Australia's biosecurity rules mean preparation starts many months before you fly. Here's every milestone, mapped backwards from your travel date — and which ones I handle for you at home.
The golden rule: the rabies blood test (RNATT) must be done between 180 and 365 days before export. Miss that window and the timeline resets — so start at least 7–8 months ahead.
12+ months before travel
As early as possible
Australia's process is long, so the earlier we start, the smoother it goes. At a first home visit I'll scan your pet's microchip and confirm it's registered on a UK government-approved database with your correct details.
7–12 months before travel
At least 4 weeks before the blood test
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies with a government-approved vaccine when at least 12 weeks old. Any UK vet (MRCVS) can do this — but the microchip must be read and recorded at the time.
Before the blood test
Two separate visits
For your pet to qualify for the shorter 10-day quarantine, two Official Veterinarians with OV66 authorisation — from different, unconnected practices — must each verify your pet's identity and email a declaration directly to the Australian authorities (DAFF).
6–12 months before travel
180–365 days before export
The rabies antibody blood sample must be taken by an OV66-authorised vet, on or after the second identity check, and tested at an approved laboratory. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
~6 months before travel
After the blood test result
The RNATT declaration must be completed by an OV66 vet who did not take the blood sample — that's where I come in. The declaration, lab report and rabies certificate then go into your pet's import permit application to Australia.
Weeks before travel
Final weeks
Any remaining tests and treatments required by the certificate are completed (microchip verified each time). I then examine your pet at home, certify the Export Health Certificate, and endorse all lab reports and declarations.
Departure
Travel day
Your pet travels with the Export Health Certificate and all endorsed documents. On arrival they go into post-entry quarantine — a minimum of 10 days if every step above was followed by OV66-authorised vets, otherwise 30 days.
I'll build a personalised timeline for your pet, coordinate with the OV66 vet who takes the blood sample, and complete the certification visits at your home.