Australia's 180-day rule and quarantine, explained
The UAE is an approved Group 3 country for Australia. That means your dog can go direct, but only after a rabies blood test and a 180-day wait, followed by at least 10 days in quarantine.
The 180-day clock
The wait starts on the date the rabies blood sample arrives at the laboratory, not the date it is drawn. Your dog must stay in an approved country for at least 180 days before export. It is not quarantine: your dog lives at home during this time.
The test result is valid for 12 months from collection, so the export window runs from day 180 to about day 365.
10 days or 30 days in quarantine
Group 3 dogs go to the government facility at Mickleham, Victoria. The minimum is 30 days, unless a government vet did an identity check before the blood draw, in which case it is 10 days. The check is optional but almost always worth it.
Start early
The Australian department of agriculture advises allowing at least 6 months for the whole process and recommends using an experienced pet transport agent.
Sources
- DAFF: Step-by-step guides and country groups
- DAFF: Rabies vaccination and tests
- DAFF: Cats and dogs FAQ
- DAFF: Fees for government quarantine facilities
Rules change. Confirm your plan with your vet and the destination authority before booking.
Full step-by-step guide: UAE to Australia