Import Timeline — DAFF Group 3 Process
| Phase | Target Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip & Rabies Verify | Jul 31, 2026 (38d) | ISO 15-digit microchip required. Rabies vaccination must be current and on record with accredited vet. |
| USDA VEHCS Vet Visit 1 (Part 1) | Aug 15, 2026 (53d) | Accredited USDA vet completes Part 1 of 3-part VEHCS identity verification. Required for 10-day quarantine track (vs 30-day). |
| USDA VEHCS Vet Visit 2 (Part 2) | Sep 05, 2026 (74d) | Part 2 of VEHCS. Must use USDA-accredited vet — confirm accreditation before booking. |
| USDA VEHCS Part 3 Endorsement | Sep 20, 2026 (89d) | USDA endorsement of health certificate. ALL 3 parts must be complete BEFORE blood draw or 30-day quarantine applies automatically. |
| RNATT Blood Draw | Sep 28, 2026 (97d) | Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test. Blood drawn by accredited vet, shipped to DAFF-approved lab immediately (do not delay shipment). |
| Blood at DAFF Lab — 180-day clock starts | Oct 02, 2026 (101d) | ⚠ CRITICAL: The 180-day waiting period starts on the date the lab RECEIVES the sample, NOT the draw date. Confirm receipt date directly with lab. Request written confirmation. |
| BICON Import Permit Lodge | Jan 15, 2027 (206d) | Lodge import permit via DAFF BICON system. Fee: AUD $603. Lodge early — processing takes time. Have all documentation ready. |
| Pre-Export 45-Day Window Opens | Mar 15, 2027 (265d) | Final health checks must occur within 45 days of export date. Do NOT schedule final vet exam before this window opens. |
| Final Vet Exam + Health Certificate | Apr 26, 2027 (307d) | USDA accredited vet signs and endorses final health certificate. Must fall within the 45-day pre-export window. |
| Target Export — MEL only | Apr 29, 2027 (310d) | ⚠ CRITICAL: Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) is the ONLY approved Australian airport for dog imports from Group 3 countries. Do NOT book Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE), or any other airport. |
| Quarantine Release (10-day stay) | May 09, 2027 (320d) | Post-arrival quarantine at Mickleham facility, Victoria. Estimated cost: AUD $2,480. 10-day track requires completed VEHCS all 3 parts (vs 30 days without). |
Clock reminder: The 180-day waiting period starts on the date the DAFF-approved lab receives the blood sample — not the draw date. Allow 1–4 days courier transit. Confirm lab receipt in writing. Steps marked with a red left-border are CRITICAL sequencing risks.
Document Checklist
Reference checklist — collect all documents in this order. The lab blood receipt confirmation (item 7) is the single most important date to get in writing.
Key Contacts
Cost Estimate
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BICON Import Permit | AUD $603 | Non-refundable |
| Mickleham Quarantine (10-day) | ~AUD $2,480 | 10-day track (requires VEHCS all 3 parts) |
| RNATT blood test (lab fee) | ~USD $150–200 | Kansas State VDL |
| Airline cargo (live animal) | ~USD $500–1,500 | Varies by airline / crate size |
| Accredited vet visits (×3+) | ~USD $300–600 | Estimate; excludes IPATA agent fees |
| Total estimate | ~AUD $4,500–6,000 | Excludes vet visits; IPATA agent fees ~USD $4,500–8,000 additional |
Critical Warnings
Victoria (Melbourne) is CLEARED. Melbourne is the import point and likely settlement location. Victoria uses visual phenotype assessment against the 2014 Approved Standard — an authorised council officer must see the dog in person. A 65 lb German-Shepherd-predominant mix is unlikely to trigger a declaration. Even if declared, Victoria’s consequence is regulated registration under strict conditions, NOT seizure or destruction. A 14-day VCAT appeal window applies.
Queensland (Brisbane) is HIGH RISK. Queensland amended the Animal Management Act in August 2024, converting the five named breeds from “restricted” (permit + conditions) to “prohibited” (seize and destroy immediately). Brisbane City Council’s published policy is to issue a destruction order on identification. Do not relocate to Brisbane or any QLD council with Maizie without first obtaining a formal legal opinion.
Chow Chow is NOT on any Australian BSL list — federal, state, or council. The 9.9% Chow Chow in Maizie’s DNA profile is a non-issue at every regulatory layer. Colac Otway Shire (regional Victoria) has lower animal-management enforcement density than inner-Melbourne councils — a marginal additional advantage.
Bali has been rabies-endemic since 2008. Any time Maizie spends in Bali may affect her DAFF country-group classification and RNATT eligibility for the 180-day clock.
Do NOT bring Maizie to Bali without first confirming with DAFF that her RNATT status is unaffected. If Maizie would transit through Bali: contact DAFF before booking.
Bali vets (English-speaking): Sunset Vet Kuta — +62 361 762617 • Bali Vet Clinic Seminyak
Only Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) accepts Group 3 dog imports from the United States. This is enforced at both DAFF biosecurity and airline level. Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine (135 Donnybrook Rd, Mickleham VIC 3064) is the only approved quarantine facility for cats and dogs in Australia.
| Airport | Status |
|---|---|
| Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL) | ✓ APPROVED — USE THIS |
| Sydney (SYD) | ✗ NOT approved |
| Brisbane (BNE) | ✗ NOT approved |
| Perth (PER) | ✗ NOT approved |
| Adelaide (ADL) | ✗ NOT approved |
Mickleham accepts arrivals: Mon/Tue/Sat/Sun 05:00–14:30 AEST; Wed/Thu/Fri 05:00–21:00 AEST. Flights outside these windows incur out-of-hours surcharges (~AUD $170–180). Arrivals 21:00–05:00 are not accepted at all.
