Lead time needed
26-32 weeks
Quarantine
14 days
Route complexity
Very High
Airlines
8 carriers on this route
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Home/Routes/Australia to Zimbabwe
AU
ZW

Pet Transport from Australia to Zimbabwe

Relocating a pet from Australia to Zimbabwe follows a clear path once you understand what Zimbabwe asks for. This route sits at the strict end, and about 26-32 weeks of preparation is realistic. A 14 day quarantine stay applies once your pet arrives. A rabies …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Australia to Zimbabwe typically takes around 26-32 weeks. Expect 14 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
Regulations verified
Written and reviewed by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step

The Australia to Zimbabwe import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from Zimbabwe

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

7
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

8
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (7-14 days days)

Responsible: Zimbabwe quarantine authority

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Zimbabwe

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel
Rabies titre test
Required for: Most countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 7-14 days days. Government quarantine facility, Harare.
Import permit
Required. Issued by: Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian, endorsed by national authority
Export permit
Required for live animal exports from Australia
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and …
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (Zimbabwe)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.

Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Qantas
Cargo: QantasFreighter network for pet transport. Brachycephalic breeds restricted …
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa …
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. …
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to …
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for …
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM …
Cabin and Cargo

How Zimbabwe handles incoming pets

Zimbabwe runs a strict import regime, so every document is checked closely on arrival. Build your plan around the fixed waiting periods, because they set the pace for everything else.

What experienced owners do

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Zimbabwe. Your pet will stay for 7-14 days days at a government-run facility on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter Zimbabwe. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from Zimbabwe’s authority (Department of Livestock and Veterinary Services). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Australia. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Zimbabwe’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
  • Qantas
  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Air France
  • KLM
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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AU ZWAustralia to Zimbabwe
International pet transport route
Lead time26-32 weeks
Quarantine14 days
ComplexityVery High
Airlines8
ServiceDoor to door
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