Pet travel guide · reviewed 2026-09-25

Taking your cat from the US to Australia

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

Official government border protocol

Rules change frequently. Always confirm with the destination agriculture authority before travel.

Entry requirements

ISO 11784/11785 microchip
A 15-digit ISO-compatible microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Before rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination
Must be current when the blood sample is taken and on export.
Valid throughout
Rabies antibody titre test (RNATT)
Valid test result and matching declaration endorsed by the US government vet.
At least 180 days before export
Australian import permit (BICON)
Apply only after the pet can meet all conditions; not every application succeeds.
Before travel
Country-specific health certificate
Endorsed by USDA APHIS, plus pre-export treatments and checks.
Days before export, per DAFF guide
Post-entry quarantine booking
Book quarantine at the Mickleham facility.
Before travel

Traveling on this route? Upload your pet's current vaccine records and PetPass will verify your paperwork compliance instantly.

1
6 months out
- Start now — DAFF advises at least 6 months.
- Microchip, vaccinate, then do the RNATT blood test (180-day wait starts from the sample).
2
1 month out
- Hold the import permit and quarantine booking.
- Schedule pre-export vet exams and treatments per the DAFF guide.
3
48 hours out
- Carry the endorsed certificate and permit. Most pets fly as manifest cargo via an approved agent.