Bailey Pet Care 

Australia has some of the strictest pet import regulations in the world to protect against diseases, especially rabies. If your dog is coming from a non-approved country (one that Australia does not recognize as rabies-free or low-risk), they cannot enter directly. Instead, they must first spend at least 180 days in an approved third country before being eligible to travel to Australia.

This requirement exists because non-approved countries may have a higher risk of rabies and other diseases. The 180-day stay allows for proper health monitoring, including rabies titer testing, ensuring that your dog meets Australia’s strict biosecurity standards before entering.

Our service helps simplify this process by providing a safe, comfortable, and fully managed stay in South Korea, where your dog will receive veterinary care, proper documentation, and all necessary preparations before continuing their journey to Australia.

South Korea is an excellent choice as a third country for your dog’s required 180-day stay before entering Australia. Here’s why:

✔️ No Quarantine Upon Arrival – Unlike some countries, South Korea does not require quarantine for dogs entering from non-approved countries, as long as they meet the import requirements upon arrival. This means your dog can go directly to our facility for their stay, avoiding unnecessary stress or isolation.

✔️ Approved by Australia – South Korea is recognized by Australia as an approved country for pet export, meaning that after completing their stay here and meeting all veterinary requirements, your dog can continue their journey without additional delays.

✔️ Straightforward Entry Process – Bringing a dog into South Korea is relatively simple compared to other third-country options. To enter, your dog will need:

• A rabies vaccination certificate (given at least 30 days before arrival).

• A rabies titer test from an approved lab (completed at least 30 days before travel but within 24 months).

• A veterinary health certificate issued by a government-accredited vet.

✔️ Ideal for Many Non-Approved Countries – If you are relocating from India, Russia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, or other non-approved countries, your dog must stay in a third country for at least 180 days before entering Australia. South Korea offers a safe, comfortable, and efficient solution to complete this requirement.

✔️ Reliable Veterinary Care & Direct Flight Routes – South Korea has government-accredited veterinary clinics that handle the necessary health checks, titer testing, and export documentation for Australia. It also offers direct flight routes from major cities, ensuring a smoother travel experience for your pet.

By choosing South Korea, you’re selecting a trusted, efficient, and pet-friendly option that makes the relocation process as seamless as possible.

Once your dog arrives in South Korea, they will stay in a safe, comfortable, and fully managed facility while completing their required 180-day waiting period before being eligible to enter Australia. Here’s what to expect:

✔️ Arrival & Health Check – Upon arrival, your dog will receive a thorough veterinary check-up to ensure they are healthy and adapting well. We’ll also verify all necessary paperwork to ensure compliance with Australian regulations.

✔️ Daily Care & Exercise – Your dog will receive regular feeding, playtime, and exercise in a secure environment, just like they would at home. Our experienced team ensures they stay happy, active, and well-socialized during their stay.

✔️ Veterinary Monitoring & Documentation – Throughout the stay, we will closely monitor your dog’s health and ensure all veterinary requirements are met. This includes:

• Routine health checks to confirm ongoing well-being.

• Final health examination & parasite treatments before departure.

• Completion of all required export paperwork for smooth entry into Australia.

✔️ Twice-Daily Photo Updates for Owners – We understand how important your pet is to you, so we provide two photo updates per day, allowing you to see how your dog is doing throughout their stay. This helps give you peace of mind while you focus on your move.

✔️ Preparation for Departure to Australia – As the 180-day period comes to an end, we’ll coordinate all final steps, including:

• Booking a government-accredited vet appointment for their pre-departure health check.

• Ensuring all documents are finalized (health certificate, vaccination records, import permit).

• Preparing a comfortable, IATA-compliant travel crate for their journey to Australia.

Once everything is complete, your dog will board their flight to Australia, where they will complete the final mandatory 10-day quarantine before being reunited with you!

By choosing our service, you can rest assured that your dog is in safe hands while they meet the required waiting period in a stress-free and loving environment.

