Pet import requirements for Australia

Australia at a glance

The detail

PEQ are currently booked up to end of January and counting, this time of year is quite demanding especially as permits come back quicker, spaces fill quicker. Australia is an island and continent located between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Arrival airports noted for this destination in clude SYD, BNE, MEL, ADL, HBA, CBR, and 30 other listed airports.

Import requirements

Group 1 – no restrictions beyond 8 weeks however airlines may have age limitations.

Group 2 – no restrictions however the time needed to apply for an import permit and secure a quarantine space will have the pet at least 4-6 months old

Group 3 – Due to the rabies preparations beginning as early as 3 months and requiring 180 days from sampling to be eligible to enter, the minimum age is from around 10 months old.

• https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/how-to-import
• https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/how-to-import/step-by-step-guides
• New Zealand; Norfolk Island; Cocos Island

Dogs and cats from New Zealand and Norfolk Island do not require an import permit to enter Australia.

Cats from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands do require an import permit.

Select the appropriate step-by-step guide:

• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island
• Group 2: American Samoa, Bahrain, Barbados, Christmas Island, Cook Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Kiribati, Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga (Kingdom of), Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna.

Group 2 countries are described as approved rabies-free countries and territories in and animals from these countries require an import permit to be eligible for import to Australia.

Select the appropriate step-by-step guide:

• Cats
• Dogs
• Note: Some south Pacific Island countries with limited animal health services may not have a permanent government approved veterinarian present to perform the required blood testing, treatments or examinations. If prospective importers cannot locate a government approved veterinarian, they must contact the department well in advance of their proposed travel dates to discuss further options. In some cases, procedures completed by a regularly visiting foreign veterinarian or para-veterinarian may be acceptable.

Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Croatia (Republic of), Cyprus (Republic of), Czechia (Czech Republic), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland (Republic of), Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa (Republic of), South Korea (Republic of), Spain (in cluding Canary and Balearic Islands), Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America (excluding Guam and Hawaii), Uruguay, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (United States of America).

Group 3 countries are described as approved countries and territories in which rabies is absent or well-controlled and animals from these countries require an import permit to be eligible for import to Australia.

Select the appropriate step-by-step guide:

• Cats
• Dogs

A personal pet move is a relocation of a family pet – not a purchase animal

From Group 1 countries a commercial move can apply to animals purchased overseas and imported. Tax may apply in these cases.

Other group countries this is not applicable.

For pets travelling in from a non-approved country (any not listed under a category above) the requirement for pets arriving March 1st 2023 on wards, is to reside in an approved country for a minimum of 180days. During this period full preparations are to be met according to the country import requirements for the nation chosen for residence e.g. entry via USA would require full Group 3 preparations.

There are special allowances for certain Group 2 island nations that have limited flight options and vet services. Any special requests that cannot be accommodated in the written requirements must be presented to DAFF for approval.

Identification and microchip

• Pets must be identified by an ISO compatible microchip that can be read by an Avid, Trovan, Destron or other ISO compatible reader.
• A government approved veterinarian must scan the microchip at each veterinary visit. The scanned microchip number must be correctly recorded on all documentation.
• If the microchip cannot be read or is recorded in correctly in the pets documentation, the pet cannot be imported to Australia.
• 9 digits are not acceptable as they are not ISO compatible or ISO compliant.
• Microchip numbers starting with 999 are not acceptable because they are not unique. [extracted from DAFF website]

Rabies and vaccinations

Group 1: Rabies vaccination optional

Group 2: Rabies vaccination optional

Group 3: Your pet must be vaccinated with an in activated rabies vaccine that:

was given in an approved country when the pet was at least 84 days old

is continuously valid, in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, from the date of vaccination prior to blood collection for the Rabies neutralizing antibody titre (RNAT) test up to and in cluding the time of export is approved for use in dogs by the competent authority of the country of export

Rabies vaccinations with a three (3) year validity are acceptable if given in accordance with manufacturer’s in structions. [extracted from DAFF website]

It is recommended for import that cats receive a FELv vaccination and dogs a DHPPi

Vaccination for dogs for Leptospirosis canicola is required if not testing within the 45 days of transport. Vaccination is recommended if there is history of courses due to the in fluence of the test. Yearly FELv vaccinations for cats and C5 vaccinations for dogs are recommended however they are not required for entry into Australian Territory.

