Australia Pet Quarantine: The Complete Mickleham Guide (2026)
Every cat and dog entering Australia (except from New Zealand and Norfolk Island) must complete quarantine at Mickleham. Here is everything you need to know — duration, cost, booking, and the identity verification timing that can save you $1,040 AUD.
Where do pets quarantine in Australia?
All cats and dogs entering Australia must complete quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility, located in Mickleham, Victoria — approximately 30 kilometres north of Melbourne CBD. This is the only approved pet quarantine facility in the country.
The facility is operated and managed by DAFF (Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry). It houses cats and dogs in separate, purpose-built individual kennels and cattery units under the supervision of accredited DAFF veterinary staff.
Because all international pet arrivals are channelled through a single facility with limited capacity, advance booking is essential. The facility cannot accommodate last-minute bookings, and airlines will not accept your pet without a confirmed quarantine reservation.
All pets entering Australia must also arrive via Melbourne Airport — regardless of where you are flying from or where you ultimately intend to live in Australia. This is a non-negotiable DAFF requirement.
10 days vs 30 days: how long is quarantine?
Quarantine duration is determined by your origin country group and, for Group 3, by a critical timing decision around identity verification.
The most important fact on this page
Identity verification timing is the single most impactful decision in your pet import process. For Group 3 importers, having identity verified BEFORE the RNATT blood draw qualifies you for 10-day quarantine. Verified AFTER means 30-day quarantine. Done correctly, it saves 20 days and approximately $1,040 AUD.
| Scenario | Quarantine Duration | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 (NZ, Norfolk Island) | 0 days | No quarantine required — country is considered disease-free. |
| Group 2 (UK, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, etc.) | 10 days | Rabies-free country status. Always 10 days, no exceptions. |
| Group 3 — identity verified BEFORE RNATT | 10 days | Correct timing qualifies for minimum quarantine period. |
| Group 3 — identity verified AFTER RNATT | 30 days | Incorrect timing results in longer mandatory quarantine. |
What is identity verification?
Identity verification is a formal confirmation by an Official Veterinarian (OV) that your dog is the same animal that was microchipped and vaccinated. The OV confirms the microchip number matches all records and signs off on the pet's identity.
For Group 3 importers, DAFF requires this to happen before the RNATT blood draw. This is not always made explicit in general information about the process — it is critical to confirm with your vet or pet transport agency that they understand this sequencing requirement.
What quarantine applies to your pet?
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~$520 AUD
10-day quarantine
Applies to Group 2 (always) and Group 3 (identity verified before RNATT)
~$1,560 AUD
30-day quarantine
Group 3 only — when identity verified after RNATT blood draw
These are official DAFF fees charged for the quarantine stay itself. They do not include:
- Transport from the airport to the Mickleham facility (handled by DAFF logistics on arrival)
- Transport from Mickleham to your home after quarantine ends (owner's responsibility)
- Any veterinary treatment required during quarantine (charged separately)
Quarantine availability is limited. DAFF recommends booking your quarantine spot as early as possible — ideally at the same time as your import permit application, and at least 6 months before your intended travel date. Peak season (October to February) fills fastest.
How to book Mickleham quarantine
Quarantine must be booked through the DAFF BICON portal or via the DAFF website directly. Your airline will not accept your pet as cargo until you have a confirmed quarantine booking reference.
What you need to book
- Your import permit number (issued via BICON — required for Group 2 and Group 3)
- Your pet's microchip number (15-digit ISO compliant number)
- Your confirmed arrival date into Melbourne Airport
- Your pet's species (dog or cat) and number of pets if travelling with multiple animals
Booking timeline advice
If you're using a pet transport agency, they will typically handle the quarantine booking on your behalf as part of their service. Confirm whether this is included before signing a contract.
What happens during quarantine?
Here is a general overview of what your pet experiences at Mickleham:
Arrival day
DAFF staff receive your pet from the airline cargo handlers at Melbourne Airport. An initial arrival inspection confirms microchip identity against your documentation. Your pet is transported to Mickleham and settled into an individual kennel or cattery unit.
