Lead time needed
16-24 weeks
Quarantine
10 days
Route complexity
High
Airlines
4 carriers on this route
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BE
AU

Pet Transport from Belgium to Australia

Relocating a pet from Belgium to Australia follows a clear path once you understand what Australia asks for. Allow about 16-24 weeks; the requirements are detailed but predictable once mapped out. Plan for 10 days of quarantine on arrival. No rabies titre test …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Belgium to Australia typically takes around 16-24 weeks. Expect 10 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Step by step

The Belgium to Australia 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, before vaccinations.
Implant ISO microchip

Responsible: Veterinarian

2
After microchip is confirmed.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Veterinarian

3
As early as possible, ideally 4-6 months before travel.
Apply for DAFF import permit via BICON

Responsible: Owner or agent

4
Immediately after permit is granted.
Book quarantine space at Mickleham MARS

Responsible: Owner or agent

5
8-12 weeks before travel.
Book cargo space to Melbourne (MEL)

Responsible: Owner or agent

6
At least 4 weeks before travel.
Acclimatise pet to IATA-compliant crate

Responsible: Owner

7
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain official health certificate from FASFC-authorised official vet

Responsible: FASFC-authorised official veterinarian

8
Arrive at cargo check-in 3-4 hours before departure.
Depart to Melbourne as cargo

Responsible: Airline cargo

9
Mandatory on arrival.
10-day quarantine at Mickleham

Responsible: DAFF / MARS

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Australia

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

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip mandatory. Must be implanted before any rabies …
Rabies vaccination
Current and valid rabies vaccination required. Within manufacturer-stated …
Rabies titre test
Not required. Belgium is DAFF Group 2 (rabies-controlled). Group 2 countries are …
Quarantine
Mandatory. Minimum 10 days at the MARS facility, Mickleham, Victoria. All pets …
Import permit
Required. Apply through the DAFF BICON system before booking flights or …
Health certificate
Required. Official FASFC health certificate in DAFF-approved format for Group 2 …
Export permit
No export permit required for personal pet exports from Belgium. Belgium is an …
Costs

What this route typically costs

DAFF import permit: approximately AUD 60-120
Quarantine at Mickleham (10 days): approximately AUD 1,877 per pet. …
Airline cargo from Belgium to Melbourne: approximately EUR 900-2,200 …
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-400
FASFC official vet health certificate: EUR 80-200
Vaccinations and microchip: EUR 80-200
Pet transport agent: EUR 600-1,600 (recommended)

Critical points

All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). No other Australian airport accepts international pet imports.

Belgium is DAFF Group 2 (no titre test). Confirm classification is current at agriculture.gov.au before booking.

Quarantine fee must be paid before release. Budget AUD 1,877+ per pet.

Health certificate valid for 10 days from issue. A rebooked flight requires a new certificate.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

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

Emirates
Brussels (BRU) to Melbourne via Dubai. Pets travel as manifest cargo via Emirates …
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways Cargo
Brussels to Melbourne via Doha. Direct Doha-Melbourne service. Confirm temperature …
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Via Singapore Changi to Melbourne. Pets as manifest cargo. Check AVS airside transit …
Cargo Only
Brussels Airlines / Lufthansa Group
Brussels Airlines operates from BRU with connections to Frankfurt and other Lufthansa …
Cargo Only

How Australia handles incoming pets

Australia asks for several pieces of paperwork, and they all need to line up. A checklist and a clear timeline are your best tools here.

What experienced owners do

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.

Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

FAQ

Common questions

No. Belgium is DAFF Group 2 and exempt from the RNATT titre test. A current rabies vaccination is still required. Source: DAFF, agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs (2026).
Minimum 10 days at Mickleham MARS in Victoria. Mandatory and cannot be reduced. All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport.
Approximately AUD 1,877 per pet at current DAFF rates. Must be paid before release. Verify at agriculture.gov.au.
A FASFC-authorised official veterinarian. The certificate must follow DAFF’s Group 2 format and be issued within 10 days of travel. Source: FASFC, favv-afsca.be.
Allow 16 to 24 weeks. No titre test required for Belgium. Key time drivers: DAFF import permit and quarantine booking.
Airline guides
  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways Cargo
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Brussels Airlines / Lufthansa Group
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Australia.

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BE AUBelgium to Australia
International pet transport route
Lead time16-24 weeks
Quarantine10 days
ComplexityHigh
Airlines4
ServiceDoor to door
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