Pet Quarantine: How to Prepare Your Animal, Survive the Separation, and Visit

Quarantine is the hardest part of international pet relocation for most owners. Your animal is in an unfamiliar facility, in a strange country, without you. And you are in a new home, without them.

The good news: the overwhelming majority of pets come through quarantine healthy, and often calmer than you expected.

Preparing Your Pet Before Quarantine

Crate training: If your pet has been crate trained before departure, the quarantine kennel or cattery is less alien. A familiar crate smell - a worn t-shirt, their usual bedding - helps. Check whether the facility allows you to include personal items; some do, some restrict it for biosecurity reasons.

Veterinary fitness check: Any health issue that was borderline before travel becomes a genuine concern during quarantine. Ensure your vet is satisfied your animal is healthy before you commit to the journey.

Diet: Know what your animal eats and inform the facility. Most quarantine facilities will use their standard diet unless you provide food or make specific arrangements. A sudden diet change during the stress of quarantine can cause digestive issues. If your pet has dietary needs, arrange this in advance.

What to Pack

For quarantine, prepare a bag that may or may not be accepted depending on facility rules:

A worn item of your clothing (unwashed) - familiar smell
Usual bedding (some facilities allow soft bedding, others provide their own)
3-5 days of their regular food if the facility allows it
Toy (check if permitted)
Your contact details on everything

Label everything with your pet’s name and your details.

Can You Visit?

This varies by country:

Australia (Mickleham): Yes, during visiting hours (typically weekday afternoons). Check the facility’s current visiting schedule. You cannot take your pet out of the facility.
Singapore (AVS-approved facility): Yes, the 30-day stay at an approved boarding facility generally allows visits.
Japan (MAFF quarantine): Visiting is permitted in most cases - contact the facility in advance.
New Zealand: Short inspection stay typically doesn’t permit a visit.
Thailand (DLD facility): Visiting is generally permitted - verify with the facility.

The Psychological Reality

Some owners find the separation harder than expected. Others find it easier once they see the facility and meet the staff.

Practical coping:

Get a contact number for the facility and use it. Regular updates from staff reduce anxiety more than any other single action.
In Australia, Mickleham provides written updates and some facilities offer photos.
Focus on the move itself - you have enough to do in the new country.

Release Day

On release day:

Arrive at the scheduled time - facilities operate on tight schedules and a late pickup delays the next animal’s release
Bring your collection documents and ID
Have a secure vehicle ready - your pet may be disoriented after weeks or months in a facility
Water and a short walk before the car journey
Keep the first 24 hours calm at home

Data current as of {TODAY}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine facility in Victoria allows visits during weekday visiting hours. You cannot take your pet outside the facility, but you can spend time with them in a supervised area. Check the current visiting schedule on the Mickleham facility page - hours and booking requirements change.

Crate train before travel so the kennel environment is less alien. Pack a worn item of your clothing (unwashed) and familiar bedding if the facility allows it. Ensure your pet is eating a familiar diet - arrange this with the facility in advance. Most pets adjust within the first few days; the early period is the hardest.