Bringing pets into Australia involves navigating a complex set of biosecurity measures. Authorities designed these to protect local wildlife and ecosystems from foreign diseases.
That means bringing pets to Australia involves many steps. You need to start preparing well in advance of your arrival date.
The regulations surrounding the import of pets are stringent. This involves:
- Quarantine
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Health checks
- Import permits
- Rabies titre testing
- Parasite treatments
Understanding these requirements is crucial if you want to bring pets to Australia. Follow our advice for a smooth transition into Australia for you and your pets.
Understanding the Australian Pet Quarantine Regulations
Travelling with pets can be a complex process. Different countries have various rules and regulations, including Australia.
Your pet must complete at least ten days of quarantine when entering Australia from most countries. But this depends on the departure country.
The stay in quarantine must be booked in advance. You or a pet transport company must collect your pet from the facility in Melbourne once they complete the mandatory quarantine.
Overview of Quarantine Rules
Quarantine for pets entering Australia is a (mostly) mandatory process aimed at preventing the introduction of exotic diseases into the country. All pets, primarily dogs and cats, arriving from overseas must undergo quarantine, except those coming directly from New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Cocos (Keeling) Island.
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry sets the quarantine rules. These include:
- A mandatory health examination upon arrival
- Verification of documentation
- A quarantine period at the Mickleham facility
Quarantine Duration and Facilities
The minimum quarantine period for pets entering Australia is 10 days. But this can vary depending on the country of origin and the pet’s health status upon arrival.
Australia’s quarantine facility for pets is located in Mickleham, Victoria, near Melbourne. This state-of-the-art facility provides high-standard care and monitoring for all quarantined animals. It includes veterinary services, pet accommodation areas, and exercise yards, ensuring that pets are comfortable and well-cared for during their stay.
Costs and Considerations
The cost of quarantine falls on you and can be significant. It includes the charge for the quarantine period, veterinary inspections, treatments if necessary, and any specific care requirements.
For a 10-day quarantine period, we estimate around AUD 2,000 per animal. But costs can vary based on additional treatments or extended stays.
The below costs are government costs associated with your pet staying in government quarantine.
Here’s a breakdown of government quarantine fees:
| Service | Notes | AUD ($) |
| Importation charge (Reservation charge) Listed as PEQ Importation charge – Dog or Cat on invoice | 20% of the importation charge for each animal (non-refundable). | $253 |
| Importation charge (Confirmation of reservation) Listed as PEQ Importation charge – Dog or Cat on invoice | 80% of the importation charge for each animal. | $1012 |
| Inspection fee (Listed as PEQ Inspection, in office, 30 mins on invoice) | Fee per 30 minutes. Fee charged per animal | $74 |
| Document assessment (Listed as PEQ Doc Assessment, in office, 30 mins on invoice) | Fee per 30 minutes. Fee charged per animal | $74 |
| 10-day quarantine accommodation (Listed as PEQ daily husbandry fee – Dog or Cat on invoice) | 10 days stay x daily rate AUD $50 | $500 |
| 30-day quarantine accommodation (Listed as PEQ daily husbandry fee – Dog or Cat on invoice) | 30 days stay x daily rate AUD $50 | $1500 |
| Accommodation of an additional dog or cat in the consignment* | Daily rate for subsequent dog or cat | $50 |
| Overstay accommodation of cat/dog | Daily rate | $50 |
| Any additional costs Out of hours collection fee per animal (Listed as OOH Out of office non-cont. – weekday or weekend – PEQ on invoice) | Weekdays Weekends & public holidays | $160 $170 |
| Any additional costs For example: Non-compliance fees or grooming appointments | Fee per 30 minutes. Fee charged per animal | $74 |
| Release appointment (Listed as ‘Recovery of Airline Handling charge’ on invoice) | Terminal Service Fees (charged per airway bill number)Fee charged by the airline and paid by the department on your behalf when your animal is collected from the airport | $120-250 |
| Any additional veterinary care | Additional veterinary medical care provided by a private veterinarian upon request |
Consider these costs when planning your travel and ensure you have made the necessary financial preparations.
