Moving two dogs to Australia costs more and takes more coordination than moving one, but the core process is identical. Here is what actually changes when you have two pets making the trip.
The process is the same per dog
Each dog goes through the same process independently — RNATT blood test, identity verification, 180-day wait, import permit, health certificate, parasite treatments, final exam. Where timing helps: if both dogs are on the same schedule, you can align their vet appointments and draw blood at the same visit.
Import permit — two applications, reduced fee for second animal
Each dog needs its own import permit. The fee for the first animal is approximately AUD $603 (lodgement AUD $130 + initial assessment AUD $473). The fee for each additional animal in the same consignment is approximately AUD $288. Fees are reviewed annually — confirm at agriculture.gov.au before applying.
Quarantine — two slots, one facility
Both dogs go to Mickleham, but each needs their own quarantine space. Book through the PEBS system (Post Entry Quarantine Reservation System at online.agriculture.gov.au/pebs). Quarantine fees per dog for a 10-day stay: approximately AUD $1,877. Two dogs: approximately AUD $3,754 total at 10-day rates.
Book quarantine the same day each permit arrives. When two permits arrive on different days, book the second dog's quarantine immediately.
Qantas Freight — two crates
Each dog requires their own IATA-compliant crate. Qantas Freight permits two pets of the same species, similar size (14kg or less each), and used to co-habitation to share a crate — confirm with your agent whether this applies to your specific dogs and an international Australia move. For larger dogs, two separate freight charges apply.
Agent coordination
Most agents quote per pet for international moves. Make sure your agent explicitly quotes for both dogs including both health certificate endorsements, both quarantine bookings, and both airline cargo bookings.
Collection day
Both dogs can be collected from Mickleham at the same time if their quarantine periods end on the same date. If one qualified for 10-day and the other did not, plan for two separate collection trips. Collection is Monday to Friday, 10am-12pm only. Bring photo ID, both import permits, and both DAFF release notices.
What doesn't change
The regulatory steps, timing requirements, approved laboratories, identity verification process, parasite treatment requirements, and health certificate requirements are all identical whether you have one dog or five. The differences are logistical and financial.
Regulations can change. Always verify directly with DAFF at agriculture.gov.au.