Pet Travel Timeline Calculator
Every veterinary and administrative milestone, counted backwards from the day your pet flies. Titer-test destinations such as Australia and Japan start six to seven months out.
Plan backwards
Complexity: Extreme
Lead time: 6–7 months
Governing body: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
Quarantine: 10 days at Mickleham PEQ, Melbourne
- T−210d
Microchip + records review
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip and confirm every vaccination record post-dates it.
- T−203d
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine administered after the microchip — a vaccine given first is legally invalid.
- T−187d
FAVN rabies titer blood draw
Blood sample sent to an approved laboratory; must return ≥ 0.5 IU/mL.
- T−180d
180-day waiting period starts
Counted from the date the laboratory receives the sample. Served in the United States.
- T−60d
Apply for the import permit (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
Permit requirement: Yes (DAFF via BICON). Approval must be in hand before departure.
- T−45d
Book flights and IATA-compliant crate
Confirm carrier acceptance, crate sizing and any brachycephalic or breed embargoes on the routing.
- T−10d
USDA-accredited vet exam + health certificate
Category II accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and submits it via VEHCS.
- T−7d
USDA APHIS endorsement
Endorsement within 10 days of arrival for non-commercial moves, or within 48 hours of departure for commercial moves.
- T−3d
Parasite treatments and final checks
Tapeworm or parasite treatments given inside the destination's required window, recorded by the vet.
- Day 0
Departure day
Check-in as cargo, checked baggage or in-cabin per the booked service.
Have a specialist check your dates
Send your route and pet details and up to three vetted pet relocation specialists will quote your move for free.
Free pet moving quotes
Classified as a non-commercial movement. Non-commercial moves need USDA endorsement within 10 days of arrival.