Relocating to Australia
Pet Relocation to Australia: Process, Steps & Costs
Process & Steps
Required steps to bring your pet to Australia
Generally, bringing a pet to Australia requires at least 8 months of preparation, including at least 5 veterinary consultations.
First veterinary consultation
- Health check
- ISO Microchip implantation
- Rabies vaccination
Second veterinary consultation
- Health check
- RNATT rabies antibody titre test
Third & fourth veterinary consultations
- Health check
- Two rounds of internal and external parasite treatment
Fifth veterinary consultation
- Australian official health certificate
- AFCD endorsement
Other steps
- Book AFCD microchip scan
- Book AFCD RNATT verification
- Apply for Australian import permit
- Apply for Australian quarantine facility
- Book pet flight
Airlines
Airlines that can fly your pet to Australia
Canlife Pets Moving's preferred airlines for transporting pets to Australia.
Cost Reference
Pet Relocation Cost Reference (HKD)
Depending on the required quarantine and vaccination measures, plus an approved IATA-compliant crate for boarding, immigration and travel, typical market prices are:
- ISO Microchip Implantation — from $500
- Rabies Vaccination — from $380
- Adjuvant-free Rabies Vaccine — from $1,200
- Rabies Antibody Blood Test — from $3,500
- Internal Deworming — from $150
- External Deworming — from $300
- International Health Certificate — from $1,000–3,500
- Pet in Cabin — from $2,000
- Pet in Hold — from $4,000
- Pet Crate* — $500–$4,500
- Clearance* — from $3,000
Crate*: quotes do not apply to extra-large breeds, e.g. Dobermanns need a custom-made crate.
Clearance*: depends on the number of pets, airline, clearance agent and whether the pet travels as cargo.
** Procedures may differ by species or breed — please consult our pet relocation consultant first
Free Services
Free professional pet relocation services by Canlife Pets Moving
- Registered veterinary consultation
- Airport counter / cargo check-in
- 24/7 emergency veterinary support
FAQ
FAQs about bringing a pet to Australia
Why does Australia take 8 months?
Pets entering Australia must have an RNATT rabies antibody titre test taken no earlier than 180 days and no later than 1 year before arrival. You also need to endorse documents with the Hong Kong AFCD 3–4 times along the way. The import permit currently takes about 2 months and the quarantine booking about 1 month; pets are quarantined for 10 days on arrival.
How will my pet be transported?
Depending on your pet's size and the airline, pets travel in the cabin or as checked baggage. Our team will arrange the most suitable option for you.
What happens after landing in Australia?
On arrival in Australia, your pet is taken to the quarantine centre for 10 days. We arrange local customs clearance and onward pickup.
Questions? Contact us and see how we can help.
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