Bringing Your Pet from Germany to Australia
Moving a dog or cat from Germany to Australia takes careful planning. Jetfast Pet Express coordinates veterinary preparation, documentation, the import permit, travel arrangements and arrival support. Rebecca Moriconi, our Australian Branch Manager, can help you plan a route and timeline for your pet.
Frankfurt or Berlin Departures
We can help arrange collection and travel from Berlin, Frankfurt and other locations in Germany. Frankfurt is often a practical departure hub, but the route depends on your pet, the available airline services and Australia’s import conditions. We can coordinate an appropriate travel crate, collection, flight planning and paperwork checks before departure.
Allow Around 6–8 Months
Germany is an approved Group 3 country for cat and dog imports to Australia. Allow around 6–8 months to prepare; the precise timing depends on your pet’s vaccination history, test results, veterinary appointments, permit and available quarantine space. The mandatory 180-day period begins when the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) sample reaches the laboratory. Your pet must remain in an approved country and meet the applicable conditions throughout preparation.
How the Relocation Works
1. Plan the veterinary timeline
We review your pet’s circumstances, microchip and rabies vaccination history, then coordinate with government-approved veterinarians in Germany. An official identity check before the RNATT blood sample is important if your pet is to be considered for the shorter post-entry quarantine stay. The identity check and RNATT cannot be performed at the same veterinary visit.
2. Complete the permit and travel arrangements
After the required rabies preparation, we help review the documentation and arrange the Australian import permit, a booking at the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Melbourne, an IATA-compliant travel crate and a suitable flight. Further health checks, treatments and official certification must be completed within the required timeframes.
3. Arrive in Melbourne and travel home
Cats and dogs imported under these conditions must arrive directly at Melbourne International Airport as manifested cargo. After their PEQ stay and release, we can help arrange onward transport within Australia to reunite your pet with you.
Australia’s Group 3 Entry Requirements
Group 3 preparations include a compliant microchip, rabies vaccination, the RNATT, an import permit and the required veterinary checks and certificates. The details differ for cats and dogs. A government-approved veterinarian must complete the veterinary preparations in an approved country. An official identity verification before the RNATT may make a pet eligible for a minimum 10-day PEQ stay; without it, the minimum is generally 30 days. The final quarantine period depends on compliance with the import conditions and the Australian authorities’ assessment.
Read the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s current Group 3 dog guide or Group 3 cat guide before starting. We will work from the current rules for your pet.
Why Work With Jetfast Pet Express?
We help join the veterinary timeline, documents and transport into one plan. Our team can coordinate collection in Germany, crate arrangements, flights, the Australian import permit, PEQ booking and onward travel after release. Rebecca manages the Australian side and can explain the steps and costs for your particular move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my pet depart from Berlin instead of Frankfurt?
We can plan from either city and can arrange collection elsewhere in Germany. The suitable airport and route depend on airline availability and your pet’s requirements.
How long should I allow?
Plan around 6–8 months. The RNATT laboratory arrival date starts the mandatory 180-day period, and the other preparations, permit and bookings need time as well.
How long is PEQ in Australia?
For an eligible Group 3 pet with the required official identity verification before RNATT, the minimum may be 10 days. Otherwise the minimum is generally 30 days. The Australian authorities determine the applicable stay and may extend it if conditions are not met.
Can my pet fly directly to another Australian city?
No. Under the standard Group 3 import process, your pet must arrive directly at Melbourne International Airport for PEQ. We can discuss onward travel after release.
Let’s Plan Your Pet’s Journey
Tell us your pet’s species, breed, location in Germany, intended Australian destination and preferred travel date. Contact Rebecca Moriconi, Australian Branch Manager, at Rebecca@jetfastpetexpress.com, or request a quotation.