AE AU

Pet Transport from United Arab Emirates to Australia

Extreme complexity 26-30 weeks typical

Planning to move your pet from United Arab Emirates to Australia? Get Your Quote

Pet transport from United Arab Emirates to Australia is a well-travelled route. The requirements are manageable with good preparation, and the timeline is relatively short compared to high-quarantine destinations.

At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test with a waiting period after the result, an approved import permit from the destination authority, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 26-30 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.

Mandatory quarantine applies: all pets must complete a stay at the Mickleham Post-Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. The facility is government-run and owner-paid. Plan for at least 10 days. Use our step-by-step guide below to track what you need to do and when.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)

Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
Rabies vaccination

At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)

Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply for import permit from Australia

Lead time: Check with authorities

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)

Responsible: Official veterinarian

6
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets

Responsible: You + airline cargo desk

8
Quarantine on arrival (varies days)

Immediately on arrival

Responsible: Australia quarantine authorities

Australia Import Requirements

What Australia requires for pets entering the country.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on same day as rabies vaccination

Rabies Vaccination

Minimum age: 12 weeks. Vaccination schedule must be completed before titre test blood draw

Rabies Titre Test

Required for: Groups 3, 4, 5, 6 (all except Groups 1 and 2). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml

Quarantine

Mandatory quarantine. Facility: Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility. Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Import Permit

Required. Must be obtained BEFORE travel. Permit specifies conditions for import.

Health Certificate

Required. Government-issued veterinary health certificate (country-specific format). Issued by: Government veterinarian in country of export. Certificate format is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Must use exact DAFF-approved format for the specific country of export.

Exporting from United Arab Emirates

What you need from United Arab Emirates before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

Contact municipality for specific export clearance process

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
  • IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
  • Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
  • Rabies titre test (laboratory fee)
  • Import permit application fee (Australia)
  • Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid)
  • Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
  • Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)

Important Warnings

Mandatory quarantine in Australia: Plan for separation from your pet.
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
Temperature embargoes apply during Gulf summer months (June to September). Airlines may refuse pet cargo when ground temperatures exceed 30C.
Australian airlines may restrict pet cargo during peak summer (December to February) when temperatures exceed safe thresholds.
Australia has the strictest pet import process globally. Expect a minimum 180-day preparation period. Pets can only enter through Melbourne (Mickleham quarantine facility).

Frequently Asked Questions

The process takes 26-30 weeks from start to finish. The rabies titre test requires a 3-6 month waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can travel, so start early.

Yes. Mandatory quarantine. Facility: Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility. Location: Melbourne, Victoria Plan your trip around the quarantine period and factor in the cost, which is owner-paid.

Required. Must be obtained BEFORE travel. Permit specifies conditions for import.

Required. Government-issued veterinary health certificate (country-specific format). Issued by: Government veterinarian in country of export. Certificate format is NON-NEGOTIABLE. Must use exact DAFF-approved format for the specific country of export. Your United Arab Emirates vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by Australia: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.

Yes. Required for: Groups 3, 4, 5, 6 (all except Groups 1 and 2). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible.
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Route summary
  • From: United Arab Emirates
  • To: Australia
  • Complexity: Extreme
  • Timeline: 26-30 weeks
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