Quarantine is one of the biggest costs in the Australia pet import process and one of the least well-documented. Here's what you'll actually pay.
The standard 10-day stay
For pets that have completed the identity verification process before their RNATT blood draw, the minimum quarantine period at Mickleham is 10 days. The current fees for a 10-day stay are approximately:
- Reservation fee: AUD $269
- Importation charge: AUD $1,078
- 10-day accommodation: AUD $530
- Total minimum: approximately AUD $1,877
These are DAFF's published standard fees and are subject to change. Always confirm the current fee schedule directly with DAFF at agriculture.gov.au before booking, as fees are reviewed periodically.
The 30-day stay
Pets that did not complete the identity verification process, or whose identity verification was not completed correctly before the blood draw, are required to spend a minimum of 30 days in quarantine rather than 10. The accommodation cost alone is three times higher, and the importation charge remains. A 30-day stay typically costs AUD $3,000 or more.
This is one of the strongest arguments for completing the identity verification correctly and on time — the saving is well over AUD $1,000.
What's included in the fee
- Standard food and water
- Daily care and monitoring by quarantine staff
- A clinical examination by an Australian government veterinarian during the stay (read more about what happens at Mickleham)
- Email updates on your pet's health and wellbeing — visiting is not permitted but DAFF keeps you informed
What costs extra
- Veterinary treatment if your pet becomes unwell during quarantine
- Special dietary food if your pet requires it
- Any additional testing required if import conditions are not fully met
- Extended quarantine if issues arise
How to pay
Quarantine fees are paid to DAFF directly. The booking is made through the PEBS system (Post Entry Biosecurity System) at online.agriculture.gov.au/pebs. Payment is required before release, not at the time of booking.
When to book
Book your quarantine slot the same day your import permit arrives. Not the next day — the same day. The permit does not hold a quarantine slot, and popular dates fill. Processing your permit can take 20–40 business days, so you'll need to move quickly once it arrives.