13 days ago
When we made the decision to relocate to Australia with our cat, Pickles, a friend suggested using Starwood for assistance. The process felt overwhelming, especially given how strict Australia’s pet i...
13 days ago
When we made the decision to relocate to Australia with our cat, Pickles, a friend suggested using Starwood for assistance. The process felt overwhelming, especially given how strict Australia’s pet i...
81 days ago
Amazing service - Couldn't recommend any higher. Made all stages of relocating my dog easy and the team are amazing!
91 days ago
Everything went seamlessly getting our Flip from USA to Australia. Australia has so many requirements and Starwood is very onto it and organised!
107 days ago
Starwood Pet Travel is a wonderful company with great, caring, and compassionate people! They helped move our lovely dog Willow from the United States to Australia. Molly (our agent) was flexible, sup...
128 days ago
I just moved to Australia from the US to study for the next two years and I simply couldn't leave my cat behind as she's 11 and I've had her since the day she was born. Starwood was an absolute life s...
131 days ago
I recently had my dog Ranger shipped from New York to Australia. I chose Starwood Pet travel based on the reviews of others. I am so happy I did. They made the process so much easier and made me feel ...
150 days ago
I moved from New York to Australia. I wanted to bring my two darling cats with me, and looking online showed me that Starwood was a very popular and reliable choice. I was extremely worried because Au...
162 days ago
The team were nothing but the pinnacle of knowledge and professionalism. We were extremely busy managing our move, and the Starwood team took care of everything including the coordination with our vet...
255 days ago
Navigating the transfer of an animal to Australia is extremely difficult and i'm not sure i could have done it without Sage from Starwood's help. It requires months, many forms and multiple vet visits...
328 days ago
Our beautiful girl Bronte just completed the marathon trip from Washington DC to Brisbane Australia. The trip went smoothly and would never have been possible without the help of Sage our Pet Co-Ordin...
353 days ago
Starwood was terrific. Communication was clear and accurate. We (and our vet) were led through the process carefully and reliably. We moved two dogs to Australia, and this would have been impossible t...
391 days ago
I can’t say enough about my wonderful experience with Starwood Pet Travel. From my initial conversations with Ross I knew I wouldn’t be comfortable with another pet travel company. I shipped my 4 cats...
391 days ago
Awesome experience and accommodations from start of journey in Arizona to destination in Brisbane! Sage & Molly were outstanding! Highly recommend. Lovin’ Aussie life 🐾
518 days ago
Excellent service. Highly recommended. We had a lot to plan bringing Chloe from the US to Australia. Molly was supportive, intelligent and respectful.
550 days ago
Made the move from the US to Australia with our two Aussies - I think Australia is one of the more difficult countries to import pets and I could not have imagined pulling it all together without the ...
644 days ago
We couldn't have been happier with choosing Starwood for our pet travel coordinator. Moving from NYC to Melbourne was quite the lengthy process, however, Starwood was a fantastic support every step of...
13 days ago
When we made the decision to relocate to Australia with our cat, Pickles, a friend suggested using Starwood for assistance. The process felt overwhelming, especially given how strict Australia’s pet import regulations are. Having the knowledge and support of the Starwood team made all the difference—it’s not something I could have managed on my own.
If you’re looking for a smoother experience when relocating your pet, you can trust Starwood to handle the journey with care and professionalism. A special thank you to Molly for your support—Pickles is now happily reunited with her favorite human.
81 days ago
Amazing service - Couldn't recommend any higher. Made all stages of relocating my dog easy and the team are amazing!
View more reviews →91 days ago
Everything went seamlessly getting our Flip from USA to Australia. Australia has so many requirements and Starwood is very onto it and organised!
View more reviews →
107 days ago
Starwood Pet Travel is a wonderful company with great, caring, and compassionate people! They helped move our lovely dog Willow from the United States to Australia. Molly (our agent) was flexible, supportive and proactive throughout the process, especially when we were having trouble with the pet boarding center where Willow was lodged. We are also grateful to Jeary, too, for transporting Willow to where she needed to go!
