If you’re planning to travel with your pet to Australia, you may already be aware of the strict biosecurity measures in place, the multiple steps involved, and the mandatory quarantine period upon arrival.
For more information regarding the steps for taking a dog to Australia, please refer to the Australian Government step-by-step guides for dogs here and for cats here, or the UK notes for guidance for dogs here and for cats here.
As of 4 November 2024, an important change agreed between the UK and Australian authorities allows pet owners to reduce the mandatory quarantine period for their pets from 30 days to just 10 days. This is possible if certain steps, including two Identification (ID) checks by Official Veterinarians (OVs) with OV66 authorisation, are completed.
Who Can Complete the ID Checks?
The two ID checks must be carried out by OV66-authorised vets. These vets are authorised to work on behalf of the UK government (Official Veterinarians or OVs) and are also specifically authorised by UK authorities to carry out the ID checks required by the Australian government.
At PassPets, all our veterinarians are OV66-authorised, and we’re here to guide you through the process. Here’s what you need to know about the OV66 ID check process.
What Is the OV66 ID Check?
The OV66 ID checks ensure that the pet’s identity is correctly verified by two different OVs from separate practices, reducing the risk of fraud or errors. These checks are mandatory for eligibility for the reduced 10-day quarantine period upon arrival in Australia. Without these two ID checks, your pet will still be subject to a 30-day quarantine period upon arrival.
The OV66 ID Check Process:
To qualify for the 10-day quarantine, two separate ID checks must be completed:
1. First ID Check
Conducted by an OV66-authorised veterinarian (OV1).
Must be carried out between 180 and 365 days prior to export.
The pet’s microchip is scanned and verified. A colour photograph of the pet, showing the microchip number on the scanner, is taken.
An ID declaration form is completed by the OV66-authorised vet and submitted to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) by the OV using their registered email address.
2. Second ID Check
Conducted by a different OV66-authorised veterinarian (OV2), working at a separate practice from OV1. We can guide you to practices local to us that are able to offer this service.
Must also occur between 180 and 365 days prior to export.
As with the first check, the pet’s microchip is scanned, and another photograph is taken.
A separate ID declaration form is completed and submitted to DAFF by OV2.
Both ID checks must be completed before the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) blood sampling can occur, although the second ID check can be conducted on the same day as the RNATT blood sampling.
The rabies vaccination and vaccination certificate may be completed either before or after the first ID verification.
Key Requirements for the OV66 ID Check
Separate Practices: The two veterinarians conducting the checks must work at different practices to ensure impartiality. At PassPets, we offer the first ID check and can guide you to other local practices with OV66-registered vets for the second ID check and the RNATT blood sampling. PassPets can also complete the RNATT declaration once you have received your pet’s RNATT certificate from the testing laboratory.
Microchip Verification: The pet’s microchip must be scanned and verified at every stage, and the number must match all associated documentation. The exporter details on your pet’s microchip registration documents at this stage should match the exporter details planned to be used for your pet’s final export documentation and import permit.
Documentation Submission: ID declaration forms and accompanying photographs must be submitted directly to DAFF from the OV66 vets’ registered email addresses.
Photographic Evidence: Photos must clearly display the microchip scanner with the microchip number and the pet’s distinguishing features.
Why Choose PassPets for OV66 ID Checks?
At PassPets, we understand how important your pet is to you, and we’re here to make the export process as seamless as possible. With all our veterinarians holding OV66 authorisation, we can provide:
Expert guidance on completing the ID checks and other necessary steps.
High standards of care and attention to detail to ensure compliance with all regulations.
A streamlined process for submitting documentation to DAFF.
Additional Steps for Reduced Quarantine Eligibility
In addition to the two ID checks, pets must meet the following requirements for 10-day quarantine eligibility:
Rabies Vaccination: Ensure your pet is vaccinated against rabies with a government-approved vaccine – this can be completed either before or after the first ID check.
RNATT Blood Test: This must be completed after the second ID check, with samples sent to an approved laboratory. This can be conducted at the same appointment and by the same OV66-authorised vet who completed the second ID check.
Export Health Certification: Finalised by an OV66-authorised veterinarian with all supporting documentation attached.
Ready to Start the Process?
If you’re preparing to take your pet to Australia, don’t leave anything to chance – it’s important to plan the process well in advance of your proposed departure date.
At PassPets, we offer comprehensive support throughout the process, from the first ID check to the RNATT declaration appointment, to the final export health certificate certification.
Contact us, or complete our enquiry form below for more information about your pet’s first OV66 ID check.