Pet travel guide · reviewed 2026-09-25

Taking your cat from Australia to United Kingdom

Everything DEFRA / APHA expects before your cat arrives, in the order you need to do it.

Entry requirements

• ISO 11784/11785 microchip

  A 15-digit ISO-compatible microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination.

  Before rabies vaccination

• Rabies vaccination

  A current rabies vaccination given after the microchip was implanted.

  At least 21 days before arrival

• GB animal health certificate, DAFF-endorsed

  Completed by your vet and endorsed by an Australian government (DAFF) official veterinarian.

  Arrive within 10 days of endorsement

• Non-commercial declaration

  Owner declaration that the pet is not being sold or transferred.

  At travel

Step-by-step timeline

1. 1

   6 months out

   • Register with DAFF's export process and find an approved airline or pet transport agent.
   • Confirm the ISO microchip was implanted before the rabies vaccine.
2. 2

   1 month out

   • Give the rabies vaccine at least 21 days before arrival (Australia has no rabies, so many pets need a first vaccine).
   • Book the vet exam and DAFF endorsement appointment.
3. 3

   48 hours out

   • Carry the original endorsed certificate.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Bringing your pet to Great Britain
• DAFF: Exporting cats and dogs from Australia

Other routes