Vaccination courses are required to be followed through from a primary dose and booster 3-4 weeks later per the manufacturer in struction, then annual boosters without lapse. If choosing to vaccinate for Leptospira Canicola in stead of testing, it is really important to check the manufacturer’s in structions for the specific brand in tended to be used. Some manufacturers require 4 weeks in between doses and some 2-4 weeks.

Rabies vaccinations are required for entry from Group 3 countries, see rabies requirements earlier in this document.

Tests and treatments

DogsGroup 1: No tests required if the pet has lived only in a Group 1 country since birth or import from Australia. If not, a negative test result for and Leishmania in fantum is required. When importing a pet to Australia from New Zealand that has originated from another country, the pet must reside 180 days PLUS the quarantine import period before being accepted to export.

Group 2:

• Brucella canis – For dogs that are not desexed within 45 days before export
• Leishmania in fantum – An IFAT or ELISA test within 45 days before export
• Leptospira canicola – For dogs not vaccinated against Leptospirosis within 45 days before export

Group 3:

• Rabies neutralizing antibody titre test – 3-4 weeks after rabies vaccination with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, (The 3-4 week waiting period is a recommendation, not a requirement. It is expected that dogs and cats may reach their “peak” levels of antibodies around 3-4 weeks post vaccination, some pets that are vaccinated regularly may not need to wait exactly 3-4 weeks), the dog or cat is only eligible for export to Australia at least 180 days after the blood sample arrives at the laboratory for the RNATT, *FOR THE US* -The blood sample for the RNATT must be collected by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian. The RNATT declaration must be completed and endorsed by [USDA](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/endorsement-of fices). We strongly recommend that the pet’s USDA Accredited Veterinarian use VEHCS to request the RNATT Declaration.
• You MUST retain a copy of the endorsed RNATT Declaration to attach to the export health certificate that must accompany the pet during travel to Australia.
• Brucella canis – Only for dogs that are not desexed within 45 days before export. An RSAT, TAT or IFAT test with a negative result. Dog must not be mated or artificially in seminated 14 days before sampling till export.
• Leishmania in fantum – An IFAT or ELISA test within 45 days of export with a negative result
• Leptospira canicola – For dogs not vaccinated against Leptospirosis. An MAT test within 45 days before export with a negative result.

*Important clarifications regarding export of dogs and cats from the United States to Australia:*Brucella canis*:

• Australia requires in tact dogs to be tested for *Brucella canis*, using one of the following test types (listed on the export health certificate):
• RSAT
• TAT
• IFAT
• Only the standard versions of the tests listed above will be accepted.
• The following tests are NOT approved:
• 2ME-RSAT
• 2ME-TAT
• AGID/AGID II
• Canine Brucella Multiplex Assay
• Brucella Slide Agglutination/AGID II combination test

Identity Declaration:

• Reminder regarding Part 1 and Part 2: The two accredited veterinarians should work at different clinics.
• New: Part 3 MUST be endorsed within 3 months of the date of the first microchip scanning. Please submit requests to USDA in a timely manner.
• Identity declarations are valid for as long as the animal:
• Can be identified by the verified microchip on the declaration, and
• For U.S. States (except Hawaii and Guam): Resides in an approved country; For Hawaii and Guam: Resides in a Group 1 or Group 2 approved country

CatsGroup 1: No tests required

Group 2: No tests required

Group 3: Rabies antibody neutralizing test (RNAT) – Sample for test to be collected 3-4 weeks after rabies vaccination. Testing must be done using FAVN or RFFIT methods with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml

DogsGroup 1:

• Treatment for external and in ternal parasites within 5 days before export. External parasite treatment should target both ticks and fleas and in ternal parasite treatment must be effective against both cestodes and nematodes.
• Dogs that have been to mainland Africa must be treated for Babesia canis with imidocarb dipropionate in one treatment at 7.5 mg/kg body weight or two treatments at 6 mg/kg body weight given two weeks apart.