At Bailey Pet Care, we are not just another pet boarding facility—we are a family-run business that treats every dog like our own. Unlike large kennels or high-volume boarding centers, we limit the number of dogs we accept to ensure that each pet receives the personalized care, attention, and comfort they deserve.

✔️ Government-Approved Facility
We are a government-approved pet care facility that meets all health, safety, and animal welfare regulations in South Korea. This means you can trust that your dog is staying in a fully licensed, professionally managed environment while they complete their 180-day transition period.

✔️ Spacious Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas
Our facility is designed with multiple play areas, both indoors and outdoors, allowing us to group dogs based on their personality and energy levels. Whether your dog enjoys active play, socializing with friends, or a more relaxed setting, we have the perfect space to ensure they feel comfortable and engaged throughout their stay.

✔️ Dog Pool for Summer Fun
During the warmer months, we take extra steps to make sure the dogs stay cool and have fun! We have a dog-friendly pool, where pups can splash, play, and cool off while enjoying the summer.

✔️ Personalized Care in a Home-Like Environment
We started as a dog daycare and hotel for pet owners who expect high standards of care. Our facility is built for comfort, not confinement, meaning your dog will enjoy regular play, one-on-one attention, and a stress-free environment instead of being kept in a kennel.

✔️ Family-Owned with a Passion for Dogs
Bailey Pet Care is run by a Canadian and Korean husband-and-wife team who understand the needs of international pet owners. We know how important it is to trust the people caring for your pet, and we take that responsibility seriously.

✔️ Highly Trained & Certified Staff
Our staff members are experienced, well-trained, and certified in pet care. We closely monitor all dogs under our care and ensure they receive the highest level of safety, health, and well-being throughout their stay.

✔️ English & Korean Communication
We understand that international pet relocation is stressful, and clear communication is essential. Since our owners are fluent in both English and Korean, you can expect seamless updates, quick responses, and professional service without language barriers.

✔️ Regular Updates – Twice Daily
We know how much you miss your pet while they are away. That’s why we provide twice-daily photo updates, so you can see how your dog is doing and feel reassured that they are happy, safe, and well cared for.

By choosing Bailey Pet Care, you are choosing a trusted, experienced, and compassionate team that will treat your dog like family. We are here to make the 180-day transition as smooth, stress-free, and comfortable as possible—for both you and your pet.

While 180 days may seem like a long wait, think of it as a vacation for your dog in one of the most exciting countries in the world! South Korea has become a global hotspot thanks to K-pop, K-dramas, and top Netflix shows, and now, your pet gets to experience their own K-adventure before reuniting with you in Australia or New Zealand.

✔️ A Social & Enriching Experience
Dogs are incredibly adaptable and adjust quickly to new environments—especially when they have other dogs to play with and loving caregivers. At Bailey Pet Care, your dog will enjoy:

• Daily playtime with new friends in our indoor and outdoor spaces.

• A fun and comfortable environment where they can socialize, relax, and feel at home.

• Exciting activities, including our dog pool in the summer, playgroups based on temperament, and plenty of one-on-one attention.

✔️ An Adventure, Not Just a Wait
Instead of spending 180 days in a stressful or confined setting, your dog will have an active, engaging experience. It’s a chance to explore a new place, bond with our team, and enjoy a comfortable stay before making the final journey to you.

✔️ Reunited Before You Know It!
We know you can’t wait to have your furry friend by your side, but time will fly by. With twice-daily photo updates, you’ll get to see their adventures and feel confident knowing they are happy, healthy, and in great hands.

By the time their Korea vacation is over, they’ll be ready for their final flight to Australia or New Zealand—where you’ll be reunited for your next big adventure together!

Australia is home to a unique and fragile ecosystem, and to protect its native wildlife from diseases such as rabies, the country enforces some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. If your pet is traveling from a non-approved country, direct entry into Australia is not permitted. Instead, your pet must first spend at least 180 days in an approved third country before being eligible for import.

Although this process may seem overwhelming, it is entirely possible with the right planning. Below, we outline the step-by-step process for successfully relocating your pet from a non-approved country to Australia.

What Are Non-Approved Countries?