Additionally, it’s important to book your pets into quarantine well in advance, as availability can be limited – especially during peak times.
A pet transport company like Dogtainers can help you organise quarantine for your pet.
Understanding Country Categories for Importing Pets
As mentioned, the quarantine depends on the departure country when bringing pets into Australia. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources recognises four different categories.
The categories are based on the rabies risks of animals coming from these countries. Cats and dogs travelling directly from approved countries are allowed to enter, provided all the veterinary requirements are met.
Country Categories
Australia categorises countries into four groups based on the risk they pose in terms of rabies and other animal diseases. These categories significantly influence the import conditions and quarantine requirements.
| Group | Countries/Regions |
| Group 1 | New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) Island |
| Group 2 | American Samoa, Bahrain, Barbados, Christmas Island, Cook Island, Falkland Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Kiribati, Mauritius, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna |
| Group 3 | Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary and Balearic Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak only), Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Netherlands—Antilles & Aruba, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, the Republic of South Africa, Reunion, Saipan, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States (including the district of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (but excluding Guam and Hawaii), Uruguay |
| Group 4 | All countries not listed in Groups 1, 2, and 3 are non-approved countries and your pet cannot directly enter Australia from these destinations. Cats and dogs travelling from non-approved countries need to move to a country in category 2 or 3 for six months before being eligible to enter Australia. |
Implications for Pet Import
The category of the originating country has a direct impact on the import process into Australia. Importing pets from Group 1 countries is much easier while bringing pets from Group 4 countries is more complicated.
Importing Pets From Group 1 Countries
Importing pets from New Zealand or Norfolk Island to Australia is easier compared to other countries. Cats and dogs arriving from New Zealand and Norfolk Island don’t need an import permit, and your pets don’t need to be quarantined. You can enter Australia with your beloved pets with minimum fuss in a relatively short time.
Cocos (Keeling) Island is also a Group 1 country. But cats coming to Australia from Cocos Islands need a valid import permit, which provides the conditions for importing the cat. There is no mandatory quarantine period for cats from the Cocos Islands.
Importing Pets From Group 2 Countries
Bringing your pet to Australia from a Group 2 country usually takes 2-3 months.
- Cats and dogs coming to Australia from Group 2 countries must be accompanied by a valid import permit
- On arrival in Australia, cats and dogs must spend a minimum of 10 days at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility.
- A government-approved veterinarian or official government veterinarian must perform all veterinary procedures listed by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture.
- All testing must be done in an approved country in a laboratory recognised by the government of the country of export.
Importing Pets From Group 3 Countries
Bringing your pet to Australia from a Group 3 country usually takes 6 months.
- Cats and dogs coming to Australia from Group 3 countries must be accompanied by a valid import permit.
- On arrival in Australia, cats and dogs must spend a minimum of 10 days at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility.
- A government-approved veterinarian or official government veterinarian must perform all veterinary procedures listed by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture.
- All testing must be done in an approved country in a laboratory recognised by the government of the country of export.
Importing Pets From Group 4 Countries
Bringing your pet to Australia from a non-approved country can take more than 6 months.
The process involves moving your pet to a Group 2 or Group 3 country first. Then, you follow the same import process for Group 3 or Group 2 countries to import your pet into Australia.If you want to learn more about the detailed requirements, we can help you navigate bringing pets into Australia. We are experts in global pet travel with 50+ years in the business.
Obtaining a Pet Import Permit for Australia
You need a pet import permit to bring your pet into Australia. Group 1 countries are the only exception – although cats coming to Australia from the Cocos Islands need a valid import permit.
Application Process
Obtaining a pet import permit is an essential step for bringing your pet into Australia. The application process involves several key steps:
- Eligibility Check: Verify that your pet’s species is allowed entry into Australia and that it comes from an approved country.
