What is mandatory pet quarantine in Australia?

Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world — and for good reason. The country is free from rabies and a number of other serious animal diseases, and the government works hard to keep it that way. Every pet entering Australia (except from New Zealand, which has a special arrangement) must complete a period of post-entry quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Victoria.

There is no way around this. Quarantine is mandatory, cannot be waived, and the fees are paid separately and directly to the government. This applies whether you're a family moving back to Australia with a beloved pet or a breeder importing a new animal from overseas.

Key takeaway: Quarantine at Mickleham is mandatory for all imported pets (except from New Zealand). The duration is either 10 days or 30 days depending on your preparation — and preparation is everything.

10-day vs 30-day quarantine — what's the difference?

This is where most people either save themselves significant time and stress, or inadvertently land their pet in quarantine for three times as long as necessary.

The 10-day quarantine period is available to pets who arrive with complete, verified documentation — including identity verification that was completed before the RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test) blood test. If everything checks out on arrival, your pet is eligible for the shorter stay.

The 30-day quarantine period applies when identity cannot be confirmed pre-arrival, or when documentation is incomplete or out of order. It can also apply if your pet is coming from a country that isn't on Australia's approved import list for the shorter period.

The most common mistake: Owners who have the titre test done before completing identity verification with the relevant authority. This single error automatically disqualifies a pet from the 10-day period. Always confirm the correct sequence with us before proceeding.

Where is Mickleham and what happens there?

The Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine facility is a Federal Government-operated facility located in Mickleham, Victoria — approximately 30 minutes north of Melbourne's CBD. It is the only approved facility for post-entry pet quarantine in Australia.

During their stay, your pet will be housed in individual accommodation, fed and watered regularly, and monitored daily by qualified staff. You won't be able to visit your pet during the quarantine period, but the facility does send updates and will contact you if there are any health concerns.

Our Rosardi headquarters is located approximately 30 minutes from PEQ, which means we can often organise care packages, dietary supplements, or special food deliveries for your pet if they require them during their stay.

Step-by-step: what you need to prepare

The preparation process for bringing a pet to Australia must start well in advance — for most countries, a minimum of 6 months before your intended arrival date. Here is the general sequence:

  1. Microchip your pet — ISO 15-digit microchip required. This must be done before any vaccinations or blood tests.
  2. Rabies vaccination — must be given after microchipping. Timing requirements vary by country of origin.
  3. Identity verification — this step must be completed before the titre test (see warning above).
  4. RNATT titre test — blood sample taken at an approved laboratory. Results must show adequate antibody levels.
  5. Waiting period — Australia requires at least 180 days from when the titre test result arrives at the laboratory to your pet's arrival in Australia. Some countries require longer.
  6. Health certificate — issued by an accredited veterinarian within a specific window of your travel date (usually 10 days prior).
  7. Import permit — applied for and approved before travel.
  8. Quarantine booking — the Mickleham facility must be booked in advance. It fills quickly. Aim to book 3–4 months before your arrival date.
Countries of origin matter: The specific requirements — including the waiting period and documentation — vary depending on which country your pet is coming from. Category 1 countries (like the UK, USA, and most of Western Europe) generally have a streamlined process. Other countries may require additional testing or longer waiting periods. We can advise on your specific situation.

What about the quarantine fees?

Quarantine fees are charged by the Australian Government and are paid directly to them — not through Rosardi. They are separate from any service fees we charge for coordinating the process. Fees vary depending on the length of stay, species, and number of animals. As a rough guide, the 10-day stay for a dog is typically in the range of AUD $2,000–$3,500. The 30-day stay is significantly more.

This is one of the reasons getting the documentation right the first time is so important — the difference between a 10-day and 30-day stay is not just time, it's a significant sum of money.

After quarantine — what happens next?

Approximately 3 days before the end of the quarantine period, you'll receive an email from Mickleham with instructions for scheduling your pet's release. Your pet will be given a final health check before being released to you or a nominated representative.

Rosardi can coordinate collection from Mickleham and onward transport to your home — whether that's in Melbourne or another state. This is particularly useful for owners who are still settling into Australia and haven't yet sorted local transport.

Summary — the key things to remember

  • Quarantine at Mickleham is mandatory — there are no exceptions
  • The difference between 10 days and 30 days comes down to your preparation
  • Identity verification must happen before the titre test — not after
  • The 180-day waiting period starts when the titre test result reaches the lab, not when the blood is drawn
  • Book your Mickleham space 3–4 months in advance — it fills quickly
  • Quarantine fees are paid to the government separately from any relocation service fees
  • Start planning at least 6 months before your intended arrival date
Need help navigating this process?

Rosardi coordinates every step of the quarantine preparation process — from documentation timelines to Mickleham booking and post-quarantine collection. We'll make sure your pet qualifies for the shortest possible stay.

Get a quote for quarantine coordination