Imagine this: You’ve just landed your dream job overseas. The future looks bright. But there’s one problem—you can’t take your best friend with you.
For Divya and John, a young couple from Hyderabad, that “best friend” was Sky, their beloved golden retriever. When they moved to Australia for work in early 2025, they were forced to leave Sky behind with family. The separation was agonizing. “Every video call ended with tears,” Divya recalled. “He’d sit by the door waiting for us.”
But instead of accepting fate, they made a bold decision: they would spend every penny they had—₹15 lakh—to bring Sky to Australia, no matter how complex, costly, or time-consuming the process. Their journey highlights the emotional and financial realities of pet relocation to Australia, one of the world’s strictest countries when it comes to animal imports.
Here’s how they did it—and what you need to know if you’re considering the same path.
Table of Contents
- Why Australia Is the Hardest Country for Pet Imports
- The ₹15 Lakh Breakdown: Cost of Moving a Dog to Australia
- The Dubai Quarantine Detour
- Emotional Toll and Family Sacrifices
- Step-by-Step Guide to Pet Relocation to Australia in 2026
- Was It Worth It? The Reunion
- Conclusion: Love Has No Borders—or Price Tags
- Sources
Why Australia Is the Hardest Country for Pet Imports
Australia’s biosecurity laws are legendary—and for good reason. To protect its unique ecosystem from diseases like rabies (which the country has never had), the government enforces one of the most rigorous pet import protocols globally.
Key requirements include:
- Rabies vaccination + blood test (with a 180-day waiting period after the test).
- Microchipping before any vaccinations.
- Strict parasite treatments within precise time windows.
- Mandatory quarantine in an approved country (like the UAE or Singapore) for at least 10 days before entry.
- Only certain “approved” countries can send pets directly; India is not on that list [[1]].
This last point is critical. Because India isn’t approved, pets must first travel to a third country—like Dubai—for final processing. That’s where Divya and John’s costs skyrocketed.
The ₹15 Lakh Breakdown: Cost of Moving a Dog to Australia
Many assume international pet transport costs a few lakhs. But the reality is far steeper. Here’s how Divya and John’s ₹15 lakh bill added up:
| Expense | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Veterinary tests & vaccinations (India) | ₹75,000 |
| Rabies titer test (sent to EU lab) | ₹40,000 |
| Pet relocation agency fees | ₹3,00,000 |
| Flight from India to Dubai (cargo) | ₹1,20,000 |
| Dubai quarantine (10 days, premium facility) | ₹2,50,000 |
| Flight from Dubai to Australia (cargo) | ₹4,00,000 |
| Australian import permits & handling | ₹1,50,000 |
| Emergency buffer & incidentals | ₹1,65,000 |
“We sold our car, paused our savings, and lived on rice and dal for months,” John admitted. “But Sky wasn’t just a pet—he was family.”
The Dubai Quarantine Detour
Because India isn’t an approved country, Sky had to spend 10 days in a government-approved quarantine facility in Dubai. The couple chose a premium center that offered live camera access, daily walks, and air-conditioned suites—adding significantly to the cost but giving them peace of mind.
“Watching him on the camera, eating his meals, sleeping—it kept us sane,” Divya said. “But those 10 days felt like 10 years.”
Emotional Toll and Family Sacrifices
Beyond finances, the emotional strain was immense. Their parents in Hyderabad cared for Sky for over a year, delaying their own retirement plans. Friends questioned their priorities. “People said, ‘It’s just a dog,’” John shared. “But if you have a pet, you know—they’re your child.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Pet Relocation to Australia in 2026
If you’re inspired by their story, here’s a simplified roadmap:
- Confirm eligibility: Check if your country is “approved” on the Australian Department of Agriculture website [[1]].
- Start early: Begin the process at least 7–9 months before travel.
- Use a certified vet: All procedures must be done by a government-authorized veterinarian.
- Choose a transit hub: If from India, plan for Dubai, Singapore, or the UK as your quarantine stop.
- Hire a reputable pet relocation agency: Look for IPATA-certified companies with Australia-specific experience.
- Budget realistically: Expect ₹10–18 lakh for a dog, depending on size and route.
Was It Worth It? The Reunion
On January 20, 2026, Sky stepped off the plane in Melbourne. He ran straight to Divya and John, tail wagging, eyes wide. “He remembered us instantly,” Divya said, tears streaming. “That moment erased every rupee we spent.”
Today, Sky explores Australian beaches, chases kangaroos (from a distance), and sleeps between them every night. For them, the answer is clear: yes, it was worth every single paisa.
Conclusion: Love Has No Borders—or Price Tags
The story of Divya, John, and Sky is more than a tale of pet relocation to Australia. It’s a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and their animals. In a world of logistics and regulations, their love refused to be quarantined.
For anyone considering this journey: know the costs, respect the rules, but never underestimate the value of bringing your whole family home—even if one member has four legs and a wagging tail.
[INTERNAL_LINK:how-to-move-pets-abroad] | [INTERNAL_LINK:australia-visa-with-pets]