Australia categorizes countries into three groups based on their rabies status:

• Group 1 Countries (Rabies-Free): New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Cocos Islands.

• Group 2 Countries (Low-Risk Rabies Countries): Includes countries such as Japan, Singapore, Hawaii, Iceland, Fiji, and Mauritius.

• Group 3 Countries (Moderate-Risk Rabies Countries): Includes South Korea, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union nations, and South Africa etc. Click here for a full list of Group 3 countries.

If your country is not listed in any of these groups, it is considered a non-approved country, meaning pets cannot travel directly to Australia.

1. Confirm Your Pet’s Eligibility

Before beginning the process, confirm that your pet’s breed is allowed for import. Certain dog breeds are restricted under Australia’s Dangerous Dog Act and are not eligible for entry.

2. Microchipping & Rabies Vaccination

• Your pet must be implanted with an ISO-compatible microchip, and the microchip number must be recorded accurately in all documents. Any mistakes in the microchip registration can result in denied entry.

• After microchipping, your pet must receive an inactivated rabies vaccine, administered according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

3. Rabies Titer Test (RNAT Test)

• A rabies titer test (RNAT test) must be performed at least 3–4 weeks after rabies vaccination.

• The test must be conducted at an approved rabies testing laboratory and must confirm a rabies antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml or higher.

• The test report must include:

  • Pet’s microchip number

  • Date of sampling

  • Date of test result

  • Signature of the laboratory official

  • Country of sample collection

  • Test type and result

If the test result is below the required 0.5 IU/ml, your pet must be re-vaccinated and re-tested before proceeding.

4. Begin the 180-Day Waiting Period & Apply for an Import Permit

• Your pet must wait 180 days from the date of the rabies titer test before traveling to Australia.

• During this time, you must apply for an import permit through Australia’s Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON).

5. Move Your Pet to an Approved Third Country (Group 2 or 3 Country)

• Your pet must relocate to an approved third country (such as South Korea) before continuing the process.

• Ensure that your pet meets all import requirements for the third country and secures all necessary health documents.

6. Repeat Rabies Titer Test & Vaccination in the Third Country

• After arrival in the third country, your pet must undergo a second RNAT test at an approved laboratory to confirm sufficient rabies antibodies.

• Your pet must also receive a booster rabies vaccination after the test.

7. Government Certification & Vaccination Declarations

• A government-accredited veterinarian in the third country must verify all test results, vaccinations, and microchip details.

• The vet must then sign and stamp the official rabies vaccination and RNAT test declaration.

8. Book Quarantine Space in Australia

• All pets entering Australia must complete a 10-day quarantine at the Post Entry Quarantine Centre in Mickleham, Melbourne.

• You must reserve quarantine space online as soon as your pet receives their final test results and approvals.

9. Complete Additional Pet Import Requirements

Apart from rabies-related requirements, your pet must also:
✔️ Receive mandatory vaccinations for diseases like distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus.
✔️ Undergo internal and external parasite treatments.
✔️ Pass a pre-export veterinary examination by a government-accredited vet.

10. Obtain an Official Health Certificate

• A government-accredited veterinarian in the third country must issue a final health certificate, confirming your pet meets all of Australia’s entry requirements.

• The vet must also sign and stamp:

  • The RNAT test reports

  • The vaccination declaration

  • The official health certificate

11. Make Travel Arrangements to Australia

• Once all documents are verified and quarantine space is booked, your pet is ready to travel to Australia!

• Upon arrival, your pet will be transported directly to the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Centre for their mandatory 10-day quarantine.

12. Reuniting With Your Pet!

After completing the 10-day quarantine, if all health checks are clear, your pet will be released and reunited with you in Australia! 