- Create an Account: Use the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment’s Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) to create an account and start the application process.
- Submit Application: Complete the detailed application form on BICON, which includes information about your pet’s health history, the country of export, and the proposed import details.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Upload the necessary documents required for the application within the BICON platform.
- Pay the Application Fee: Submit the required fee for processing the import permit.
- Await Approval: After submission, the application will be reviewed by biosecurity officers, and you will receive a decision via email.
Dogtainers can help you with your permit application.
Necessary Documentation
The documentation required for a pet import permit application typically includes:
- Proof of Identification: A clear photo or scan of your pet showing its features and any unique identifiers.
- Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian, confirming that your pet is free of infectious diseases and fit to travel.
- Vaccination Records: Documentation showing all vaccinations, including rabies, are up-to-date.
- Rabies Titer Test Results: If applicable, from a government-approved laboratory.
- Microchip Certification: Proof that your pet has been microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip.
Your import permit will detail all the conditions you must meet. This includes:
- Vaccinations, tests and treatments
- Travel requirements
- Import conditions on arrival
- Quarantine in Australia
Timeline and Fees
Most permits are issued in 20-40 business days. But it can take up to 123 business days to get your import permit.
Securing an import permit involves a fee for each pet. The table below shows starting fees for permits – extra fees can apply if you submit your application incorrectly.
| Service | Lodgement | Assessment | Total (AUD) |
| First cat or dog in a consignment | $122.00 | $444.00 | $566.00 |
| For each additional animal in the same consignment | $122.00 | $148.00 | $270.00 |
Starting this process well in advance of your planned travel date is crucial. It ensures you meet all requirements to avoid any delays.
Dogtainers can help guide you through the entire process.
Banned Breeds and Eligibility
Australia has stringent regulations regarding the breeds of dogs and cats you can import. Banning certain breeds protects the public.
List of Banned Breeds
The following breeds are banned from entering Australia:
Pure Breed Dogs
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
Hybrid Dogs
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs (Czechoslovakian Vlcak)
- Saarloos Wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound
- Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog
- Kunming Wolfdog or Kunming dog
Cats:
- Savannah cats: domestic cat (Felis catus) crossed with serval cat (Felis Serval)
- Safari cats: domestic cat crossed with Geoffrey cat (Oncifelis Geoffroyi)
- Chausie cats: domestic cat crossed with Jungle cat (Felis Chaus)
- Bengal cats: domestic cat crossed with Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus Bengalensis)*
*In certain circumstances Bengal cats that are five generations or more removed from their wild ancestor may be imported.
Pet Microchipping
All pets entering Australia must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. This type of microchip is globally recognised and can be read by any ISO-compatible scanner, which is critical for international pet travel.
Importance of Microchipping
Microchipping pets provides a permanent, unalterable form of identification, which is crucial for several reasons:
- Safety and Security: It ensures pets are easily identifiable and returned to their owners if they get lost during or after their arrival in Australia.
- Legal Compliance: Microchipping is mandatory for entry into Australia and compliance with local laws regarding pet ownership.
- Health Records: A microchip allows authorities and veterinarians to access your pet’s health records easily, ensuring all health requirements for entry are verifiable and up to date.
- Quarantine and Inspection Processes: During quarantine, microchips are scanned to verify the identity of each pet, matching them with their health and vaccination records to ensure that all entry conditions have been met.
Pets travelling from Group Two and Group Three countries need microchip verification as part of bringing pets into Australia.
Vaccinations, Health Checks, and Parasite Treatments
Authorities recommend various vaccinations for travelling to Australia. Completing health checks and parasite treatments is a mandatory part of the importation process.
