Australia Pet Quarantine Requirements: What to Expect at Mickleham

If you’re moving a dog or cat to Australia, quarantine isn’t optional — it’s required for nearly every pet entering the country.

The good news: quarantine in Australia is shorter, safer, and more structured than most people expect.

This guide explains exactly how Australia pet quarantine works, what happens at the Mickleham facility, how long pets stay, and how to prepare so the process goes smoothly.

Do Pets Have to Quarantine in Australia?

Yes. All dogs and cats entering Australia from the United States must complete quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne.

Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. Quarantine protects the country from rabies and other diseases that don’t exist there.

Most pets from the U.S. complete:

10 days in quarantine

However, that timeline depends on paperwork accuracy and pre-travel preparation.

Mistakes can extend the stay.

Where Is Australia’s Pet Quarantine Facility?

All pets entering Australia go through one central location:

Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility
Located outside Melbourne, Victoria

This is a government-run facility operated by the Australian Department of Agriculture. It’s modern, climate-controlled, and designed specifically for international pet arrivals.

What Happens When Your Pet Lands in Australia?

After your pet lands in Melbourne:

1. They are transported directly to Mickleham
2. Veterinary staff perform an intake exam
3. Documents are reviewed
4. Pets are settled into their quarantine suites
5. Daily monitoring begins

Owners do not collect pets at the airport.

Everything is handled by approved transport and quarantine teams.

How Long Is Pet Quarantine in Australia?

For pets traveling from the United States:

Standard stay: 10 days

Quarantine can be longer if:

• Paperwork errors are found
• Rabies timelines weren’t followed correctly
• External parasites are detected
• Health concerns appear
• Import permit details don’t match

This is why working with an experienced relocation team matters.

Most delays are preventable.

What the Mickleham Facility Is Actually Like

Many pet owners imagine quarantine as stressful or isolating.

In reality, Mickleham is one of the most advanced quarantine facilities in the world.

Pets receive:

• Individual climate-controlled housing
• Daily health checks
• Scheduled feeding
• Bedding and enrichment
• Exercise for dogs
• Veterinary oversight

Cats stay in quiet indoor suites.
Dogs are walked and monitored daily.

Staff are trained in international animal transport and care.

Can I Visit My Pet During Quarantine?

No. Australia does not allow in-person visits during quarantine.

However, you can:

• Receive updates
• Send comfort items (if approved)
• Arrange pickup planning
• Prepare for release day

Many owners worry about this, but most pets adjust quickly after travel and settle into routine.

What Happens on Release Day?

After quarantine is complete:

1. Final health check is performed
2. Release paperwork is issued
3. Pickup or delivery is arranged
4. Your pet is transported to your home or local airport

Most families choose door-to-door delivery so pets go straight home after release.

How to Make Quarantine Easier on Your Pet

Preparation before departure has the biggest impact on quarantine success.

Crate training matters

Pets who are comfortable in their travel crate adjust faster.

Accurate paperwork is critical

Errors can extend quarantine.

Correct parasite treatments

Missing treatments can reset timelines.

Travel timing

Flights should align perfectly with import permit dates.

Common Mistakes That Extend Quarantine

These are the biggest issues we see:

• Incorrect rabies blood test timing
• Missing parasite treatments
• Wrong microchip listed
• Permit mismatches
• Incomplete vet paperwork
• Last-minute flight changes

Even small details can add extra days.

Planning early prevents this.

Cost of Australia Pet Quarantine

Quarantine fees are paid to the Australian government and are separate from transport costs.

Typical range:

$2,000–$3,500 USD

Cost depends on:

• Pet size
• Length of stay
• Additional treatments
• Transport after release

This is usually one part of the total relocation budget.

Is Quarantine Safe for Pets?

Yes. Australia’s quarantine system is considered one of the safest in the world.

Pets are monitored daily by trained veterinary staff and any issues are addressed immediately.

Most pets adjust quickly after arrival and do well during their stay.

The biggest stress for pets is usually the flight — not quarantine.

When to Start Planning for Australia

Australia has one of the longest lead times of any destination.

Recommended planning window:

6–8 months before move

This allows time for:

• Rabies blood testing
• Import permit approval
• Vet preparation
• Flight booking
• Quarantine scheduling

Last-minute planning can make timelines difficult.

How Starwood Helps With Australia Quarantine

We guide clients through:

• Import timeline planning
• Vet coordination
• Permit applications
• Flight booking
• Quarantine scheduling
• Release and delivery

The goal is simple:
No surprises.
No delays.
No extended quarantine.

Planning a move to Australia with your pet?

Australia is one of the most complex pet relocation destinations in the world — but it’s completely manageable with the right plan.

Start with a consultation and timeline review.

Start Planning Your Pet’s Move to Australia →