Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to search
Home

Top navigation main

  • News & media
  • Jobs
  • Ministers
  • Contact us
Main menu

AWE Main

  • Agriculture and land
    Agriculture and land Building stronger and more sustainable agriculture, fisheries, forestry and land care.
    • Animal health
    • Climate change and agriculture
    • Drought, disaster and rural support
    • Farming, food and drought
    • Fisheries
    • Forestry
    • Levies and charges on agricultural products
    • Mouse infestation advice
    • Plant health
    Xylella

    Protect against unwanted plant pests

    Our biosecurity system helps protects us. Everyone has a role in supporting our biosecurity system.

    Find out more

  • Biosecurity and trade
    Biosecurity and trade
    • Aircraft, vessels and military
    • Biosecurity policy
    • Cats and dogs
    • Exporting
    • Importing
    • Pests, diseases and weeds
    • Public awareness and education
    • Trade and market access
    • Travelling or sending goods to Australia
    • Report a concern
    Brown marmorated stink bug

    BMSB Seasonal Measures

    Australia has strengthened seasonal measures to manage the risk of BMSB.

    View our seasonal measures

  • Science and research
    Science and research Undertaking research and collecting data to support informed decisions and policies.
    • Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES)
    • Plant Innovation Centre
    Abares

    ABARES Insights

    Get 'snapshots’ of agricultural, forestry and fisheries industries, or analysis of key issues.

    Find out more

  • About us
    About us We enhance our agricultural industries and trade, and manage the threat of biosecurity risks to Australia.
    • Accountability and reporting
    • Assistance, grants and tenders
    • Contact us
    • Fees and charges
    • News and media
    • Our commitment to you
    • Payments
    • People and jobs
    • Publications
    • What we do
    • Who we are
    Budget 2025-26

    Budget 2025-26

    The 2025–26 Portfolio Budget Statements were released on 25 March 2025.

    Find out more

  • Online services
    Online services We do business with you using online platforms. This makes it easier for you to meet your legal requirements.
Department of Agriculture

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Bringing cats and dogs to Australia
  4. New identity check process for cats and dogs from the United Kingdom travelling to Australia

Sidebar first - Cats and Dogs

  • Bringing Cats and Dogs to Australia
    • How to import a cat or dog
      • Step-by-step guides
        • Group 1: Cocos (Keeling) Islands
        • Group 1: New Zealand
        • Group 1: Norfolk Island
        • Group 2: step by step guide for cats
        • Group 2: step by step guide for dogs
        • Group 3: step by step guide for cats
        • Group 3: step by step guide for dogs
        • How to import frozen dog semen to Australia from New Zealand
        • How to import frozen dog semen to Australia from a listed country
      • Import permits
      • Rabies vaccination and tests
    • Quarantine in Australia
      • Fees
      • Our facility
    • Cats and dogs returning to Australia
    • Assistance dogs
      • Travelling with assistance dogs on a cruise vessel
    • Norfolk Island
      • Bringing cats and dogs into Norfolk Island from mainland Australia
        • Health certificate for cats brought from mainland Australia to Norfolk Island
        • Health certificate for dogs brought from mainland Australia to Norfolk Island
      • Bringing cats and dogs into Norfolk Island from New Zealand
    • Other live animals and reproductive material
    • Unique or exotic pets
    • Cats and dogs frequently asked questions
      • Glossary of terms

New identity check process for cats and dogs from the United Kingdom travelling to Australia

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the United Kingdom (UK) have agreed to implement the identity verification process for cats and dogs planning to be imported to Australia from the UK (including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

From 4 November 2024, importers from the UK will be able to have their pet’s identity verified by an official veterinarian who holds an OV66 authorisation.   

With the implementation of the identity check, cats and dogs travelling from the UK to Australia that have had their identity verified and meet all other requirements will be eligible for a minimum 10-day quarantine period upon arrival in Australia. Previously, cats and dogs arriving in Australia from the UK were required to spend a minimum of 30 days in quarantine, unless they met the criteria for returning Australian dogs and cats. 

Animals that have started preparation for travelling to Australia will not be eligible for a reduction in the quarantine period unless they restart preparations. Further information is below.

