Mickleham post entry quarantine

For the original Dog Walks team, quarantine meant regular visits to stations in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne, with walks, cuddles and photos for owners overseas. That era ended in 2014. Today, quarantine for imported cats and dogs happens in one government facility at Mickleham, Victoria, which opened in late 2015.

Before arrival: booking

Book your pet’s quarantine stay after your import permit is issued. Space can be limited at busy times, so book as soon as you can and match your flight to your booking. Your agent can do this for you.

Arrival

Your pet lands at Melbourne International Airport as manifested cargo. A DAFF biosecurity officer collects it and drives it to Mickleham. DAFF says you will be emailed within 24 hours to confirm safe arrival, and contacted immediately if there is a problem.

Checks on arrival

DAFF staff:

• scan your pet’s microchip and match it to the permit, health certificate and lab reports;
• examine your pet for signs of disease and for external parasites such as ticks and fleas;
• review every document against the permit conditions.

If something doesn’t comply, DAFF says further tests, treatments or quarantine may apply, at your cost. In serious cases, the permit conditions allow for export or euthanasia, which is why getting the paperwork right matters so much.

Daily life

DAFF describes the facility as housing each dog in a large, individual, climate-controlled enclosure, with quality food and enrichment. You receive email updates on your pet’s health and wellbeing.

How long

Medication and special needs

DAFF warns that animals may not be able to receive medication during transport, and it has strict guidelines for medicating animals in quarantine. If your pet has a chronic condition, discuss it with your vet early and read DAFF’s medication guidance. DAFF also advises thinking carefully about whether long-haul travel and quarantine are in the best interests of sick or elderly animals.

Fees

You pay for quarantine, and DAFF says the account must be paid in full before your pet is released. Fees change, so check DAFF’s current post-entry quarantine fees and charges.

Release

When the minimum period has passed and all conditions are met, your pet is released. You or your agent collect it from Mickleham. If you live interstate, arrange onward transport in advance.

Tips from experience

• Expect a quieter pet at first. Long flights and new surroundings are tiring. Give your pet time to rest when it comes home.
• Keep routines. Bring familiar food (if allowed where you are) and stick to regular walks.
• Check for ticks. If you settle on the east coast, start tick prevention as advised by your vet. See paralysis ticks.

What about visits?

The old visiting system ended in 2014. Check DAFF’s current information about contact during quarantine before you travel.

Next steps

Read about flying your pet, then settling in.

Before your pet arrives

You need a confirmed quarantine booking at Mickleham before your import permit can be used, and bookings can fill up, especially around school holidays. Book as soon as you know your likely export date. Make sure DAFF has your current phone number and email address, and that your agent knows who to contact if something changes.

What to send with your pet

Pets travel in their crate with very little. Check DAFF's current guidance on what personal items and food can accompany a pet into quarantine, because biosecurity rules are strict and anything not allowed may be destroyed. If your pet takes regular medication, discuss it with DAFF before travel. Do not pack medication in the crate without approval.

Staying in touch

DAFF staff care for pets during the stay. Ask DAFF how updates are given and whether visits are possible during your pet's stay, as arrangements can change. Many owners find it easier to plan their own arrival in Australia so that they are settled into their new home before release day.

Release day

When the quarantine period ends and your pet has passed its checks, you collect it from the facility or arrange for an agent to collect and deliver it. Bring a secure carrier or lead and collar, water, and a towel. Expect your pet to be tired, and keep the first days quiet. Book a check-up with a local vet in the first few weeks, and start registration with your council or state registry.

Fees

Quarantine fees are charged by DAFF and are separate from your agent's fees and airfares. DAFF publishes its current fees on its website. Check them when you budget, as they are reviewed from time to time.