{"id":99681,"date":"2026-10-22T17:11:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T17:11:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/pet-relocation-uk-to-australia"},"modified":"2026-10-22T20:01:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T20:01:50","slug":"pet-relocation-uk-to-australia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/pet-relocation-uk-to-australia","title":{"rendered":"Pet Relocation from the UK to Australia: Rules, Costs &#038; Timeline (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<head><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\n    \"@graph\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n            \"headline\": \"Pet Relocation from the UK to Australia: Rules, Costs & Timeline (2026)\",\n            \"description\": \"Moving your dog or cat from the UK to Australia: 2026 import rules, quarantine in Melbourne, typical costs, a month-by-month timeline, and why pets can't sail.\",\n            \"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/pet-relocation-uk-to-australia\",\n            \"image\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/09\\\/AdobeStock_330948268-1024x569.jpeg\",\n            \"datePublished\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"dateModified\": \"2026-10-22\",\n            \"inLanguage\": \"en-GB\",\n            \"author\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\"\n            },\n            \"publisher\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n                \"name\": \"CargoHolidays\",\n                \"url\": \"https:\\\/\\\/cargoholidays.com\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n            \"mainEntity\": [\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can I take my dog to Australia on a ship?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"No. Dogs and cats must fly into Melbourne and complete quarantine at Mickleham.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How much does it cost to move a dog from the UK to Australia?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Usually &pound;3,000&ndash;&pound;6,000 including tests, permits, quarantine and flights. Large dogs cost more.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How long is dog quarantine in Australia?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"A minimum of 10 days for pets from approved countries such as the UK, provided all the steps are done correctly.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"How far in advance should I start?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"At least 6&ndash;7 months before you want your pet to travel.\"\n                    }\n                },\n                {\n                    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n                    \"name\": \"Can cats move to Australia from the UK too?\",\n                    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                        \"text\": \"Yes, under very similar rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, blood test, import permit and quarantine.\"\n                    }\n                }\n            ]\n        }\n    ]\n}<\/script>\n<\/head><div class=\"ch-post\"><p class=\"ch-updated\">Zuletzt aktualisiert: 22. Oktober 2026<\/p><p><strong>For many families, the hardest part of moving to Australia is working out how to bring the dog or cat.<\/strong> The good news is that thousands of pets make the journey from the UK every year. The process is strict and slow, though, and it is not cheap. Start early and get every step right.<\/p><h2>Can pets travel to Australia by ship?<\/h2><p>This is one of the most common questions we get from passengers planning to sail to Australia. <strong>No. Dogs and cats must arrive in Australia by air<\/strong>, into Melbourne, and go straight to the government&rsquo;s post-entry quarantine facility at Mickleham. Cargo ships and cruise ships cannot land pets in Australia.<\/p><p>Many families send the pet by air with a specialist pet transport company, ship their household goods in a container, and travel themselves by plane or by sea. See our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/moving-to-australia-from-uk\/\">moving to Australia from the UK<\/a>.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_330948268-1024x569.jpeg\" alt=\"Couple enjoying the sea air on a voyage\" width=\"1024\" height=\"569\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Couple enjoying the sea air on a voyage\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Pets fly to Australia even if their owners sail.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>The main requirements<\/h2><p>Australia&rsquo;s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) sets the rules, and they change from time to time. Always check the official BICON system. The main steps for dogs and cats from the UK are:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Microchip<\/strong> with an ISO-compatible chip, implanted before the rabies vaccination<\/li><li><strong>Rabies vaccination<\/strong>, given while the microchip is in place<\/li><li><strong>Rabies blood test (RNATT)<\/strong> at an approved laboratory, at least a few weeks after vaccination<\/li><li><strong>Import permit<\/strong> from DAFF, applied for once the blood test results are back<\/li><li><strong>Waiting period.<\/strong> The pet usually cannot travel until a set time after the blood sample, typically 180 days.<\/li><li><strong>Further vet checks and treatments<\/strong> before export, such as parasite treatments, plus tests for dogs<\/li><li><strong>Government health certificate<\/strong> endorsed by APHA in the UK<\/li><li><strong>Flight to Melbourne<\/strong> und <strong>at least 10 days<\/strong> in post-entry quarantine<\/li><\/ol><h2>How long does it take?<\/h2><p>Plan on <strong>at least 6&ndash;7 months<\/strong> from the first vet visit to the flight. Quarantine places at Mickleham must be booked in advance and can fill up, especially for peak dates.