Group 2:

• External parasite treatment with a to pical product that kills ticks and fleas on contact. The treatment must start at least 30 days before the date of export. Continuous protection must be maintained till the date of export. At subsequent vet visits, the vet should examine dog for ticks and fleas. If found, they must be removed and the treatment must be restarted.
• Two in ternal parasite treatments must be given at least 14 days apart and within 45 days before export. The second treatment to be given within five days before export. The in ternal parasite treatment must be effective against both cestodes and nematodes.
• Dogs that have visited mainland Africa must be treated for Babesia canis within 28 days before export with a single dose of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 7.5mg/kg body weight, or two doses at a rate of 6.0 mg/kg body weight given at least 14 days apart.

Group 3:

• External parasite treatment with a to pical product that kills ticks and fleas on contact. The treatment must start at least 30 days before the date of export. Continuous protection must be maintained till the date of export. At subsequent vet visits, the vet should examine dog for ticks and fleas. If found, they must be removed and the treatment must be restarted.
• Two in ternal parasite treatments must be given at least 14 days apart and within 45 days before export. The second treatment to be given within five days before export. The in ternal parasite treatment must be effective against both cestodes and nematodes.
• Dogs that have visited mainland Africa must be treated for Babesia canis within 28 days before export with a single dose of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 7.5mg/kg body weight, or two doses at a rate of 6.0 mg/kg body weight given at least 14 days apart.

CatsGroup 1: Treatment for external and in ternal parasites within 5 days before export. External parasite treatment should target both ticks and fleas and in ternal parasite treatment must be effective against both cestodes and nematodes.

Group 2:

• Internal parasite treatment – Two treatments at least 14 days apart within 45 days before the date of import. The second treatment must be given within 5 days of travelling. The treatment must be given by a government approved vet and must be effective against both cestodes and nematodes.
• External parasite treatment – Treat with a to pical product that is effective against ticks and fleas on contact at least 21 days before export. Continuous protection must be maintained till the date of export. At subsequent vet visits, the vet should examine the cat for ticks and fleas. If found, they must be removed and the treatment must be restarted.

Group 3:

• Internal parasite treatment – Two treatments at least 14 days apart within 45 days before the date of import. The second treatment must be given within 5 days of travelling. The treatment must be given by a government approved vet and must be effective against both cestodes and nematodes.
• External parasite treatment – Treat with a to pical product that is effective against ticks and fleas on contact at least 21 days before export. Continuous protection must be maintained till the date of export. At subsequent vet visits, the vet should examine the cat for ticks and fleas. If found, they must be removed and the treatment must be restarted. Treatment has to be administered by a government approved vet.

Health certificate and permits

The Health Certificate is the Appendix 1 of the Import permit. The Health Certificate must be in original, copies not accepted.

NOTE – some countries have separated the Appendix and have their own Health Certificate available which is approved by DAFF. The Health Certificate on the Appendix 1 of the Import permit has been removed. Now, each country will issue their own Health Certificate.

Group 1

The health certificate must certify:

• Microchip identification

• That the country of origin is free from rabies, Brucella canis, Leptospira canicola, and in digenous cases of leishmaniasis

• For Dogs originating from Norfolk Island A registered government of ficer must certify that in the 12 months before the date of export, Norfolk Island has had no cases of:about canine monocytic ehrlichiosis

• That the pet has been examined by a vet within five days from date of travel and is found fit to travel

• Details of external and in ternal parasite treatments within five days of travel

• For dogs – details of tests and treatments

Group 2

• Health Certificate to be completed, signed and stamped on all pages by an of ficial government veterinarian.

• The seal number has to be recorded on the Health Certificate

• Details of tests and treatments to be appended to the Health Certificate

Group 3

• Health Certificate to be completed, signed and stamped on all pages by an of ficial government veterinarian.

• No Seal is required for pets coming from Group 3 countries

• Details of tests and treatments to be appended to the Health Certificate

FOR USA:

The USDA-accredited veterinarian who performs the physical tasks, such as the blood draw and ID verification, must be accredited in the state where those procedures are carried out. However, certain aspects of the export process that do not require a physical examination can be completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in another state, regardless of their home state. While the hands-on veterinary work must be done locally, other documentation steps like the RNATT Declaration can be handled by a vet in a different state, provided they are USDA-accredited.

• • An import permit is required for all countries except New Zealand and Norfolk Island unless it is a bird species (permit required) Or unless special conditions apply that are outside of the usual requirements

• Import permits can be applied on line through the Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON)

• Permits are now roughly taking 2-3 weeks from the date of issue or until the RNATT expires if it is within that 12 months.. This is ever-changing but there was a recent improvement in turnaround. Note the maximum allowable assessment period for a permit (particular for complicated cases) is up to 123 days.

