The path, step by step
Do these in order. The waiting periods stack, so the calendar, not the paperwork, is what you're really managing.
Microchip your dog (ISO 11784/11785)
Australia only reads 15-digit ISO chips. If yours is a different standard, bring your own scanner or get re-chipped before the rabies shot.
Rabies vaccination, then wait
The rabies shot must come after the microchip. Then a mandatory waiting period begins before the titer test counts.
Rabies titer (RNATT) blood test
A lab confirms the vaccine worked. This is the single biggest driver of your timeline, so book it the moment the waiting period clears.
Apply for the import permit
Lodge with the Department of Agriculture. Permits take a few weeks and set your earliest arrival date.
CDC rules are origin/vaccination based; some states, cities and airlines impose their own breed rules - check the destination.
Gear that helps on this route
How we stay free: some links here are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which products we recommend. We only suggest gear we would put on our own dogs.
Import rules change. We update ours the week they change, but the destination authority is the final word. Confirm requirements with them before travel.