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Cost of Bringing a Dog to Australia in 2023

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Bringing a furry friend to a new country is an exciting prospect, but it can also be a complex and costly endeavor. When it comes to bringing a dog to Australia, a country with stringent biosecurity regulations, there are various requirements and expenses to consider. In this article, we will explore the cost of bringing a dog to Australia, covering everything from quarantine fees to documentation and transportation expenses.

For detailed information on Australia’s entry requirements for pets, check Importing Pets to Australia: All you need to know

Cost of bringing dog to Australia.

The total cost of bringing a dog to Australia is around $4,000 (USD) / $5,600 (AUD). The cost is broken down into the following fees:

Vet fees – microchipping, vaccinations and treatments varies on your veterinarian centre’s fees and home country (average $300 (USD) / $425 (AUD))
Airline fees for shipping a dog – varies widely depending on the airline, size and weight of your dog
Import permit fees – costs around $480 (AUD) for one dog and $240 (AUD) for additional dogs
Quarantine fees – costs around $2,200 per dog (AUD)
Government endorsements – varies depending on home country
Travel gear – costs between $40 – $150 (AUD)

Of course, this is an approximate number as the real cost will depend on where you are traveling from, the species, size and weight of your dog, and your mode of transport.

The cost of bringing dogs to Australia will depend on which of the following country groups you are traveling from:

Group 1 Countries: New Zealand; Norfolk Island; Cocos Island

Group 2 Countries: American Samoa, Bahrain, Barbados, Christmas Island, Cook Island, Falkland Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Kiribati, Mauritius, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.

Group 3 Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary and Balearic Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Netherlands-Antilles, Aruba, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, the Republic of South Africa, Reunion, Saipan, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States (including the district of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (but excluding Guam and Hawaii), Uruguay.

Microchipping.

When bringing dogs to Australia, all dogs must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 dog microchip that is a 15 digit and non-encrypted.

This should be the first step you take. Your dog’s microchip must be implanted before its rabies vaccination is administered, otherwise the vaccination will not count. We will discuss the rabies vaccination in detail in the next section.

Microchipping will cost approximately $30 (USD) / $45 (AUD).

Rabies Vaccination.

Dogs residing in and entering from Group 1 and Group 2 Countries do not require a rabies vaccination. However, it is a requirement for dogs entering Australia from all other countries. Australia accepts both one year and three year rabies vaccinations.

A one year rabies vaccination will cost approximately $20 (USD) / $25 (AUD). A three year vaccination usually costs more, on average around $40 (USD) / $56 (AUD).

Rabies Neutralising Titre Test (RNATT).

When importing dogs to Australia from Group 3 countries they will require a RNATT. This determines if your dog has made enough antibodies to keep them safe from picking up rabies.

A RNATT will cost approximately $120 (USD) / $170 (AUD).

Additional Vaccinations.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment requires that dogs traveling from Group 2 and Group 3 countries are vaccinated against the following:

Brucellosis
Ehrlicia canis – requires a blood sample to be taken.
Leishmaniosis
Leptospirosis
Babesia canis (dogs that have visited Africa)

On average they cost around $10 (USD) per vaccine, thus, these vaccinations will cost approximately $50+ (USD) / $70+ (AUD)

Parasite Treatments.

Before you can bring your dog to Australia, they must be treated against parasites. The cost of treatment varies between veterinary centers and the size/breed of your dog. Dogs must be given a product that kills ticks and fleas on contact. They must also be treated against nematodes and cestodes.

Animal Health Certificate.

When bringing dogs to Australia, customs officials will need to see a valid import permit, with a veterinary health certificate completed by an Official government veterinarian in the country of export.

Health certificate will cost approximately $40 (USD) / $60 (AUD), depending on your vet clinic.

Airline Fees.

Airline fees for bringing dogs to Australia can vary depending on the airline, route, and the size of your pet. While it’s challenging to provide specific figures due to the wide range of variables, let’s explore some general information regarding airline fees associated with pet travel:

Cabin Pet Fee: If your pet meets the size and weight requirements specified by the airline, you may be able to bring them into the cabin with you. The cabin pet fee typically ranges from $75 (USD) to $250 (USD) per flight, depending on the airline.

Checked Pet Fee: If your pet is too large to travel in the cabin or if you prefer them to travel in the cargo hold, you will need to pay a checked pet fee. This fee can range from $100 (USD) to $500 (USD) or more, depending on the airline and the destination.

International Pet Travel: Traveling internationally with a pet may incur additional fees. Some airlines charge an international pet fee that can range from $200 (USD) to $1,000 (USD), depending on the destination and specific requirements.

Import Permits.

All dogs traveling from Group 2 or Group 3 countries require an import permit. This can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

An import permit when bringing dogs to Australia will cost you approximately $480 (AUD), and an additional $240 (AUD) for any additional dog.

Quarantine.

Dogs traveling from New Zealand will not be subjected to quarantine. However, when bringing dogs to Australia from all other countries, your dog will be subject to a 10 day quarantine period upon arrival.

The most expensive cost of bringing your dog to Australia, is quarantine. The minimum stay in quarantine is 10 days, however you should prepare for a 30 day stay. The fees for quarantine are broken down into the following:

$33 (AUD) entry per dog
A daily rate of $27 (AUD) per dog
$30 (AUD) document clearance per dog
$30 (AUD) per 15 minutes of veterinary examination per dog
$1,200 (AUD) post-entry quarantine (PEQ) charge

Full details of fees and charges can be found in the department’s charging guidelines.

