Destination Profile: Australia

Last verified: 23 February 2026
Competent health authority: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
Official URL: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs

Global classification of the destination

Regulatory model

Model A: mandatory routine quarantine. Australia applies the strictest biosecurity regime in the world for companion animal import. All dogs and cats from Group 2 and Group 3 countries must complete a minimum 10-day quarantine period at the official Mickleham facility, Melbourne. Non-compliance with any milestone results in extended quarantine (30 days), re-export to country of origin, or euthanasia (Biosecurity Act 2015).

Rabies status of destination country

Canine rabies-free.
Source: WOAH — https://www.woah.org/en/disease/rabies/

Country-of-origin classification system

Yes. Australia classifies all countries in the world into four groups of its own, independent of the WOAH system:

— Group 1: New Zealand, Norfolk Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. No quarantine or RNATT.
— Group 2: DAFF-recognised rabies-free countries (Japan, Singapore, Mauritius and others). No RNATT. With 10-day quarantine.
— Group 3: DAFF-approved rabies-controlled countries (United Kingdom, USA, Germany, France, Canada, Spain, Italy and others). With RNATT and 180-day wait. With 10-day quarantine.
— Non-approved: all other countries not included in the above groups.

Peru is a non-approved country. All of Latin America shares this classification without exception: Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and all other countries in the region. Animals from non-approved countries cannot be imported directly into Australia. They must reside in a Group 2 or 3 country for a minimum of 180 days before starting the entry process.
Verification URL: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides

Requirements for dogs

(Applies to animals already residing in a Group 3 country. For animals in Peru and non-approved countries, see country-of-origin variations section.)

Microchip

— Required standard: ISO 11784/11785, 15 digits (DAFF).
— Must be implanted before any milestone? Yes. The microchip must be scanned and recorded before rabies vaccination, RNATT and any diagnostic test (DAFF, Step 1).
— If implanted after: all milestones performed before chip implantation have no legal validity before DAFF. They must be repeated.

Rabies vaccine

— Mandatory: Yes for Group 3. Not required for Group 1 and 2.
— Minimum age for vaccination: 91 days (3 months) (DAFF, https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides/category-3-step-by-step-guide-for-dogs).
— Minimum post-vaccination period: at least 30 days before sample collection for RNATT.
— Recognised validity: must be current at time of export. 1- or 3-year vaccines accepted according to manufacturer data sheet.
— Accepted vaccine types: inactivated or recombinant. Modified live vaccines not accepted.
— If vaccine expires before export: must revaccinate. If immunity was continuous and documented, RNATT need not be repeated. Verify with DAFF in each case.

Rabies serological titre (RNATT)

— Mandatory: Yes for Group 3. Not required for Group 1 and 2.
— Minimum threshold: 0.5 IU/mL (DAFF, https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides/category-3-step-by-step-guide-for-dogs).
— Sample collection window: between 30 days and 24 months before export. Sample must be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination.
— Waiting period: 180 days from sample collection date until entry into Australia. This period is mandatory to qualify for minimum 10-day quarantine at Mickleham. If 180 days are not met, quarantine extends to 30 days.
— Counter starts from: date of blood sample collection (DAFF, Step 4).
— Accredited laboratories: must be laboratories approved by the government of the country of origin and recognised by DAFF. No DAFF-accredited laboratory identified in Peru or Colombia. Files from Latin America are commonly sent to laboratories in the United States or United Kingdom.
— If result is below threshold: mandatory re-vaccination and new RNATT. The 180-day waiting period restarts.

Other vaccines required by Australian regulation

Australia requires, in addition to rabies, the following vaccines for dogs: Distemper, Parvovirus, Infectious canine hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel cough). For Leptospirosis: complete two-dose vaccination or negative serological test (MAT) within 45 days prior to export (DAFF, Veterinary Certificate requirements).

However, SENASA — the official veterinary authority of Peru — additionally requires a complete and current vaccination schedule to issue the International Health Certificate for export from Peru, which is the document needed for the animal's transfer to the intermediate Group 3 country. Without that schedule, SENASA does not certify and the process cannot start. For dogs: Distemper, Parvovirus, Infectious canine hepatitis, Leptospirosis and Parainfluenza (current quintuple vaccine). Verify directly at https://www.gob.pe/senasa before starting the process from Peru.