• Returning Cats and dogs to Australia who moved to rabies countries may return to Australia through staying in approved country for just 45 days or so provided the animal had rabies blood test report performed by CSIRO prior to departing Australia and that they return to the country within 1 year of rabies blood test. NOTE: The 45 day “residency” in the approved country for pets coming from non-approved countries that are eligible for immediate return (those who had rabies blood testing done at CSIRO with a successful result prior to be exported from Australia) is not an actual requirement, rather an estimate of how long the process will take to undertake preparations in the approved country (Testing, vaccinations, treatments)

Import permit (https://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/on line-services/bicon)

Quarantine booking ([Post-Entry Quarantine](https://on line.agriculture.gov.au/pebs/;PEQ_JSESSIONID=xsjo6-BTGIBo4Xnx0PpbooiK25ceNaLBDH1pBvsy3T7zqf8KnRMz!413537236!-494187582?_gl=1*1utywrl*_ga*NTcxMjAxMTkzLjE2OTcxNDgwOTM.*_ga_EFTD1N73JJ*MTY5NzE0ODA5Mi4xLjEuMTY5NzE0ODEwNS4wLjAuMA..#%40%3F_afrLoop%3D3594727110515977%26_adf.ctrl-state%3Dsd6y9s36d_4) )

Health certificate (https://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides)

Quarantine

PEQ are currently booked up to end of January and counting, this time of year is quite demanding especially as permits come back quicker, spaces fill quicker. PEQ will be open over Christmas Period. PEQ will soon be opening over the weekends for a standard fee (roughly $170 per pet.)Group 1: No mandatory quarantine (Unless special conditions apply)Group 2: Pet dogs and cats must spend mandatory 10 days quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. Pets must arrive directly at Melbourne, no domestic transfers allowed. Identity Verification is still required and must be completed at least 180 days prior to the in tended export date.Group 3: Pet dogs and cats must spend a mandatory 10 days quarantine at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. Pets must arrive directly at Melbourne, no domestic transfers allowed. This option is only permitted if: The pets had the ID verification by the exporting authority prior to the RNATT sample collection

The pet has travelled from Australia previously and export documentation from this journey can be supplied at permit application.If either of these items cannot be fulfilled, then 30 days quarantine applies on entry to Melbourne.Post entry quarantine facility and bookingsFind out more about the post entry quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Pets importing from Group 2 or 3 countries must enter direct to Melbourne airport

Pets may not enter direct from a non-approved country

Dogs and cats must not be under quarantine restrictions.

Cats and dogs must not be more than 40 days pregnant or suckling their young.

Australia prohibits the entry of the following breeds:

Dogs

Domestic/non domestic hybrids (e.g. dog-wolf crosses) are also prohibited. This in cludes, but is not limited to:

• Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak
• Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound
• Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog
• Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog.

The following pure breeds cannot be imported into Australia under the legislation of the Department of Home Affairs:

• dogo Argentino
• fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier
• Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario

Note: The import of mixed breed dogs, in cluding mixes in volving the breeds above, is not restricted.

Cats

Domestic/non domestic hybrids cannot be imported to Australia in accordance with the *Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999*. Hybrid cats in clude, but are not limited to:

• Savannah cat, domestic cat (*Felis catus*) crossed with serval cat (*Felis serval*)
• Safari cat, domestic cat crossed with Geoffroy cat (*Oncifelis geoffroyi*)
• Chausie, domestic cat crossed with Jungle cat (*Felis chaus*)
• Bengal cat, domestic cat crossed with Asian leopard cat (*Prionailurus bengalensis)*. [extracted from DAFF website] Bengal cats were allowed into Australia based on their lineage previously, however since February 2025 ALL Bengal cats, regardless of their lineage will be banned to enter Australia.

Customs, agents, and airports

For entry from Group 1 countries – Yes Not always, depends on the nature of the shipment (Commercial vs personal move) and depending on the port. Currently Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth do not require customs brokers for non-commercial moves from Category 1 Countries. Other ports such as MEL/SYD do require customs brokers.