​This agreement follows the strengthened import conditions for cats and dogs implemented by the department on 1 March 2023 following the rabies risk review. 

​The identity verification process must be conducted by two separate official veterinarians in the UK that hold the OV66 authorisation. Only official veterinarians with this OV66 authorisation can carry out the identity verification process.  

​Eligibility 

To be eligible for a minimum 10-day quarantine period, the identity verification must occur prior to blood sampling for the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT). The department cannot recognise OV66 identity checks that were completed after RNATT blood sample was collected. Given the 180-day waiting period following a valid RNATT, animals that are eligible for a minimum 10-day quarantine period will not arrive in Australia until May 2025 at the earliest.

If you wish to restart the pre-export preparations to have your pet’s identity verified under the new UK system, any RNATT done prior to the identity verification will become invalid. This means that the mandatory 180 day waiting period prior to export will restart from the date the new blood sample for the RNATT arrives at the testing laboratory.  

​The department will shortly contact all permit applicants and holders of unused permits directly to discuss these changes and work with you to find the best option to proceed depending on your individual circumstances.  

​If you wish to undertake the identity verification process to be eligible for the minimum 10-day quarantine period, you will need to contact the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA) of the UK. They will provide you with further information on the process and help you to find an authorised OV66 veterinarian who can perform the identity verification.​ 

Frequently asked questions

​​Purpose of the identity declaration – Why can’t my animal just switch from 30 days to 10 days in post arrival quarantine? 

​The identity verification process was implemented following the rabies risk review to reduce the increased biosecurity risk of importing live cats and dogs, following an increase in fraudulent activity overseas. The purpose of the identity declaration is for a government official to confirm the identity of a cat or dog (by their microchip number) prior to commencing any other pre-export preparations. This provides Australian biosecurity officials with confidence that your animal will not pose an unacceptable risk of bringing diseases like rabies to Australia.

​The policy changes in 2023 included the following: 

  • ​A minimum 10-day quarantine period in an Australian government facility for cats and dogs that have had an identity verification, including scanning of the microchip, by the exporting country’s competent authority as part of the import permit application process. The identity verification must occur before a blood sample is collected for RNAT testing, and at least 180 days before export to Australia. 
  • ​All cats and dogs that have not had their identity verified prior to pre-export preparations, must complete a minimum 30-day quarantine period on arrival in Australia. 

​Permits that have already been granted for a minimum 30-day quarantine period cannot be changed to a 10-day permit without meeting the above requirements. 

​What is an Official Veterinarian and how do I find one? 

​In the United Kingdom, private practice veterinarians can be approved as Official Veterinarians (OVs). This is a specific qualification which allows a veterinarian to perform particular services on behalf of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). 

​For cats and dogs being exported to Australia, the two stages of the identity check must be performed by two different OVs from different practices, and both must have OV66 authorisation. This is a specific authorisation which permits the approved veterinarian to certify cat and dog exports to Australia from the UK. 

​Not all OVs will automatically hold the necessary OV66 authorisation. 

​A list of approved OVs with OV66 authorisation is available from APHA. This list is not available through the DAFF in Australia. 

​​Which OV66 can perform which tasks for my pre-export preparations? 

​Two separate OV66 authorised veterinarians from separate clinics must complete the identity verification process. This includes scanning the animals microchip number, taking a colour photograph of a legible microchip number on the scanner and any identifying features of the animal and completing the identity declaration template. These requirements are then sent to DAFF by each OV66 for assessment. 

  • ​The identity declaration form is not publicly available on our website. You will need to contact APHA to obtain this form and for any further information on the process specific to the UK. 

​The identity of the animal must be verified by the two OV66’s prior to the blood sample being collected for the RNATT. If the blood sample is collected prior to the second microchip scan, the RNATT becomes invalid and will need to be repeated. 

  • ​The OV66 that is completing the second scan may take blood samples for the RNATT on the same day. 
  • ​The OV66 that takes the blood sample for the RNATT cannot complete the RNATT declaration or endorse the veterinary health certificate. 

​Example scenario: 

​OV66 veterinarian Dr. Linda (Green Grass Veterinary Clinic) and OV66 veterinarian Dr. Tony (Bright Side Animal Hospital) are assisting with pre-export preparations for a dog. 

