Última actualización: 22 de octubre de 2026

For many families, the hardest part of moving to Australia is working out how to bring the dog or cat. 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.

Can pets travel to Australia by ship?

This is one of the most common questions we get from passengers planning to sail to Australia. No. Dogs and cats must arrive in Australia by air, into Melbourne, and go straight to the government’s post-entry quarantine facility at Mickleham. Cargo ships and cruise ships cannot land pets in Australia.

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 moving to Australia from the UK.

The main requirements

Australia’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:

1. Microchip with an ISO-compatible chip, implanted before the rabies vaccination
2. Rabies vaccination, given while the microchip is in place
3. Rabies blood test (RNATT) at an approved laboratory, at least a few weeks after vaccination
4. Import permit from DAFF, applied for once the blood test results are back
5. Waiting period. The pet usually cannot travel until a set time after the blood sample, typically 180 days.
6. Further vet checks and treatments before export, such as parasite treatments, plus tests for dogs
7. Government health certificate endorsed by APHA in the UK
8. Flight to Melbourne y at least 10 days in post-entry quarantine

How long does it take?

Plan on at least 6–7 months 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.

¿Cuánto cuesta?

Moving a dog from the UK to Australia typically costs £3,000–£6,000, and more for large breeds:

Breeds and restrictions

Some dog breeds cannot be imported into Australia, including several “dangerous breeds” and some cross-breeds. Snub-nosed breeds face airline restrictions. Check both before you plan your move.

Tips for a calmer journey

• Crate-train early so the travel crate feels like home.
• Use a specialist pet shipper who handles bookings, paperwork and the flight route.
• Do not sedate pets for the flight unless a vet specifically advises it.
• Keep copies of everything: permits, test results and certificates.

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