View more reviews →
128 days ago
I just moved to Australia from the US to study for the next two years and I simply couldn't leave my cat behind as she's 11 and I've had her since the day she was born. Starwood was an absolute life saver! I worked with Molly and she expertly guided us through the process of moving my cat and she truly made it a very low stress experience, which was incredible considering the stresses of everything else about moving across the globe. Molly walked my partner and I through every single step of the process with very clear direction, which is exactly what I wanted as a customer. She was very dedicated and on top of everything, as was the Starwood vet team! The transparency of the initial quote and reviews from others is what led me to choose Starwood. The exceptional guidance of Molly and the Starwood vet team working with my cat's vet is what gave me the reassurance they were the right choice. My cat has recovered well from traveling and is adjusting to the new environment and that makes me the happiest. Thank you Starwood for being an amazing company, and thank you Molly for expertly helping me move the most important being in the world to me. I will 100% return to Starwood for any future pet travel and I would happily request Molly to be my travel agent.
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131 days ago
I recently had my dog Ranger shipped from New York to Australia. I chose Starwood Pet travel based on the reviews of others. I am so happy I did. They made the process so much easier and made me feel reassured through the whole process answering and questions or concerns I may have had. Special thanks to Molly from Starwood who coordinated the whole process. Ranger is now safely in Australia living his best life.
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150 days ago
I moved from New York to Australia. I wanted to bring my two darling cats with me, and looking online showed me that Starwood was a very popular and reliable choice. I was extremely worried because Australia has some of the strictest biodiversity laws in the world, and my cats would need to be in quarantine in Melbourne for 10 days even if they had the proper veterinary documentation.With that being said, Starwood did a lot of the heavy lifting, and my coordinator Molly helped immensely with the process, explaining what needed to be done, and helping with the paperwork.
View more reviews →
162 days ago
The team were nothing but the pinnacle of knowledge and professionalism. We were extremely busy managing our move, and the Starwood team took care of everything including the coordination with our vet over the required paper work. Seamless experience from start to finish.
View more reviews →
255 days ago
Navigating the transfer of an animal to Australia is extremely difficult and i'm not sure i could have done it without Sage from Starwood's help. It requires months, many forms and multiple vet visits and each piece has to fall in place perfectly.
My cat went to the ER for 3 days after being evacuated in 2020, and as a former feral, is not used to change. I was extremely anxious about the whole process and how he would survive quarantine. But each step proceeded one in front of the other, and now he's here, with no blips in the process!
I'm very very thankful to Sage for putting up with my anxiety and my loads of questions to get Smokey and I through this!
328 days ago
Our beautiful girl Bronte just completed the marathon trip from Washington DC to Brisbane Australia. The trip went smoothly and would never have been possible without the help of Sage our Pet Co-Ordinator. Thank you!!!
View more reviews →
353 days ago
Starwood was terrific. Communication was clear and accurate. We (and our vet) were led through the process carefully and reliably. We moved two dogs to Australia, and this would have been impossible to manage without their direction and guidance. But all we had to do was to follow instructions and everything was perfect. Our dogs arrived safe and happy after traveling halfway around the world, and we are happy and grateful to Starwood.
View more reviews →
391 days ago
I can’t say enough about my wonderful experience with Starwood Pet Travel. From my initial conversations with Ross I knew I wouldn’t be comfortable with another pet travel company. I shipped my 4 cats from the United States to Australia. Australia has very strict import policies, I wouldn’t have known how to start the process with out Starwood. My pet travel coordinator (Sage) was awesome! She reassured me and answered every question I had along the way, in addition to making sure I was prepared for the required vet appointments. About three weeks before my cats shipped, Sage went on maternity leave. I was slightly nervous because I had been primarily working with Sage and I was very happy with my experience with her. Molly became my new coordinator and let me tell you….the transition from Sage to Molly was SEAMLESS! Molly was great as well! As you can imagine, there was a lot of back and forth so close to travel and Molly didn’t skip a beat. Not only were Sage and Molly both professional, they are both very kind. I never felt bothersome with all my questions and they are both very quick to respond. The genuine care and compassion is something I didn’t expect, but was so greatly appreciated. My cats cleared quarantine and are now safely home with me in Australia. I would 100% recommend Starwood Pet Travel to anyone that needs to ship their pets.