Days 1–9 (or 1–29)
Your pet is housed in an individual unit — separate from all other animals. DAFF staff conduct daily welfare checks: food, water, behaviour, and physical health observations. Any health concerns are assessed by on-site DAFF veterinary staff. Pets are provided with standard food, bedding, and enrichment.
Final health check
Before release, a final veterinary health assessment confirms your pet is healthy and meets all clearance criteria. If all is well, you are notified that your pet is ready for collection.
Collection day
You collect your pet directly from the Mickleham facility. Bring photo ID and your import documentation. Arrange your own transport — the facility is in Mickleham, approximately 30km north of Melbourne CBD.
Important: Owner visits are not permitted during the quarantine period. You will not be able to see or interact with your pet until collection day. This is a DAFF biosecurity requirement and cannot be waived.
What can I send with my pet?
You may include a small number of comfort items in your pet's travel crate to help them settle into quarantine. However, items are subject to biosecurity inspection and not all items will be permitted into the facility.
Permitted items (generally)
- ✓ Soft blanket or small item with your scent
- ✓ Familiar soft toy (no stuffing that could contaminate)
- ✓ Your pet's regular food (limited quantity)
- ✓ Comfort items that have not been in contact with soil
Not permitted
- ✗ Rawhide or raw bones
- ✗ Items with soil contamination
- ✗ Untreated wood or plant material
- ✗ Prohibited biosecurity items
The facility provides standard food, bedding, and fresh water. If your pet has a specific diet or medical need, contact DAFF in advance of travel to arrange appropriate provision. Additional food or veterinary care during quarantine may incur extra charges.
Which DAFF group does your country fall in?
Your DAFF group determines your quarantine duration and overall import requirements:
Group 1 — No quarantine
New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos Islands
Group 2 — 10 days quarantine (always)
United Kingdom, Ireland, Hawaii, Guam, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Malta, Mauritius, Réunion, New Caledonia, French Polynesia
Group 3 — 10 or 30 days quarantine
USA, Canada, most of Europe (including Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy), most of Asia (India, China, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Korea, etc.), South America, Africa, Middle East, and most other countries not listed in Groups 1 or 2.
Duration depends on identity verification timing relative to RNATT blood draw.
Not sure which group your country is in? Use our free timeline generator to find out instantly.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do pets quarantine when entering Australia?
- All cats and dogs entering Australia (except from New Zealand and Norfolk Island) must quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility, located in Melbourne's northern suburbs. It is the only approved quarantine facility in Australia for pet imports.
- How long is quarantine in Australia for pets?
- It depends on your origin country and, for Group 3 importers, identity verification timing. Group 1 (NZ, Norfolk Island): no quarantine. Group 2 (UK, Ireland, Japan, Singapore, etc.): always 10 days. Group 3 (USA, Europe, Asia): 10 days if identity was verified before the RNATT blood draw; 30 days if verified after.
- Can I visit my pet during quarantine at Mickleham?
- No. Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility does not allow owner visits during the quarantine period. Your pet will be cared for by DAFF veterinary staff with daily welfare checks throughout the stay.
- How do I book Mickleham quarantine?
- Book through DAFF's BICON portal or the DAFF website. You need your import permit number (Group 2/3), your pet's microchip number, and your confirmed arrival date. Your airline will not accept your pet without a confirmed quarantine booking. Book as early as possible — spots are limited.
- What can I send with my pet to Mickleham?
- You may include comfort items such as a blanket or small soft toy with your scent. The facility provides food and bedding. Do not include rawhide, bones, or any items that may be prohibited under Australian biosecurity rules (untreated wood, soil-contaminated items, etc.).
- What happens if my pet fails the quarantine inspection?
- If a health issue is detected on arrival or during quarantine, DAFF vets will assess the situation. Depending on severity, this may result in extended quarantine, treatment at the owner's expense, or in serious cases, return to the country of origin or euthanasia. This is extremely rare for well-prepared importers.
Know exactly what quarantine applies to you
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Official source: DAFF — Bringing cats and dogs to Australia