Antiparasitic treatments

— Mandatory external: treatment against ticks and fleas with a product that kills on contact (not just repellent), started at least 30 days before export. DAFF-approved products include: Afoxolaner, Fluralaner, Fipronil. Verify the updated list of approved products at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs before starting any treatment.
— Mandatory internal: two treatments against nematodes and cestodes including Echinococcus multilocularis. The second treatment must be within 5 days prior to flight.
— Who applies and documents: registered veterinarian. Must be recorded on the official Health Certificate (DAFF Veterinary Certificate Form B).

Health certificate

— Official name: Official Veterinary Certificate — Form A and Form B (DAFF).
— Who can issue it: official veterinarian of the government of the country of origin from which export takes place (Group 3). Not SENASA directly, but the equivalent authority of the intermediate country where the animal resides.
— Form B: must be signed within 5 days prior to flight.
— Requires endorsement? Yes, mandatory by the national health authority of the export country (e.g. USDA APHIS if departing from USA, APHA if departing from UK, MAPA if departing from Spain).

Official entry document

— Exact name: Import Permit.
— Who issues it: DAFF through the BICON system (Biosecurity Import Conditions).
— Validity window: 12 months from issue.
— BICON system URL: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au

Mandatory digital forms

— Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) Reservation: mandatory space reservation at Mickleham PEQ before shipment. Without confirmed reservation, the animal cannot be shipped. Manage through: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/post-entry-quarantine/mickleham

Quarantine

— Mandatory: Yes, routinely for all Group 2 and Group 3 countries (Model A).
— Minimum duration: 10 days if the full 180-day post-RNATT wait was met.
— Extended duration: 30 days if 180 days were not met or if irregularities are detected.
— Facility: Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility (PEQ). It is the only official facility authorised in Australia. Location: Mickleham, Victoria. URL: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/post-entry-quarantine/mickleham
— Cost: approximately 2,500 AUD for 10 days, entirely at the owner's expense. Verify current rates directly with DAFF.
— What can prolong or deny quarantine? Live parasites (ticks), positive Ehrlichia canis test, incomplete documentation, unreadable microchip, RNATT below threshold, or expired vaccine.

Breed restrictions

Not covered in this profile. Consult DAFF directly before starting the process.

Minimum entry age

Approximately 9 to 10 months for animals from Group 3 countries: 91 days minimum age to vaccinate + 30 days post-vaccine for sample collection + 180-day post-collection wait (DAFF, Step by Step Guide Category 3).

Transport mode

Manifest Cargo mandatory. Entry of dogs and cats as excess baggage, cabin baggage or hold baggage of the passenger is expressly prohibited. The animal must travel as manifest cargo in the aircraft cargo hold (DAFF, Step 9).

Requirements for cats

Microchip

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Rabies vaccine

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Serological titre (RNATT)

Same as dogs — see previous section. The 0.5 IU/mL threshold, the counter from sample collection and the 180-day wait apply equally to cats from Group 3 countries.

Other vaccines required by Australian regulation

Australia requires for cats: Panleucopenia (Feline enteritis), Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FHV-1) and Feline calicivirus (FCV). However, SENASA (https://www.gob.pe/senasa) requires for export from Peru: Feline Triple (Calicivirus, Rhinotracheitis and Panleucopenia) plus rabies vaccine. Without this schedule, SENASA does not certify. The same principle applies for ICA in Colombia, AGROCALIDAD in Ecuador and the other authorities listed in the table above.

Antiparasitic treatments

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Health certificate

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Official entry document

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Mandatory digital forms

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Quarantine

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Breed restrictions

Not covered in this profile. Consult DAFF directly before starting the process.

Minimum entry age

Same as dogs — see previous section.

Transport mode

Manifest Cargo mandatory — same as dogs.

Variations by country of origin

Differentiated requirements by origin?

Yes, radically.