Recommended Vaccinations
Ensuring that pets are up to date with vaccinations is recommended for their entry into Australia. Here are the recommended vaccinations:
For Dogs:
- Distemper
- Hepatitis
- Parvovirus
- Para-influenza
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough)
For Cats:
- Feline enteritis (panleukopenia or feline parvovirus)
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus (feline viral rhinotracheitis)
Authorities recommend you get these vaccinations administered within a specified timeframe before travelling to Australia.
The rabies vaccine is required when entering Australia from most countries.
The leptospirosis vaccine for dogs is required if not testing for it.
The canine influenza vaccine is required if you’re entering Australia from an affected country.
Health Checks Pre-Travel
Before travelling to Australia, your pets must undergo several health checks:
- General Health Examination: A licensed veterinarian must conduct a thorough health examination to certify the pet is in good health and fit to travel. This examination typically occurs within 30 days of departure.
- Rabies Titre Test: A verified authority must perform a rabies titre test to confirm effective vaccination.
- Additional Blood Tests: These may be required for other diseases, depending on the country of origin.
Parasite Treatment Protocols
Treating pets for internal and external parasites is a mandatory requirement before entering Australia. The protocols include:
Internal Parasites:
Dogs and cats must be treated for internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes) twice with treatments administered at least 14 days apart. An approved vet should treat your pet within 45 days before the date of export. The second treatment must be given within 5 days of travel.
External Parasites:
For Dogs, treatments for ticks and fleas must be administered at least 30 days before travel. Your dog must be treated for ticks and fleas continuously until the date of travel by an approved vet.
Pet dogs that have visited mainland Africa must be treated for Babesia canis. An approved vet must administer this treatment within 28 days of travel to Australia.
Cats require a similar protocol for fleas and ticks, with treatment at least 21 days before departure. Your cat should be examined for external parasites during subsequent vet visits, with ongoing treatment until export.
These treatments must be documented and verified by an approved vet. You need proof of treatment before bringing pets into Australia.
Rabies Titre Test
The Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) is a crucial requirement for pets entering Australia from countries not considered rabies-free. Your pet needs a rabies vaccination with an inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine before the flight if coming from a Group 3 country.
Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old and get vaccinated in an approved country. The vaccine must be continuously valid up to the date of export before drawing the blood sample for RNAT.
Purpose of the Rabies Titre Test
The purpose of the RNATT is to ensure that rabies vaccinations have successfully produced an adequate immune response in your pet. This is necessary for preventing rabies, a fatal viral disease. This test confirms that the pet’s immune system has produced enough antibodies to potentially fight off the virus, thereby helping to maintain Australia’s rabies-free status.
Procedure for the Test
The procedure for conducting the RNATT involves several steps:
- Timing of Vaccination: Before taking the RNATT, the pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine should be administered around 21-28 days before the blood sample is drawn, but not before the pet is 12 weeks old.
- Blood Sample Collection: A licensed veterinarian must collect a blood sample from the pet.
- Laboratory Testing: The blood sample should be sent to an approved laboratory for testing. Australian authorities provide a list of approved laboratories worldwide.
- Documentation: The results must be documented clearly, showing the date of the test and the level of rabies antibodies found in the blood.
An approved vet in the departure country must check the rabies titre test laboratory report and rabies vaccination certificate. They must complete, sign and stamp the RNATT test declaration if your pet shows the required immunity to rabies.
Documentation for Importing Pets to Australia
When importing pets into Australia, a comprehensive set of documents is required to comply with biosecurity measures. These documents must be accurate, up-to-date, and readily available.
Essential Documents for Travel
- Import Permit: Issued by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment to confirm your pet’s eligibility to enter the country.
- Vaccination Records: Detailed documentation of all vaccinations, including rabies, with dates and vaccine batch numbers.
- Rabies Titre Test Certificate: An official certificate from an approved laboratory showing a satisfactory RNATT result.
- Veterinary Health Certificate: A certificate issued by an approved vet within a specified time before travel, stating that the pet is free of infectious diseases and fit for travel.