<\/p><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Months before travel<\/th><th>Action<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>7+<\/td><td>Microchip and rabies vaccination<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6\u20137<\/td><td>Rabies blood test<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6<\/td><td>Apply for the import permit; book quarantine<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>1&ndash;2<\/td><td>Book the flight with a pet transport agent<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>0&ndash;1<\/td><td>Final vet tests, treatments and health certificate<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><h2>How much does it cost?<\/h2><p>Moving a dog from the UK to Australia typically costs <strong>&pound;3,000&ndash;&pound;6,000<\/strong>, and more for large breeds:<\/p><div class=\"ch-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Item<\/th><th>Typical cost<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Vet visits, vaccinations and tests<\/td><td>&pound;500&ndash;&pound;1,200<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Import permit<\/td><td>Several hundred Australian dollars<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Quarantine (minimum 10 days)<\/td><td>Around AU$2,000+ per animal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flight and an IATA-approved crate<\/td><td>&pound;1,500&ndash;&pound;4,000, depending on size<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Pet transport agent fees<\/td><td>Varies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><h2>Breeds and restrictions<\/h2><p>Some dog breeds cannot be imported into Australia, including several &ldquo;dangerous breeds&rdquo; and some cross-breeds. Snub-nosed breeds face airline restrictions. Check both before you plan your move.<\/p><figure style=\"margin:1.6em 0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/AdobeStock_217174827-1024x682.jpeg\" alt=\"Container ship sailing to Australia\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:12px;display:block\" title=\"Container ship sailing to Australia\"><figcaption style=\"font-size:.85em;color:#6b7280;margin-top:.45em;text-align:center\">Your household goods can follow by sea while your pet flies.<\/figcaption><\/figure><h2>Tips for a calmer journey<\/h2><ul><li><strong>Crate-train early<\/strong> so the travel crate feels like home.<\/li><li><strong>Use a specialist pet shipper<\/strong> who handles bookings, paperwork and the flight route.<\/li><li><strong>Do not sedate pets for the flight<\/strong> unless a vet specifically advises it.<\/li><li><strong>Keep copies of everything:<\/strong> permits, test results and certificates.<\/li><\/ul><h2>H\u00e4ufig gestellte Fragen<\/h2><div class=\"ch-faq\"><h3>Can I take my dog to Australia on a ship?<\/h3><p>No. Dogs and cats must fly into Melbourne and complete quarantine at Mickleham.<\/p><h3>How much does it cost to move a dog from the UK to Australia?<\/h3><p>Usually &pound;3,000&ndash;&pound;6,000 including tests, permits, quarantine and flights. Large dogs cost more.<\/p><h3>How long is dog quarantine in Australia?<\/h3><p>A minimum of 10 days for pets from approved countries such as the UK, provided all the steps are done correctly.<\/p><h3>How far in advance should I start?<\/h3><p>At least 6&ndash;7 months before you want your pet to travel.<\/p><h3>Can cats move to Australia from the UK too?<\/h3><p>Yes, under very similar rules: microchip, rabies vaccination, blood test, import permit and quarantine.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"ch-cta\"><strong>You sail, your pet flies<\/strong><p>We&rsquo;ll help you find a cargo ship cabin to Australia while your pet travels by air.<\/p><a class=\"ch-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/anfrage-fur-eine-frachtschiffreise\/\">Plan your voyage to Australia &rarr;<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<style>\n.ch-post{font-family:inherit;line-height:1.7;color:#1f2937;max-width:820px;margin:0 auto}\n.ch-post h2{font-size:1.6em;margin:1.8em 0 .6em;color:#0b2545;border-bottom:3px solid #f5a623;padding-bottom:.25em}\n.ch-post h3{font-size:1.15em;margin:1.4em 0 .3em;color:#0b2545}\n.ch-post p{margin:0 0 1em}\n.ch-post ul,.ch-post ol{margin:0 0 1.2em 1.3em}\n.ch-post li{margin:.35em 0}\n.ch-post .ch-updated{font-size:.9em;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.2em}\n.ch-post .ch-table{overflow-x:auto;margin:1.2em 0 1.6em}\n.ch-post table{border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;font-size:.95em}\n.ch-post th{background:#0b2545;color:#fff;text-align:left;padding:.65em .8em}\n.ch-post td{padding:.6em .8em;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7eb;vertical-align:top}\n.ch-post tr:nth-child(even) td{background:#f6f8fb}\n.ch-post .ch-faq{background:#f6f8fb;border-radius:12px;padding:1em 1.4em;margin:1em 0 2em}\n.ch-post .ch-faq h3{margin-top:1em}\n.ch-post .ch-cta{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0b2545,#13315c);color:#fff;border-radius:14px;padding:1.6em 1.8em;margin:2.2em 0;text-align:center}\n.ch-post .ch-cta strong{display:block;font-size:1.35em;margin-bottom:.4em;color:#fff}\n.ch-post .ch-cta p{color:#dbe4f0;margin:.2em 0 1.1em}\n.ch-post .ch-btn{display:inline-block;background:#f5a623;color:#0b2545 !important;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;padding:.8em 1.6em;border-radius:999px}\n.ch-post .ch-btn:hover{background:#ffbb45}\n.ch-post em{color:#4b5563}\n<\/style>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Moving your dog or cat from the UK to Australia: 2026 import rules, quarantine in Melbourne, typical costs, a month-by-month timeline, and why pets can&#8217;t sail.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":99794,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single3.php","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1031,1019,1021],"tags":[1538,1537,1515,1536,1539],"yst_prominent_words":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99681"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99681"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99681\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":99722,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99681\/revisions\/99722"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99681"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99681"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99681"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cargoholidays.com\/de\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=99681"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}