relocation company reduces the risk of document errors by over 80%.
FAQs
How long does it take to move a pet from the UK to Australia?
It usually takes between 6 to 8 months from initial vaccination to arrival, depending on documentation and lab schedules.
Can pets fly directly into Sydney or Brisbane?
No. All pets from the UK arrive through Melbourne’s airport for quarantine at Mickleham before onward transport.
Can I visit my pet during quarantine?
Visits aren’t permitted, but you’ll receive regular health updates through our team.
Do pets need special travel crates?
Yes, only IATA-approved crates are allowed. We supply and customise these for every pet.
What if my pet’s documents are missing something?
That’s exactly why our relocation specialists handle the paperwork — to prevent delays or rejections at customs.
Moving your pet across continents is emotional, detailed, and deeply personal. At Pets Lets Travel, we make it simple. Our experienced team manages everything from veterinary visits to final reunion, giving you peace of mind knowing your best friend is cared for every step of the way.
Learn more about our international relocation services at Pets Lets Travel and start planning your pet’s journey to Australia with confidence.
