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Cleared Paws
RNATT + 180 days

USA to Australia pet move kit

Australia's rules for pets from the US run on a 180-day clock that starts when the laboratory receives the blood sample, then a permit, tests within 45 days and quarantine at Mickleham. This kit dates every step from your export date.

$49

Price in USD, taxes included. Checkout may show your local currency.

What's inside

  • USA_Australia_User_Guide.docx

    Every step in order, with the official source for each rule and a final checklist.

  • USA_Australia_Timeline_TRACKER.xlsx

    Type your flight date: every deadline is calculated and impossible dates turn red.

  • USA_Australia_Vet_Brief_TEMPLATE.docx

    A brief to hand to your vet so each appointment covers what the destination requires.

  • USA_Australia_Document_Checklist_TEMPLATE.docx

    Every document, who completes and endorses it, plus the questions to ask your airline.

  • USA_Australia_Letters_TEMPLATE.docx

    Editable letters and emails for the people and offices involved in your move.

Who it's for

  • Owners moving a dog or cat from the US to Australia who want to prepare the steps themselves or check a shipper's plan.
  • Anyone starting 7 months or more ahead, or checking whether a planned export date still works.
  • Owners who want the optional identity check (the VEHCS identity declaration) that shortens quarantine from 30 to 10 days.

How the documents work together

Type your export and arrival dates in the workbook: it computes the latest RNATT draw, counts 180 days from the laboratory receipt date, places every dog test inside the 45-day window and the endorsement inside the last 5 days, and shows whether quarantine will be 10 or 30 days. The vet brief, document checklist and letters follow the same order.

Route check

ItemWhat applies on this route
ClassificationAustralia treats the United States as a Group 3 country: rabies present but well controlled.
Minimum lead timeDAFF says to allow at least 6 months. Starting from zero, plan on about 7 months: vaccine, a wait before the RNATT draw, then 180 days after the lab receives the sample.
MicrochipISO compliant (generally 10 or 15 digits). Numbers starting with 999 are not accepted.
Identity checkOptional 3-part Identity Declaration through VEHCS: two scans by two USDA-accredited vets at different clinics, then a USDA final declaration. Done before the RNATT draw, at a separate visit. With it, quarantine is at least 10 days. Without it, at least 30 days.
Rabies and RNATTRabies vaccine at 84 days of age or older. RNATT (FAVN or RFFIT) result of 0.5 IU/mL or more, valid 12 months from the blood sampling date.
180-day waitExport no earlier than 180 days after the date the laboratory RECEIVES the sample.
Import permitApplied for in BICON with the RNATT report and endorsed RNATT declaration. AUD 626 for the first animal.
QuarantineMickleham (Victoria) government facility, booked only after the permit is granted.
Dog testsLeishmania for all dogs, Brucella canis for entire dogs, Leptospira (vaccine or test). Samples within 45 days of export. Dogs: full canine influenza vaccination required (see step 8).
ParasitesExternal treatment started at least 30 days (dogs) or 21 days (cats) before export. Two internal treatments within 45 days, at least 14 days apart, the second within 5 days.
CertificateExport health certificate completed in VEHCS and endorsed by USDA APHIS, within 5 days before export.
ArrivalMelbourne International Airport only, as manifested cargo, in an IATA-approved crate.

What's not included

No veterinary service, no official certificate, no booking, no personal review of your file. The official certificates are issued or endorsed by your vet and the authorities; the kit links to them.

Format and delivery

Instant download after payment: a ZIP with 4 Word files (.docx) and 1 Excel workbook (.xlsx), personalised with your email and order number. Works with Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Docs and Sheets, LibreOffice and Apple Pages and Numbers. Download link valid 30 days, 5 downloads.

Questions about this kit

When does the 180-day wait start?

On the date the laboratory receives the blood sample, not the draw date. The workbook asks for that receipt date and counts from it.

How long is quarantine at Mickleham?

At least 10 days if the optional identity check (the VEHCS identity declaration) was done before the RNATT draw, at a separate vet visit, otherwise at least 30 days. Quarantine can only be booked once the import permit is granted.

Can my pet fly in the cabin to Australia?

No. Pets from Group 3 countries arrive at Melbourne International Airport only, as manifested cargo, in an IATA-approved crate.

Helpful guides

Bringing a Dog or Cat to Australia from the USA

Read the guide

All kits departing from the USA