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.
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.
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.
After your pet lands in Melbourne:
Owners do not collect pets at the airport.
Everything is handled by approved transport and quarantine teams.
For pets traveling from the United States:
Standard stay: 10 days
Quarantine can be longer if:
This is why working with an experienced relocation team matters.
Most delays are preventable.
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:
Cats stay in quiet indoor suites.
Dogs are walked and monitored daily.
Staff are trained in international animal transport and care.
No. Australia does not allow in-person visits during quarantine.
However, you can:
Many owners worry about this, but most pets adjust quickly after travel and settle into routine.
After quarantine is complete:
Most families choose door-to-door delivery so pets go straight home after release.
Preparation before departure has the biggest impact on quarantine success.
Pets who are comfortable in their travel crate adjust faster.
Errors can extend quarantine.
Missing treatments can reset timelines.
Flights should align perfectly with import permit dates.
These are the biggest issues we see:
Even small details can add extra days.
Planning early prevents this.
Quarantine fees are paid to the Australian government and are separate from transport costs.
Typical range:
$2,000–$3,500 USD
Cost depends on:
This is usually one part of the total relocation budget.
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.
Australia has one of the longest lead times of any destination.
Recommended planning window:
6–8 months before move
This allows time for:
Last-minute planning can make timelines difficult.
We guide clients through:
The goal is simple:
No surprises.
No delays.
No extended quarantine.
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 →