​Dr. Linda may complete the first scan for the identity declaration. Dr. Tony may complete the second scan and draw bloods for the RNATT sample on the same day. Dr. Linda may complete the RNATT declaration and endorse the veterinary health certificate five days prior to export. 

​​My animal originates from Australia. Do I need to complete an identity declaration in the UK? 

​Animals originating from Australia may be eligible for the minimum 10-day PEQ period if a copy of the Australian export health certificate is provided when you apply for your import permit. A copy of this certificate is sufficient evidence that your animal was identified by a government official when being exported from Australia. The export certificate is considered equivalent to an identity declaration, and therefore it is not necessary to complete an identity declaration. Further information regarding the requirements for returning Australian cats and dogs is on our website.

​What is the process for a UK identity declaration? 

​The identity verification process must be conducted by two separate official veterinarians in the UK that hold the OV66 authorisation. Only official veterinarians with this OV66 authorisation are permitted to carry out the identity verification process. The official veterinarians must be from separate veterinary practices. 

​Each of the two official veterinarians will send a completed identity declaration directly to the department from their registered email address. A clear, coloured photograph of a legible microchip number on the scanner and any identifying features of the animal must accompany the declaration in the email. The department will assess the documentation and images provided and will collate the final declaration to include in assessment of the import permit application. The department will only accept the declaration and photograph directly from OV66 authorised veterinarians through official channels. 

​​Why can’t I use my current RNATT if I choose to complete an identity declaration? 

​If you already hold a valid RNATT but wish to qualify for a minimum 10-day quarantine period, you will be required to repeat the RNATT after the two identity declarations are completed. 

​To be eligible for a minimum quarantine period of 10-days, the identity declaration must be completed before any other pre-export preparations, including the RNATT. This ensures the animal’s identity is verified by an official veterinarian, and the microchip is matched to that animal prior to any samples being taken. 

​Any RNATT done prior to the identity verification will become invalid. This means that the mandatory 180 day waiting period prior to export will restart from the date the new blood sample for the RNATT arrives at the testing laboratory. 

​What if I have already applied for an import permit but it has not yet been granted? 

​The department will contact you directly to give you the option to proceed with your permit application as is, giving you a 30-day minimum quarantine period (with no identity declaration) or to restart the process to complete an identity declaration and a new RNATT, which will give you eligibility for a minimum 10-day quarantine period.  

​You will be required to respond to the request for information within 30 days that the request is sent to advise how you wish to proceed with your application. If no response is received within 30-days of the request, the permit application will be assessed with the current information and documentation available to the assessing officer. 

​​What is the process to get 10-day quarantine if my permit has already been granted and I have commenced the 180-day waiting period following a valid RNATT? 

​If you hold a valid import permit that has been granted for a minimum 30-day quarantine period, your dog or cat will not be eligible for a minimum 10-day quarantine period unless specific requirements are met. 

​To be eligible for a minimum 10-day quarantine period, pre-export preparations must be restarted. An identity declaration must be completed first, and a new RNATT is required to be completed after this. The RNATT you currently hold will be considered invalid because it was not completed prior to the identity declaration. Once you have received a new RNATT, you may apply for an import permit variation. 

​How do I apply for a variation to my granted import permit? 

​To make a change to a finalised import permit, you will need to log into your BICON account and submit a permit variation request. 

​Please refer to the BICON help card: How do I vary my import permit? 

​If you have any further questions please contact the department using the ‘Contact Us’ tab in BICON, sending an email to imports@aff.gov.au or by calling 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1). 

​​Do I still have to pay for the extra 20 days of quarantine if I already have a permit granted for 30 days but don’t wish to restart the process? 

​If you hold a valid import permit for a quarantine period of 30-days and choose to proceed with this permit and quarantine period, you will be required to pay the full fee of 30-day quarantine to cover the cost of daily husbandry, food, etc.​ 

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

Contact us online

Report a biosecurity concern

Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks! Your feedback has been submitted.

We aren't able to respond to your individual comments or questions.
To contact us directly phone us or submit an online inquiry

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Please verify that you are not a robot.

Skip
Page last updated: 24 October 2024

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

Footer

  • Contact us
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • FOI

© Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram