Pet Relocation to Australia: Process, Steps & Costs
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 that can fly your pet to Australia
Canlife Pets Moving's preferred airlines for transporting pets to Australia.
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
- Manifest Cargo — from $15,000
- Pet Crate* — $500–$4,500
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 and clearance agent.
** Procedures may differ by species or breed — please consult our pet relocation consultant first
Free professional pet relocation services by Canlife Pets Moving
- Registered veterinary consultation
- Airport counter / cargo check-in
- 24/7 emergency veterinary support
FAQs about bringing a pet to Australia
Why does Australia take 8 months?
About one month after the rabies vaccination, a blood sample must be collected and sent to an approved laboratory for the RNATT rabies antibody test. If the antibody level is sufficient, your pet can only depart once 180 days have passed since the day the sample arrived at the laboratory.
In the meantime the import, export and quarantine documents must be processed, with around 3–4 endorsements by the Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). The Australian import permit takes about 2 months and arranging a quarantine space about 1 month; on arrival, pets must also complete at least 10 days of quarantine.
From vaccination and the blood sample reaching the laboratory, through the 180-day wait and the import permit application, to quarantine arrangements and entry procedures, the whole process usually takes eight months.
How will my pet be transported?
Depending on airline rules, pets are generally transported in the following ways:
- In hold / as excess baggage: your pet travels on the same flight as you, but is carried in the temperature- and pressure-controlled cargo hold and checked in as excess baggage.
Can I book a Manifest Cargo slot for my pet myself?
In most cases, owners cannot book a Manifest Cargo slot for their pet directly. Airlines usually recommend handling this through a trusted, experienced IATA or ATA agent, covering the booking, documentation and air cargo arrangements.
Canlife Pets Moving holds both IATA and ATA accreditations, and can support owners with pet flight booking, documentation and air cargo arrangements.
What happens after landing in Australia?
After landing in Australia, the quarantine centre arranges collection and transfer to the facility for at least 10 days of quarantine.
Before quarantine ends, we can arrange owner pickup if needed, and can also arrange air or ground transport to the final destination.
What happens if my pet has a problem during quarantine?
During quarantine, the quarantine centre provides us with status updates on your pet. If any abnormality or health problem is found, the centre will notify us and we will follow up with the owner as soon as possible.
If a change of food, treats, or veterinary information is needed, we can provide the appropriate professional veterinary advice and support based on your pet's actual condition.
Questions? Contact us and see how we can help.
Book a Free Consultation