Note: The above is a summary of the current process however the Australian Government may adjust their procedures at any time, so always refer to their official website for the most recent information:

Here is a link to the official step-by-step guide from the Australian Government on how to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country (in this case, South Korea)

How We Can Help

At Bailey Pet Care, we make this complex process as seamless and stress-free as possible by providing:

✔️ A Safe & Comfortable 180-Day Stay in Korea – Your pet will complete their waiting period in our home-style, government-approved facility with access to indoor and outdoor play areas.
✔️ Complete Veterinary Support – We ensure all health checks, RNAT testing, and vaccinations are done correctly and on time.
✔️ Full Documentation Assistance – We help coordinate all necessary paperwork for export to Australia.
✔️ Daily Care & Playtime – Your pet will be well cared for, exercised, and socialized throughout their stay.
✔️ Twice-Daily Photo Updates – We keep you informed with photo and video updates every day, so you can see how your pet is doing.
✔️ English & Korean Communication – Our Canadian-Korean husband-and-wife team ensures clear communication throughout the process.

By choosing Bailey Pet Care, you can feel confident that your pet’s journey is in safe, experienced hands—making the relocation process easy, transparent, and worry-free.

New Zealand, like Australia, enforces strict biosecurity measures to protect its unique ecosystem from external threats. Consequently, direct importation of pets from non-approved countries is not permitted. However, with careful planning and adherence to regulations, relocating your pet to New Zealand is achievable. The process is similar to that of Australia, involving an interim stay in an approved third country before entry into New Zealand.

Overview of the Process:

1. Identify Country Categories:

   • New Zealand classifies countries into categories based on their rabies status:

     • Category 1: Rabies-free countries.

     • Category 2: Countries where rabies is absent or well-controlled.

     • Category 3: Countries where rabies is absent or well-controlled but with additional requirements.

   • If your country is not listed in these categories, it is considered non-approved, and direct entry for pets is not allowed.

2. Relocate to an Approved Country:

   • Transfer your pet to a Category 2 or 3 country (such as South Korea) and ensure compliance with that country's import regulations.

3. Residency Requirement:

   • Your pet must reside in the approved country for at least 6 months before being eligible to enter New Zealand.

4. Health Preparations:

   • Microchipping: Implant an ISO-compliant microchip before any vaccinations.

   • Rabies Vaccination: Administer an inactivated rabies vaccine post-microchipping.

   • Rabies Titer Test: Conduct a blood test to confirm sufficient rabies antibody levels.

5. Import Permit:

   • Apply for an import permit from New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) at least 30 working days before your intended travel date.

6. Quarantine Booking:

   • Reserve a spot at an MPI-approved quarantine facility in New Zealand, as a minimum 10-day quarantine is mandatory upon arrival.

7. Final Veterinary Checks:

   • Ensure all required vaccinations, treatments, and health certifications are completed prior to departure.

8. Travel Arrangements:

   • Organize transportation to New Zealand, ensuring all documentation accompanies your pet.

9. Arrival and Quarantine:

   • Upon arrival, your pet will undergo a biosecurity inspection before commencing the 10-day quarantine period.

How We Assist:

At Bailey Pet Care, we specialize in facilitating this intricate process by offering:

• Safe and Comfortable Stay: Your pet will reside in our government-approved facility in South Korea, enjoying personalized care and socialization.

• Comprehensive Veterinary Services: We manage all necessary health checks, vaccinations, and documentation to meet New Zealand's stringent requirements.

• Seamless Coordination: Our team handles the logistics of transferring your pet from South Korea to New Zealand, ensuring a smooth transition.

By entrusting us with your pet's relocation, you can be confident that every detail is meticulously managed, allowing for a stress-free reunion in New Zealand.

The above is a summary and a general outline for informational purposes. For detailed information on New Zealand's import requirements, please refer to the Ministry for Primary Industries' guidelines.

Yes! If you’d like to visit your dog while they are staying with us in South Korea, we welcome visits from owners who want to check in on their pets and spend some time with them. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

✔️ Scheduling a Visit
To ensure a smooth experience, we ask that all visits be scheduled in advance. This helps us manage our daily routines and ensure that your dog is ready and comfortable for your visit.

✔️ Minimizing Disruption for Your Dog
Dogs adapt quickly to their new environment, and while visits can be a great way to see how they are doing, frequent visits may sometimes cause confusion or stress, especially if they see you and then have to say goodbye again. We’ll help you decide the best approach based on your dog’s temperament.

