Pillar guideEssential reading
The complete guide to moving your dog or cat from the US to Australia
Moving a pet from the US to Australia takes 7+ months and up to 20 steps. This guide covers every step in order, with the timing, costs, and mistakes to avoid.
18 min read · Ben Weiss
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GuideHow to choose a pet transport agent for moving to Australia
Not all pet transport agents are equal. Learn what to look for, the questions that separate good agents from average ones, and red flags to watch for.
GuideWhat happens if my pet doesn't meet the import conditions at Mickleham?
If your pet arrives at Mickleham and doesn't meet the import conditions, the consequences are serious: extended quarantine, export, or worse. Here's what to know.
GuideWhat is a CFIA Animal Health Office appointment and what happens there?
Canadian pet owners need to visit a CFIA Animal Health Office twice during the Australia import process. Here's what each appointment involves and how to prepare.
GuideKansas State vs Auburn: which lab should US pet owners use for the RNATT?
Both Kansas State and Auburn are approved for RNATT testing. Here's how they compare on turnaround time, location, and vet familiarity.
GuideWhich dog breeds are banned from Australia?
Australia prohibits certain dog breeds from import under federal law. Here's the complete list of banned breeds and what to do if you're unsure about your dog.
GuideMoving a dog or cat from Canada to Australia: complete guide
The complete Canada-to-Australia pet import process: CFIA appointments, Air Canada cargo, RNATT blood test, and Mickleham quarantine explained step by step.
GuideMoving a dog or cat from the UK to Australia: complete guide
The UK-to-Australia pet import process is one of the more complex routes in the world. This guide explains the whole thing from OV66 vets to Mickleham quarantine.
GuideWhat is an OV66 vet and why do UK pet owners need one?
OV66 is a specialist veterinary authorisation required for UK-to-Australia pet exports. Learn what it means, how many OV66 vets you need, and where to find them.
GuideHow much does it cost to import a dog to Australia from the US?
A complete cost breakdown for importing a dog from the US to Australia: vet fees, RNATT, freight, quarantine, agent fees, and what most people forget to budget for.
GuideWhat happens if my dog fails the RNATT blood test?
A failed RNATT is stressful but not the end. Learn what a failed result means, what happens next, and how to recover your timeline.
GuideHow long does the DAFF import permit take?
DAFF import permits take 20-40 business days for most pet applications. Learn what affects processing time and what to do while you wait.
GuideWhat actually happens at Mickleham quarantine?
Most people know their pet has to go to Mickleham. Very few know what actually happens there. Here's the day-by-day reality of quarantine.
GuideCan I visit my dog or cat at Mickleham during quarantine?
No, you cannot visit your pet at Mickleham during quarantine. Here's why, what DAFF does instead, and what to expect on collection day.
GuideWhat is identity verification for pets coming to Australia, and why does it matter?
Identity verification can cut your pet's quarantine from 30 days to 10. Learn what it involves, how it works in the US, Canada, and UK, and why you should never skip it.
GuideHow much does Mickleham quarantine cost in 2026?
A breakdown of Mickleham quarantine fees in 2026: what you'll pay for a 10-day or 30-day stay, what's included, and what costs extra.
GuideWhat is the RNATT blood test for dogs and cats moving to Australia?
The RNATT is the most important blood test in the Australia pet import process. Learn what it is, why Australia requires it, and how the 180-day wait works.
Practical guideBooking Air Canada cargo for your pet - what to know
How to arrange Air Canada cargo for your pet moving from Canada to Australia, and why most owners use a transport agent.
Practical guideCan you change your Mickleham quarantine booking if your flight changes?
Yes, you can change your Mickleham PEQ booking when flights change. Here's how to do it and what to watch out for.
Practical guideHow quickly can you get a quarantine spot at Mickleham?
How much lead time you need to book a Mickleham quarantine spot, when to book, and what to do if your preferred date isn't available.
Practical guidePhysical documents or copies - what does your pet actually need to travel?
Do original documents need to travel with your pet, or can the transport company work from copies? Here's what DAFF requires.
Practical guideDoes the rabies vaccine need to be given by a government-approved vet?
The rabies vaccine can be given by any licensed vet - the government-accredited vet requirement applies to other steps. Here's what matters.
Practical guideCan you get your RNATT declaration done retrospectively? (UK pet owners)
If you missed getting an RNATT declaration after a blood test, you can have it completed retrospectively. Here's how it works for UK pet owners.
Practical guideWhat to pack when your pet flies to Australia
What to send with your pet on their flight to Australia - food, collar, lead, and what to leave behind. Varies by route.
Essential reading10-day vs 30-day quarantine: what the difference is and how to qualify for the shorter stay
Your pet's quarantine in Australia is either 10 or 30 days. The difference comes down to one step: identity verification. Here's how to get it right.
Essential readingThe 7 most common mistakes people make when importing a pet to Australia (and how to avoid them)
Seven preventable mistakes that cause the most delays and problems when moving a pet from the US to Australia. All are avoidable if you know about them.
Breed-specificMoving a flat-faced dog to Australia: what brachycephalic breed owners need to know
Brachycephalic breeds face extra airline restrictions when moving to Australia. The import process is the same - the QANTAS rules are what change.
Practical guideHow much does it actually cost to move a dog or cat from the US to Australia?
A realistic cost breakdown in USD for moving a pet from the US to Australia: vet visits, RNATT, freight, quarantine, and agent fees.
Decision guideDo you need a pet transport agent? An honest breakdown of when it's worth it
Sometimes you need a pet transport agent for moving to Australia. Sometimes you don't. Here's an honest breakdown of when it's actually worth the cost.
Practical guideHow to find a USDA-accredited vet who actually knows Australian export paperwork
Not all USDA-accredited vets will do Australian export paperwork. Here's how to find one who knows the process and the questions to ask.
Essential readingWhat is Mickleham quarantine? What to expect, costs, and how to prepare
Everything you need to know about Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine: costs, daily routine, collection, and how to prepare your pet.
Practical guideFlying your pet on QANTAS Freight: what they accept, how to book, and what to expect
QANTAS Freight is the main carrier for US to Australia pet moves. Here's how booking works, what to expect at LAX, and how to get your pet there if you're not local.
Essential readingThe RNATT explained: what it is, why you wait 180 days, and how not to get it wrong
The RNATT is a blood test required before moving your pet to Australia. Learn what it is, when the 180-day wait starts, and how not to get the timing wrong.