What is identity verification for Australian pet import?

Identity verification is the process by which an official government veterinarian in your country of export confirms that the pet in your documents is the same animal boarding the plane. They scan the microchip and submit a declaration directly to DAFF in Australia. Completing it correctly before the RNATT blood draw qualifies your pet for 10-day quarantine instead of 30 days.

Does identity verification have to be done before the RNATT blood draw?

Yes. Both identity declarations must be submitted to and confirmed by DAFF before the RNATT blood is drawn. DAFF has confirmed that same-day completion is acceptable, but the declarations must reach DAFF on or before the blood draw date.

How many identity verification visits are needed?

For US users, two visits to two different USDA-accredited vets are required. For UK users, two visits to two different OV66-authorised vets are required. For Canadian users, one visit to a CFIA Animal Health Office is required.

What happens if I skip identity verification?

If identity verification is not completed before the RNATT blood draw, your pet will spend a minimum of 30 days in quarantine at Mickleham instead of 10. This cannot be changed after the fact and adds over AUD $1,000 to the cost of the move.

What is identity verification for pets coming to Australia, and why does it matter?

Veterinarian scanning a dog's microchip as part of the identity verification process for Australian pet import

Identity verification is an optional step that can cut your pet's quarantine from 30 days to 10. Here's exactly what it involves and why you should never skip it.

What identity verification is

Identity verification is the process by which an official government veterinarian in your country of export confirms that the pet described in your import documents is the same animal that's about to board the plane. They scan the microchip, take a photograph showing the microchip number, and submit a declaration directly to DAFF in Australia.

Important

Both identity checks must be completed before blood is drawn for the RNATT test. Not on the same day as the blood draw. Before it. If blood is drawn before both identity declarations reach DAFF, your pet is ineligible for 10-day quarantine regardless of everything else being correct.

Why it matters: the quarantine difference

Pets that complete identity verification correctly are eligible for a minimum of 10 days quarantine at Mickleham. Pets that do not complete it must spend a minimum of 30 days. The cost difference is over AUD $1,000. The emotional difference, 10 days versus 30 days without seeing your pet, is significant.

There is no way to upgrade from 30-day to 10-day quarantine after the fact. Once the permit is issued for 30 days, it cannot be changed. This is a decision you make at the beginning of the process, not the end. Read more about what happens during quarantine at Mickleham.

How it works by country

United States

Two USDA-accredited vets at two separate practices each complete an identity declaration. These are submitted electronically through VEHCS directly to DAFF. Both must be submitted before blood is drawn for the RNATT.

Canada

A CFIA official at a CFIA Animal Health Office completes the identity declaration (form HA3201) and submits it directly to DAFF. Unlike the US, Canada requires only one government appointment, not two separate vets.

United Kingdom

Two OV66-authorised Official Veterinarians at two separate practices complete identity declarations. Both submit directly to DAFF. Both must be completed before blood is drawn. The UK identity verification system launched in November 2024. It is relatively new and OV66-authorised vets are specialist services, not your regular vet.

The one rule that catches people out

The identity check and the RNATT blood draw cannot happen at the same vet visit. They must be on separate days. And the declarations must reach DAFF before the blood draw, not just before export. Confirm timing with your vet explicitly before booking any appointment. If the blood test comes back under 0.5 IU/ml, read what happens if the RNATT fails.

Never miss a deadline

Bringbabka sequences your identity verification, blood draw, and every other step so nothing happens out of order.

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Regulations can change. Always verify directly with DAFF at agriculture.gov.au.