Source: Google
391 days ago
Awesome experience and accommodations from start of journey in Arizona to destination in Brisbane! Sage & Molly were outstanding! Highly recommend. Lovin’ Aussie life 🐾
Source: Google
518 days ago
Excellent service. Highly recommended. We had a lot to plan bringing Chloe from the US to Australia. Molly was supportive, intelligent and respectful.
Source: Google
550 days ago
Made the move from the US to Australia with our two Aussies - I think Australia is one of the more difficult countries to import pets and I could not have imagined pulling it all together without the help of Starwood. Molly was always excellent in managing any of the little snags that arose, and was very understanding as we navigated family issues (and time zone delays) on our end. We especially appreciated all the updates once they were actually in transit, and it was so joyous to finally be reunited. Wholeheartedly endorse this service!
Source: Google
644 days ago
We couldn't have been happier with choosing Starwood for our pet travel coordinator. Moving from NYC to Melbourne was quite the lengthy process, however, Starwood was a fantastic support every step of the way. I appreciated the transparency around the process, and how much Molly and team accommodated any questions or concerns. They went above and beyond to level set expectations, from the beginning to final pickup. Looking back, I couldn't have done this without the support from Starwood. It was an investment that paid dividends - seeing how happy and healthy Peanut was post quarantine pickup. We will look to use them again for future travel!
Source: Google
Guppy has always been friendly, curious, and just mischievous enough to keep life entertaining. Leaving New York only meant one thing to him: new territory to explore. The reunion in Sydney was full o...
Hank’s journey began in New York, where he’d mastered the art of being exactly where his people needed him—quietly loyal, endlessly patient, and always ready with a wag. An angel in a corgi’s body, Ha...
Aussie has always been the kind of dog who fills a room with love and a little bit of chaos. He just has this happy, joyful energy that makes everything feel more fun. After his big trip from the Unit...
Smokey’s journey from Los Angeles to Australia was one of courage, care, and a little help from friends along the way. This sweet gray cat has always carried a heavy load of anxiety, which in the past...
Willow and Talisker, two devoted Border Collies with hearts as loyal as their herding instincts, recently made the trek of a lifetime—from their home in Boston all the way to the wild, windswept beaut...
Bronte, a graceful 6-year-old black Labradoodle with a heart as big as her curls, recently completed the journey of a lifetime—from her cozy home in Bethesda, Maryland, all the way to sunny Brisbane, ...
After several years in the U.S., Macey—the sweet, slightly shy ball-chaser—has made her way back home to Australia. Her journey from Chicago to Melbourne was no small feat, spanning thousands of miles...
A Friendly Guide to Pet Transport Down Under

Need to bring your pet to Australia? Learn about costs, airline rules, cargo vs cabin travel, and how to safely transport your dog or cat from the US with Starwood Pet Travel.
Shipping a pet to Australia requires careful planning due to the country's strict biosecurity laws designed to protect its unique ecosystem. The process involves multiple steps including microchipping, vaccinations, health testing, obtaining import permits, and arranging appropriate transportation for your furry family member. The entire pet relocation process to Australia can cost between $5,000 to over $10,000 and may take up to six months of preparation time, particularly due to mandatory testing requirements.
All pets entering Australia must complete a mandatory quarantine period at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine facility in Melbourne. Dogs and cats from most countries, including the United States, must stay for a minimum of 10 days, with possible extensions for pets requiring additional health checks. This quarantine requirement cannot be bypassed except for pets arriving from New Zealand.
Working with a professional pet relocation service can simplify this complex process significantly. These specialists handle everything from veterinary preparation to flight arrangements and quarantine coordination, ensuring all Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry requirements are met properly and on schedule.
Dogs and cats are the most commonly imported pets to Australia, though certain restrictions apply. Not all breeds are permitted entry - specifically, pure dingo breeds are prohibited. Cat breeds such as Savannah, Bengal (F1-F4), or Chausie cats face similar restrictions unless they have documented proof of being fifth generation or further removed from their wild ancestors.
Australia also allows birds from approved countries, though parrots and other avian species face additional testing requirements. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas may be imported from New Zealand only.