Risk classification system

DAFF's own list in four groups. Does not follow the WOAH system or the EU list system. Updated verification URL: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides

Situation of Peru and all of Latin America — Non-approved country

Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile are DAFF non-approved countries. Animals originating from these countries cannot be imported directly into Australia under any circumstances. The only possible path is as follows:

1. SENASA (https://www.gob.pe/senasa) certifies the export of the animal from Peru to the Group 3 intermediate country.
2. The animal resides in a Group 3 country (Spain, USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany or another approved) for a minimum of 180 continuous days.
3. During that residence the full Group 3 protocol is completed: microchip, vaccination, RNATT, antiparasitic treatments and BICON Import Permit application.
4. From the Group 3 country the final export to Melbourne is managed with DAFF documents.

This process turns the journey from Peru to Australia into a 12- to 13-month minimum project. Coordination with SENASA is the first unavoidable step.

Situation of Group 3 countries (relative low risk)

United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France, Canada, Spain, Italy: require RNATT with 0.5 IU/mL threshold, 180-day post-collection wait, BICON Import Permit, Mickleham PEQ reservation, and minimum 10-day quarantine in Melbourne.

Situation of New Zealand (Group 1)

No import permit. No RNATT. No mandatory quarantine. Simplest possible process to enter Australia with a pet.

Situation of Group 2 countries

No RNATT or 180-day wait period. With BICON Import Permit and minimum 10-day quarantine at Mickleham.

Transit through third countries

Only permitted at specific airports under strict biosecurity conditions. If during transit the animal leaves the international airport precinct in a non-approved country, it loses its health status and must restart the process (DAFF). Verify transit conditions directly with DAFF before scheduling any stopover.

Common errors

ERROR 1: Counting the 180 days from the laboratory result date

What happens: the owner waits 180 days from when they receive the RNATT result, when the counter starts on the day of sample collection. If there is a 15-day gap between collection and result, the animal arrives in Australia 15 days before completing the period.
Regulatory consequence: quarantine extended to 30 days at Mickleham at the owner's expense (DAFF, Step 4).
How to prevent: calculate the eligible flight date as day 181 from blood collection, with an additional 2–3 day margin.

ERROR 2: Positive Ehrlichia canis test

What happens: Australia requires negative serology for Ehrlichia canis. Many dogs from Peru, Colombia, Brazil and other Latin American countries have been exposed to the parasite and test positive, especially animals with a history of ticks.
Regulatory consequence: absolute denial of the import permit. There are no exceptions or treatment that reverses the denial (DAFF).
How to prevent: perform a preventive Ehrlichia canis test before starting the relocation process to the Group 3 intermediate country. If the result is positive, the project must be fully reconsidered.

ERROR 3: Antiparasitic treatment with products not approved by DAFF

What happens: collars or spot-ons that repel ticks but do not kill them on contact are used, or products not on the official DAFF list.
Regulatory consequence: if a live tick is detected at Melbourne inspection, extended quarantine or entry denial (DAFF).
How to prevent: use only products from the DAFF-approved list (Afoxolaner, Fluralaner, Fipronil among others). Verify the updated list at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs before starting any treatment.

ERROR 4: Flight to airport other than Melbourne

What happens: the owner schedules the flight to Sydney (SYD) or Brisbane (BNE) assuming quarantine can be done in any Australian city.
Regulatory consequence: immediate re-routing to Melbourne if the operator allows it, or re-export to country of origin. The only authorised quarantine facility is at Mickleham, Victoria (DAFF).
How to prevent: the animal must land obligatorily at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). There is no alternative.

ERROR 5: RNATT performed before microchip implantation

What happens: the laboratory reports a chip number that was implanted on the same day or after sample collection. Traceability is compromised.
Regulatory consequence: total invalidity of the test. RNATT must be repeated and the 180-day waiting period restarted (DAFF).
How to prevent: scan the chip and record its number on the sample tube in front of the veterinarian, before drawing blood. It is the first milestone of the protocol and cannot be skipped.

