What are OV66 ID Checks for Pet Travel to Australia?
If you’re planning to take your pet to Australia, one of the key requirements from the Australian Government is identity verification – known as OV66 ID Checks. This is a vital step before you can apply for an import permit. Here’s what it involves and how Travel Vet can help.
Important:
- The OV66 ID check cannot be done by any Official Veterinarian (OV) – the OV must be an approved OV66 vet for export of pets to Australia. All our vets at Travel Vet are OV66 approved vets who are very experienced in preparing pets for travel to Australia.
Ready to arrange your pet’s OV66 ID Check or have questions?
What are OV66 ID Checks?
OV66 ID Checks are two independent veterinary identity checks required by the Australian Government. These checks confirm that your pet’s microchip and identifying features match the official paperwork.
Important:
- They are a mandatory part of the process before you can obtain an import permit for Australia.
- The ID checks are only needed for pets whose owners wish them to qualify for a shortened quarantine period of 10 days from 30 days
- Prior to the ID check, the pet’s microchip must be registered in the owner’s name on a UK DEFRA approved database. You should have this information available prior to your appointment at Travel Vet, we will request this prior to booking to save time at the appointment.
Why are two separate checks needed?
Australia has strict biosecurity and welfare rules. As part of these, the government requires two separate vets – each a OV66 approved Official Veterinarian (OV) – to confirm your pet’s identity.
Each check must be done by a different OV at a different practice, to ensure independence and accuracy. Each of the two vets must be an OV66 approved vet.
What does each ID check involve?
Each OV66 ID check includes:
- Microchip scan – confirming it matches the details in the pet’s paperwork
- Physical ID check – confirming breed, colour, sex, and distinguishing features
- Completion of the OV66 form – a specific document required by the Australian Department of Agriculture
Both completed forms are then submitted as part of your import permit application.
Important:
- A blood sample for rabies serology is then completed after the second ID check or we can do it at the same time if Travel Vet are doing the 2nd ID check. It cannot be done before the ID checks.
- The rabies blood sample must be taken by an OV66-approved vet. This vet cannot complete the RNATT declaration (required for the import permit application). The RNATT declaration can instead be completed by another OV66-approved vet, such as the vet who carried out the first ID check, or the second ID check if they did not take the blood sample.
Can Travel Vet help with OV66 ID Checks?
Yes – we can help with either the first or the second OV66 ID Check, depending on your needs.
Important:
- We can only carry out one of the two required checks, not both. The other must be completed by a different OV66 approved Official Veterinarian at a different practice, in line with Australian Government rules.
We’re happy to work alongside your local vet or help you find another OV for the second check.
When should the ID checks be done?
The ID checks are typically carried out early in the export process, before you apply for your permit. We recommend getting both checks completed well in advance of your intended travel date.
Doing this early helps:
- Avoid delays with your import permit
- Ensure your pet’s microchip is working correctly
- Identify any missing or incorrect information before you commit to flights or other services
What if my pet has more than one microchip?
Multiple microchips can complicate the process – but don’t worry, Travel Vet can advise you on how to proceed and help ensure the correct chip is used for export documentation. In some cases, the Australian authorities may request additional clarification.
How do I arrange an OV66 ID Check with Travel Vet?
Just get in touch to book an appointment. We’ll talk you through what’s needed and help you:
- Confirm microchip details
- Prepare the required documents
- Understand the rest of the export steps for Australia
We’re also happy to liaise with your other vet to make the full process as smooth as possible.
Ready to arrange your pet’s OV66 ID Check?
Book an appointment with Travel Vet
My question: Clients must be aware that an OV66-approved vet must also take the rabies blood sample and that this vet will then not be able to complete the RNATT declaration (required along with the ID checks for import permit application) final export health certificate that is issued within 5 days of departure.
Vet response: The OV66 question you raised about a third OV66 vet doing the RNATT declaration, so it can be any OV66 except the one that takes the blood. It could be the one that did the 1st ID check or completely different altogether or if the OV66 that did the 2nd ID check didn’t take the blood then they can do it. Hope that makes sense!