Certain dog breeds face import bans under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations, including:
Pit Bull Terrier breeds
Japanese Tosa
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Presa Canario
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) oversees all pet imports into Australia. Pet owners must obtain an import permit through the DAFF's BICON system before making travel arrangements. This permit costs AUD $1,265 and remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
All pets must enter Australia as manifest cargo through Melbourne International Airport. Personal importation (bringing pets as excess baggage or in-cabin) is not permitted under any circumstances.
The import process varies based on your departure country's classification:
Group 1: New Zealand (simplified process)
Group 2: Approved rabies-free countries/territories
Group 3: Countries with well-controlled rabies (includes USA, Canada, UK)
Documentation requirements include microchip records, vaccination histories, lab test results, and official veterinary certificates.
All pets traveling to Australia must be microchipped with an ISO-compatible chip (either 15-digit 134.2 kHz or 10-digit 125 kHz) before any vaccinations or treatments begin. This step is crucial as all subsequent procedures must be linked to this permanent identification.
Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be current at the time of travel.
For dogs, additional core vaccinations include:
DHPP (Distemper Heptatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
Leptospirosis
CIV (Canine influenza virus)
Bordetella (kennel cough)
Cats require:
FVRCP (Feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia)
The timing of vaccinations is critical. They must be administered after microchipping and according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Your pet will also need a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) performed at an approved laboratory. This should be done at least 4 weeks after the rabies vaccination.
Pets cannot travel to Australia until at least 180 days after the rabies titer test sample arrives at the laboratory.
Australia also requires other documents for incoming pets. These items include the following.
RNATT Declaration
After the rabies titer test results are back, this document can be completed by an official government vet and endorsed by the competent authority.
In the US, the vet completing the document is USDA-Accredited and the actual USDA office will endorse the RNATT Declaration.
Import Permit
Once you receive the endorsed RNATT Declaration, then you can apply for the import permit.
Be sure to apply early as it can take anywhere from 20 to 123 business days to receive the permit back.
All incoming animals (except those from New Zealand) must complete mandatory quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. The standard quarantine period is 10-30 days for pets from Group 2 countries, with costs starting at AUD $520.
Pets from Group 3 countries may face longer quarantine periods if health concerns arise during inspection. Owners cannot visit their pets during quarantine, though facility staff provide daily care and veterinary monitoring.
Exemptions to quarantine are extremely limited. Only assistance dogs traveling with their disabled handlers may qualify for alternative arrangements, though they still undergo thorough health screening and must meet specific training certification requirements.
The quarantine process includes:
Health examination upon arrival
Verification of documentation
Additional testing if required
Daily monitoring by veterinary staff
Treatment for any conditions detected
Pets failing to meet import requirements may face extended quarantine, treatment at owner's expense, or in extreme cases, return to the country of origin.
The journey to Australia begins with comprehensive health assessments by an accredited veterinarian. Your pet must be examined and certified as being in good health and free from diseases of concern to Australia. This examination should occur within 5 days of travel.
A government-endorsed veterinary certificate must be completed, confirming your pet meets all of Australia's import requirements. This document details your pet's health status, treatments, and compliance with biosecurity measures.
Some pets may require additional laboratory testing based on their country of origin. For example, dogs from certain countries need testing for Ehrlichia canis and Brucella canis.
Your veterinarian should be familiar with Australia's requirements or be willing to work with a pet relocation specialist who understands these regulations in detail.
Our experienced team is here to manage every part of your pet’s move to Australia, so you don’t have to worry about the details. Our services include:
You’ll receive your pet’s full travel itinerary before departure, and we’ll keep you updated throughout their journey.
For more detailed information on life in Australia with your pet, please refer to our comprehensive Australia Country guide.
Whether you’re flying your pet to the United States after a brief stay or a whole lifetime in another country, there are a number of hoops to jump through. Getting all of the details right can be confusing and time-consuming, and improper planning or documentation could delay your pet’s entry into the country. Let us handle all the details for you!
Check out our US import FAQs.
| Number of pets | Starting cost* |
|---|---|
| 1 | $5,295 |
| 2 | $8,095 |
| 3 | $12,395 |
| 4 | $21,295 |
| 5 | $29,095 |
| 6+ | Contact Us |
* This does not serve as our official quotation. For an exact quote and detailed proposal, please request a free quote.
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