ERROR 6: Shipping without confirmed Mickleham PEQ reservation

What happens: the owner books the flight and cargo space without having confirmed availability at the quarantine facility. Mickleham operates with limited capacity and can be full weeks in advance.
Regulatory consequence: the animal cannot disembark in Australia if there is no confirmed space at Mickleham. Re-export to country of origin.
How to prevent: manage the Mickleham PEQ reservation at least 30 days before the flight date. URL: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/post-entry-quarantine/mickleham

Minimum timeline from scratch

Scenario A — Animal already residing in a Group 3 country with current vaccination

— Day 0: sample collection for RNATT from the Group 3 country. Microchip already implanted and vaccine current with more than 30 days.
— Day 15 (approx.): receipt of positive result (≥ 0.5 IU/mL).
— Day 120: Import Permit application to DAFF through BICON (https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au). Valid for 12 months from issue.
— Day 150: space reservation at Mickleham PEQ.
— Day 175–178: issue of Health Certificate Form B (within 5 days prior to flight) and endorsement by the export country authority.
— Day 181: minimum eligible date for shipment to Melbourne (MEL).
— Minimum total time Scenario A: 6 months from sample collection.

Scenario B — Animal in Peru or non-approved Latin American country, from scratch

— Day 0: SENASA (https://www.gob.pe/senasa) certifies the export of the animal from Peru to the Group 3 intermediate country. ISO microchip implantation + vaccines required by SENASA (quintuple for dogs, feline triple for cats) + rabies vaccine.
— Day 30–60: transfer to the chosen Group 3 country (Spain, USA, United Kingdom, Canada or another approved).
— Day 60: start of residence in the Group 3 country. Sample collection for RNATT if rabies vaccine is more than 30 days old.
— Day 75 (approx.): receipt of positive result from DAFF-accredited laboratory.
— Day 180: BICON Import Permit application.
— Day 210: confirmed reservation at Mickleham PEQ.
— Day 240–241: minimum eligible date for shipment from the Group 3 country to Melbourne (MEL).
— Minimum total time Scenario B: 12 to 13 months from start in Peru.

Authorised points of entry

Absolute restriction. For all animals requiring quarantine there is only one authorised point of entry in Australia:

There is no other post-entry quarantine facility in Australia. Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and any other Australian airport are not authorised to receive animals requiring quarantine at Mickleham.
Official URL: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/post-entry-quarantine/mickleham

Authority directory

Cited current legislation

1. Biosecurity Act 2015 (Australia) — Legal framework regulating the entry of animals, goods and people to protect Australia's biosecurity. URL: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2015A00061 — Verified: 23 February 2026.
2. Biosecurity Regulation 2016 (Australia) — Operational details on quarantine, import permits and entry conditions for companion animals. URL: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2016L01326 — Verified: 23 February 2026.
3. DAFF Cat and Dog Import Conditions — Step by Step Guide Category 3 — Official DAFF operational guide for importing dogs and cats from Group 3 countries. URL: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides/category-3-step-by-step-guide-for-dogs — Verified: 23 February 2026.
4. DAFF Post Entry Quarantine — Mickleham Facility — Official information on the quarantine facility, reservations, costs and conditions. URL: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/post-entry-quarantine/mickleham — Verified: 23 February 2026.

Australia is not a destination, it is an expedition. What distinguishes this process from any other in the world is not the documentary complexity but the biological inflexibility: a positive Ehrlichia or a live tick in Melbourne ends the journey with no possible appeal. For owners coming from Peru and Latin America the critical point is understanding that the animal does not travel directly, and that SENASA is the first link in a chain that begins in Lima and ends at Mickleham 12 to 13 months later. The choice of the Group 3 intermediate country is not trivial: it has logistical, cost and calendar consequences that must be calculated from day zero. What genuinely surprises colleagues with experience in other difficult destinations like Japan is that here the 180 days are only the beginning, not the end. Mickleham quarantine is the last milestone of a process that demands rigour at every previous one. One error at step one, any step one, invalidates everything that came after.

This profile was verified against primary official sources on February 23, 2026. Requirements may change without prior notice. Always verify directly with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and SENASA (https://www.gob.pe/senasa) before initiating any export process from Peru.