- Treatment Records: Records of treatments for internal and external parasites, including the product used, date of administration, and the veterinarian’s signature.
- Microchip Certification: Proof that the pet has been microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip.
- Flight Details: Information about the flight and a booking confirmation for the pet’s travel.
A pet transport company like Dogtainers helps you with everything related to bringing your pet to Australia.
Common Documentation Issues
Several common pitfalls can hinder the process of importing pets into Australia. But you can avoid them with careful preparation and help from a pet transport company like Dogtainers.
- Incomplete Forms: Ensure all forms are fully completed without any missing fields. Double-check information like microchip numbers and vaccination dates.
- Outdated Information: All documents should reflect the most current information and be within the valid time frames required by Australian regulations.
- Non-Compliant Vaccination Certificates: Vaccination certificates must clearly state the vaccine name, date of administration, and the manufacturer. Make sure the rabies vaccine is recognized and accepted under Australian standards.
- Mismatched Information: The pet’s microchip number must match across all documentation. Discrepancies can cause significant delays.
Arriving in Australia
Pets from Group 2 and 3 countries can fly on any airline that accepts pets. But pets arriving in Australia from these countries must land at Melbourne International Airport.
Your pet travels in the cargo hold as manifest cargo. They must remain in their IATA-approved crate throughout the flight.
Pets can transit through any country during the journey if they stay on the aircraft after touchdown. If your cat or dog needs to change aircraft, they can only do so in the following cities:
They can also change aircraft in other cities in Group 1 or 2 countries.
Arriving at Melbourne International Airport
DAFF officials collect your pet from the airport. They transfer it directly to the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility.
Pet dogs and cats from Group 2 countries may need to quarantine for at least 10 days. Pets from Group 3 countries may need to remain at the quarantine centre for 30 days.
This depends on factors like if you got your pet’s ID verification check completed before rabies sampling OR if they have travelled from AU before.
If your pet shows signs of illness or is deemed at risk of spreading disease, their quarantine period will be extended.
Our door-to-door service means we can collect your pet from quarantine and deliver them to your destination in Australia.
Bringing Pets into Australia FAQ
Can you bring pets from overseas to Australia?
Yes, you can bring pets from overseas to Australia. There are stringent biosecurity rules and regulations you must follow to import pets to Australia. The process can get complex, depending on the country you’re travelling from. Pet transport companies like Dogtainers can help take the stress out of bringing your pet to Australia.
How long does it take to get a pet import permit in Australia?
Getting a pet import permit in Australia can take up to 253 days. But they typically take anywhere between eight to ten weeks. The time it takes to get a pet import permit for Australia also depends on how many submissions the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry are experiencing.
How long is pet quarantine in Australia?
Pet quarantine in Australia generally lasts between 10 and 30 days. The timeframe for pet quarantine depends on the departure country. Pet quarantine in Australia can extend beyond 30 days in some cases. If authorities detect any signs of risk from your pet, their quarantine can get extended.
Why does Australia quarantine pets?
Australia quarantines pets to protect the native plants and animals, as well as the people. That’s why Australia has strict biosecurity laws when it comes to importing pets into Australia. Also, Australia is a rabies-free country. Quarantining pets entering the country helps protect against the dangerous rabies virus.
Conclusion
Bringing pets to Australia requires meticulous preparation and adherence to strict biosecurity regulations. Key steps include ensuring your pet is microchipped and vaccinated, obtaining the necessary health certifications, and securing an import permit.
Understanding your country’s category is essential when importing pets into Australia. This determines requirements like rabies titre tests and quarantine measures.
Preparing to bring your pet to Australia can seem daunting due to the comprehensive requirements and procedures. But planning makes the process manageable. This effort is not only a requirement but also ensures the health and safety of your beloved pet.
Are you bringing your pet into Australia?
We’ve been safely transporting pets for 50+ years. Our experts can help you every step of the way and offer up-to-date advice for importing pets into Australia.
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