Government Endorsement.

Often proof of required vaccines need to be verified with a government endorsement. The cost of which varies depending on your home country. For example, this is the case if you are bringing a dog to Australia from the US. USDA endorsements for pets going to Australia need to be secured during the preparation process and also once again at the exit port (most likely LAX).

These endorsements will vary based on the number of pets but will likely exceed $200 USD.

Travel Gear.

Your dog will need a suitable dog carrier to ensure that he or she is comfortable, and that you are in-line with airline policies. The cost of dog carriers vary widely, but will cost you anywhere between $30 and $100 (USD).

How to cut the cost when bringing a dog to Australia.

There are some costs that are unavoidable, however, the following are ways cut the cost of bringing a dog to Australia:

Research and Compare Veterinarian Fees: Veterinary fees can vary, so it’s advisable to research and compare the costs charged by different veterinary clinics in your area. Request quotes for services such as microchipping, vaccinations, and health certificates from multiple clinics to find the most affordable options.

Look for Promotions or Discounts: Some veterinary clinics may offer promotions or discounts for specific services or for new customers. Keep an eye out for any special offers that could help reduce the cost of obtaining a pet passport.

Seek Affordable Vaccination Options: While it’s essential to ensure your pet is up-to-date on all required vaccinations, you can explore cost-effective options. Consider community clinics, animal shelters, or low-cost vaccination clinics that may offer vaccinations at lower prices compared to traditional veterinary clinics.

Plan Ahead: Rushing the importing process can lead to higher costs. Start planning well in advance to avoid expedited service fees or last-minute expenses. Early planning gives you time to compare prices, find the best deals, and ensure your pet meets all the necessary requirements without additional rush fees.

Travel Off-peak: If your travel plans are flexible, consider traveling during off-peak seasons. Some airlines may offer lower pet travel fees during less busy times, which could help reduce your overall expenses.

What is the process of bringing a dog to Australia?

The process of bringing a dog to Australia is as follows:

Research – the process depends on the age of your dog, and where you are traveling from. Therefore, ensure you are aware of the specific requirements for taking your dog to Australia. It’s also important to check that your dog is allowed to be imported to Australia, as they have very strict rules, prohibiting some dog breeds visiting.
Visit the vet – most dogs will require a microchip, rabies vaccinations and parasite treatments. However, the requirements vary depending on your dog’s age and home country. You can find details below.
Get a valid rabies neutralising titre test (RNATT) test report – this applies to dogs traveling from Group 3 countries.
Apply for import permit (if necessary) – to import a dog to Australia, you will need an import permit. You need to apply for this before traveling to Australia as it will be required to pass customs.
Organise quarantine (if necessary) – as soon as you have your import permit granted, you should get in contact with the The Mickleham Center in Victoria to make arrangements for your dog.

Can I avoid pet quarantine in Australia

Fortunately for those of you residing in Group 1 countries, dogs traveling from New Zealand, Cocos Island and Norfolk Island will not be subjected to quarantine. However, unfortunately all other dogs will be subject to a 10 day quarantine period upon arrival.

Don’t worry, quarantine isn’t as scary as it sounds. Dogs will have great caretakers and special food/medication accommodations if your dog needs it.

Sadly, due to repeated forest fire damage, there is just one quarantine center – The Mickleham Center in Victoria. Therefore, upon arrival, departmental staff will collect your dog and transport them directly to the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility.

As there is just one center, we advise that you make reservations for your dog as soon as you receive your dog’s import permit.

When entering Australia from another country through New Zealand, dogs must be quarantined in New Zealand, then remain on the island for 90 days after quarantine prior to entering Australia.

The quarantine facility at Mickleham will be closed for the last 2 weeks of December and the first day of January. No dogs will be accepted for quarantine during that time.

What airlines allow flying a dog to Australia?

Most airlines allow flying a dog to Australia. However, depending on the airline you fly with, pet policies differ.

When flying with a dog, it’s important to check airline pet policies before booking any travel. Different airline’s have different rules for flying with dogs, including which dog breeds are allowed, the size and weight of dogs that are permitted, and the number of dogs they allow. Fees also vary between airlines.

Most airlines will allow dogs to fly in the cargo section of their planes, in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their dogs, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin.

Some airlines will allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, but generally only small dogs that weigh under 8kg are permitted. This is because dogs must fly inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owners.

Bottom Line

The total cost of bringing a dog to Australia is around $4,000 (USD) / $5,600 (AUD).

This cost is just an approximate number to give you a rough guide of how much it might cost you. The cost of bringing a dog to Australia varies widely depending on where you are traveling from, which airline you fly with, and the breed and size of your dog.

Depending on which country group you are traveling from, your dog may require additional or different vaccines, treatments and tests. Additionally, different airlines will charge different amounts depending on the route, size and weight of your dog.

The most expensive part of bringing a dog to Australia, is quarantine, costing at least $2,200 (AUD) . Luckily for those traveling from Group 1 countries, this fee may be avoidable.

Hope you have found this helpful.

Happy travels!

0 8 minutes read

Cost of Bringing a Dog to Australia in 2023