✔️ Travel & Entry into Korea
If you are coming from abroad, make sure to check visa requirements for South Korea based on your nationality. Many travelers can enter visa-free or with a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization), but it’s always good to confirm current regulations before making travel plans.

✔️ Other Ways to Stay Connected
Even if you’re unable to visit in person, you’ll receive twice-daily photo updates and regular communication from our team. We want you to feel as close to your pet as possible while they complete their stay with us.

If you’re considering visiting, let us know! We’re happy to coordinate and ensure a memorable and positive experience for both you and your pet.

If you’re relocating from a Group 3 country such as Hong Kong, Kuwait, Qatar, South Africa, Taiwan, or the UAE, or even a Group 2 country like Japan or Singapore, your pet may be eligible for direct entry into Australia. However, even for Group 2 or 3 countries, the minimum time requirement for preparation is still 180 days, because the process only starts after your pet completes their rabies titer test (RNAT test).

This means that even though your pet is technically allowed to travel directly, they must still wait at least 180 days after their titer test is completed before they can enter Australia. If you need to move to Australia before your pet is eligible, boarding in South Korea can be a practical and cost-effective solution.

✔️ Need to Move Quickly?
If your company is relocating you to Australia on short notice, you may not have time to wait out the 180-day requirement in your home country. Boarding your pet with us in South Korea for a few months (e.g., 3–4 months) can give you time to:

• Get settled in Australia first—find a home, adjust to your new job, and prepare for your pet’s arrival.

• Ensure your pet completes all health and vaccination requirements without the stress of last-minute arrangements.

✔️ More Affordable & High-Quality Boarding
Boarding in South Korea may be more cost-effective than long-term pet boarding in expensive locations such as Hong Kong, Qatar, UAE, or Singapore, where the cost of premium pet care can be extremely high. At Bailey Pet Care, we provide:

• A comfortable, home-like setting instead of a traditional kennel environment.

• Personalized care with limited capacity—ensuring your pet gets individual attention.

• Daily playtime, exercise, and socialization in our indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Twice-daily photo updates so you can stay connected while getting settled in Australia.

✔️ Flexibility to Choose the Best Timing
Instead of rushing your pet’s relocation, boarding in Korea allows you to control the timing of their arrival in Australia. You can reunite with them when you are fully ready to welcome them into your new home.

If you’re moving from a Group 2 or 3 country and want a safe, comfortable, and flexible option for your pet’s transition, boarding with us in South Korea could be the perfect solution. Let us know your situation, and we’ll help you find the best plan for your pet’s journey!

At Bailey Pet Care, we understand the challenges of relocating pets from non-approved countries to Australia and New Zealand. The process is complex, time-consuming, and expensive, requiring expert coordination across multiple countries. That’s why we are actively looking to collaborate with pet relocation specialists in countries such as India, Russia, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and other non-approved locations.

✔️ How We Can Help Your Clients
For pet relocation companies assisting owners in non-approved countries, we provide a trusted, cost-effective, and fully managed solution in South Korea. Working with us can help:

• Save your customers money by offering a more affordable boarding option compared to other third countries.

• Simplify a difficult and highly regulated process, ensuring pets meet all Australian or New Zealand entry requirements without delays.

• Give pet owners peace of mind, knowing their pets are in a caring, high-standard facility with regular updates.

✔️ Why Partner With Us?

• Government-approved facility that meets all health and safety standards.

• Premium care with limited capacity, ensuring pets get individualized attention.

• Seamless English & Korean communication, making coordination easy.

• Proven experience handling international pet relocations and compliance with biosecurity laws.

• Flexibility to work with different relocation models—whether you need long-term boarding solutions, assistance with documentation, or direct transport coordination.

Let’s Work Together!

If you are a pet relocation company in India, Russia, China, or any other non-approved country, we would love to discuss how we can support your clients and streamline their journey to Australia or New Zealand.

📩 Contact us today to explore partnership opportunities and customized solutions for your customers. Let’s make international pet relocation simpler, more efficient, and stress-free—together!

Click here to get in touch with us.