For entry via Quarantine from Group 2 or 3 countries – NO, this is part of the quarantine services.

Highly Recommended

Export can be done from any major city in Australia at each state. For import from category II and III Countries, the only airport for direct entry is Melbourne (Tullamarine). Imports from New Zealand can arrive on any of the port where DAFF in spectors are available, however the following ports are the most commonly used for entry from New Zealand: BNE,OOL,MEL,SYD,PER,ADL

Major domestic airline (QF) now enforcing agents/pet shippers not only lodge pets, but also handover at destination. All airlines now enforcing the requirement of needing agents/pet shippers for lodgement procedures.

Airports listed on this destination file: SYD, BNE, MEL, ADL, HBA, CBR, PER, CNS, DRW, LST, NTL, OOL, WGA, CFS, BNK, ABX, PQQ, MCV, PKT, TSV, MKY, ROK, ALH, GET, KGI, PHE, KTA, TWB, ASP, BDB, GLT, HVB, ISA, MCY, WEI, MGB.

Group 1: Customs clearance required. All original documentation must be presented at the first port of arrival in Australia. The department must be notified at least three days before arriving. Pets and documents are in spected upon arrival at each port by a DAFF Inspector/Veterinarian

Group 2 and 3: Pets will be collected by department staff and transported directly to quarantine center.

Export notes

An export permit and a health certificate are required for export of companion animals from Australia. Many countries require animals be treated/tested/vaccinated in Australia prior to export, and all countries require that pets receive a final veterinary in spection before export. Some countries also require an additional “country specific” Health certificate as well as the FORM 6 (Standard Australian Health Certificate)

For example, a dog travelling from Australia to Germany will need an Export Permit, AUS Health Certificate (Form 6) as well as an EU Health Certificate.

NOTE: Many countries state that the final health in spection may be conducted within 10 days of export. This is not applicable for pets from Australia as the relevant authority (DAFF) requires the final in spection to take place within 72hs of Export even for pets travelling to those countries that “allow” the final health in spection to take place earlier.

Some countries, such as INDIA require the “Final Health Certificate” to be provided at least 7 days prior to export due to import permits processing times. In this case, DAFF would issue an in terim health certificate 7 days prior but the requirement of the final in spection taking place within 72hs of export must be met as well. This means agents would obtain 2 x Appointments with the certifying vet and with DAFF for endorsement where the process would be repeated.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Yes, these will need to be checked via the CITES site as the conditions are specific to the animal being imported or exported. To export CITES listed species from Australia, export permits are required. Importing CITES listed species into Australia is limited to pet birds from Category 1 countries.

Exotics can only be imported under a zoological move. [See link for further in formation.](https://www.business.qld.gov.au/in dustries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/in vasive/restricted/rabbit#:~:text=Introducing%2C%20keeping%20and%20supplying%20rabbits,is%20illegal%20and%20penalties%20apply.)

Birds can only be imported from New Zealand and require an import permit.

Horses can also be imported. Rabbits are not allowed to be imported into Queensland since it is illegal to keep them as pets within Queensland. This is due to rabbits being declared a pest. Introducing, keeping and supplying rabbits in Queensland is illegal and penalties apply. Limited types of permits for domestic rabbits are available from Biosecurity Queensland for research purposes, public display, magic acts, and circuses. Before a permit is granted, guidelines must be met [Link](https://www.business.qld.gov.au/in dustries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/in vasive/restricted/rabbit#:~:text=Introducing%2C%20keeping%20and%20supplying%20rabbits,is%20illegal%20and%20penalties%20apply.)

DAFF CHARGING GUIDELINES

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/quarantine-facilities-and-fees/fees

All in quiries should be directed to PEQservices@agriculture.gov.au

Or

imports@agriculture.gov.au

Dogs and cats are required to be registered with local city council. Microchip is required and any necessary treatment and health certification.

Official contacts

Department of Agriculture

Imports@aff.gov.au

Mickleham Post-Entry Quarantine

Local 1800 900 090

Overseas +61 3 8318 6700

PEQservices@aff.gov.au

Export Advisory Notice 2020-02- Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment

• * Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Foresty

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/

• * Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Biosecurity Animal Division Australia

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs

Up to date as of February 2024

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-04-10.

Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.

Other destinations: American Samoa · Cook Islands · Fiji · all destinations