Pet Transport from Italy to Australia
Moving a dog or cat from Italy to Australia is a substantial process, but Italy's Group 2 classification under Australia's DAFF biosecurity framework means Italian pets are exempt from the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT). This removes several …
The Italy 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.
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: Veterinario ufficiale
Responsible: Airline cargo
Responsible: DAFF / MARS
What your pet needs to enter Australia
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). No other Australian airport accepts international pet imports.
Italy is DAFF Group 2 (no titre test). Confirm this classification is current at agriculture.gov.au before booking.
Quarantine fee must be paid in full before your pet is released. Budget for AUD 1,877+ per pet.
Health certificate valid for 10 days from issue only. A rebooked flight beyond this window requires a new certificate.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Does my pet from Italy need a titre test for Australia?
No. Italy is DAFF Group 2, which covers countries where rabies is absent or under effective national control. Group 2 status means Italian pets are exempt from the RNATT (the blood test that, for higher-risk countries, requires a draw at least 28 days after vaccination and a mandatory waiting period before travel). This is a meaningful time saving.
What is still required: ISO microchip before any vaccination, current rabies vaccination within its validity period, DAFF import permit via BICON, quarantine booking at Mickleham, cargo reservation to Melbourne, and an official health certificate in DAFF’s prescribed format. Source: DAFF, agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs (2026).
How do I get my pet from Italy to Melbourne?
No direct Italy-to-Melbourne passenger flight exists. All pet cargo moves via at least one hub. Emirates via Dubai serves Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. Qatar Airways via Doha and Singapore Airlines via Singapore are further options. Etihad via Abu Dhabi also serves both Italian hubs.
All airlines carry pets as manifest cargo only. You or your agent books space through the airline’s cargo division or an IATA-accredited agent. Book eight to twelve weeks ahead as pet cargo space is limited. Routes via Dubai and Abu Dhabi are subject to summer heat embargoes. All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL); routing via any other Australian city is not permitted.