Pet Shipping Cost to Australia 2026: The Complete Price Breakdown from Vietnam

Working out the true cost to import a dog or cat to Australia from Vietnam is widely considered the “most difficult and most expensive journey in the world.” Because Vietnam is not an approved country for direct import, every pet must undergo a mandatory residency period of over six months in a third country. You should refer to our comprehensive Pet Relocation to Australia guide to grasp the overall roadmap before diving into the detailed cost breakdown below.

At Daisy Pet Transport, we call this the “Price of Quality.” This article breaks down the significant costs involved in bringing a pet to Australia in 2026.

Estimated Total Cost (Price Range)

Daisy’s 2026 estimate for the full route — from Vietnam, through at least six months in an approved third country, to release from quarantine in Melbourne — came to about $25,000. The figure is itemised once the third-country plan is agreed, because the country chosen sets most of the cost.

*Disclaimer: These prices are estimates only. The actual cost depends on your pet’s specific details: weight, crate dimensions, breed, and whether they already have a Microchip, Passport, core vaccinations, or Rabies vaccine. To receive a personalized quote and a detailed relocation plan, please fill out our Get a Quote form. For full regulations, please visit our Pet Relocation to Australia pillar page.

Why Is the Cost to Australia So High?

1. 180-Day Third-Country Residency (the Largest Share of the Total)

Your pet must reside continuously in an approved third country such as Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, the UAE, or Canada for the full 180-day waiting period under DAFF’s health monitoring requirements — this is residency, not quarantine; the only formal quarantine stay happens later at Mickleham, after your pet actually lands in Australia. Costs include:

• Freight to the transshipment country via Manifested Cargo (a strict requirement for Australia destinations; Checked Baggage/AVIH is not permitted).
• 180 days of boarding/pet-care stay: Covering food, housing, and required veterinary checks throughout the full residency period.

2. Mickleham Quarantine Facility Fees (Melbourne) ($1,700 – $2,200+ USD)

Every pet entering Australia must stay for at least 10 days at the government-run Mickleham facility in Melbourne, Victoria (managed by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – DAFF). Fees include:

• Reservation and assessment fees.
• Accommodation fees: Approximately AUD 53 per day.
• If your pet’s Identity Verification was not completed by a government vet before the RNATT blood draw, DAFF extends the stay to 30 days—pushing this line item to roughly AUD 4,100 instead of the ~AUD 3,000 total for the standard 10-day stay, per DAFF’s FAQ estimate.

For the full picture of what these 10 days involve — the facility location, duration, and how to prepare your pet — read our dedicated Australia Pet Quarantine (Mickleham PEQ) Guide.

3. Australian Import Permit (BICON) (~$400 USD)

Application fees for the official Australian Import Permit via BICON. You can refer to our Australia Pet Import Regulations 2026 guide for application details.

4. Medical Compliance & Documentation in Vietnam (~$1,095 – $1,315 USD)

These are the mandatory veterinary and paperwork costs incurred in Vietnam before your pet departs. Costs vary depending on whether your pet already has a microchip, rabies vaccination, or core vaccines.

A single minor error in the veterinary paperwork can lead to 30 days of mandatory quarantine extension or even deportation, incurring thousands of dollars in unexpected penalties. To understand why hiring a professional agent is the most cost-effective and safest option, read our analysis on Professional Pet Relocation Services.

💡 Expert Insight: “Australia has zero tolerance for biosecurity breaches. Any documentation error can lead to heartbreaking outcomes at the border.” – Daisy Pet Team.