Australia Pet Passport & Import Regulations
Note that changes to import regulations for pet cats and
dogs entering Australia will go into effect March 1, 2023. For all pets who do not have approved import permits as of
March 1, the following changes apply.
1. Pets must reside in an approved country (see step 7) at least 6 months prior to export and must be exported from the approved country.
All tests, treatments and vaccinations must be administered in the approved country.
2. A decrease in rabies titer test validity from 2 years to 1 year after the date the test is administered.
3. An increase in quarantine from 10 to 30 days without microchip validity identification* from Group 3 countries (see step 7) unless your
pet is an resident of Australia and is being reimported. (Export health certificate must be available)
4. Mandatory microchip validity identification for all pets entering from Group 1 and 2 countries.
4. Mandatory microchip validity identification* must occur prior to the administration of a rabies titer test.
*Microchip Identity Verification procedures are currently being negotiated between Australia and other countries. The process has been completed in the United States and several other countries; however, the process will be different in each country. It is advised to direct an inquiry to the agency in your country that is responsible for the import or export of live animals. This agency is commonly a division of the Department or Ministry of Agriculture. All dogs and cats entering Australia from Group 2 countries must undergo Microchip Identity Verification.
Pets who have had their 180-day rabies titer test; however, have no approved import permit as of March 1, 2023 can either wait for the microchip verification procedure, have another 180 day rabies titer test administered and complete the process and be subject to 10 days of quarantine OR continue the process with their without the microchip verification and be subject to 30 days of quarantine.
Note that Australia is delaying approval of import permits to up to 140 days due to the implementation of these new regulations.
Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs and cats only. Owners of other pets should refer to item 13.
Pet Microchip
Your pet must first be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip that is a 15 digit and non-encrypted. If your pet's microchip is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner. Make sure your veterinarian scans your pet's microchip after it is implanted.
The microchip should be implanted by your veterinarian, veterinary hospital or trained nurse. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions how to register your pet's information in the manufacturer database.
The administering veterinarian should issue a declaration stating that your pet is microchipped, they have scanned the chip and the location of the chip.
Your pet's microchip number must be present on all documentation required to enter Australia. Your veterinarian must scan your dog or cat's microchip before any tests or treatments required to enter Australia.
Vaccinations
Rabies vaccinations are not required for pets residing in and entering from Group 1 and Group 2 Countries (see step #7), but it is required for pets entering Australia from all other countries. All dogs and cats should be vaccinated for rabies a minimum of 30 days before the rabies titer test is administered if they are not currently vaccinated for rabies or their previous vaccination has expired (see step #3).
Australia does accept the 3 year rabies vaccination if it is current when entering the country.
It is recommended that cats receive a vaccination that protects against feline enteritis (also known as feline panleucopenia or feline distemper), rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. The vaccination should be valid for the entire post-arrival quarantine period.
It is recommended that your dog receives a vaccination that protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para-influenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica and is valid for the entire post-arrival quarantine period. Dogs entering from Canada, the United States and Korea must be vaccinated against canine influenza between 14 days and 12 months prior to travel, and it is advised that dogs entering from other countries also receive the vaccination if it is available.
Dogs must be treated against Brucellosis, Ehrlicia canis, Leishmaniosis and Leptospirosis. Dogs that have visited Africa must have treatment for Babesia canis.
Rabies Titer Test
Unless your dog and/or cat has proof of at least 6 months residency or birth in a Group 1 or Group 2 country (see step #7), your pet must have a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) administered by a licensed veterinarian between 180 days and 12 months of entry. This also includes pets entering Australia from a non-approved country via a Group 2 or 3 country (see step #7).
To have your pet's quarantine period reduced from 30 days to 10 days, a Microchip Identity Verification process must be followed (see above).
Your pet can enter Australia no sooner than 180 days after date that the lab receives the blood sample. The titer test is valid for 12 months after the date the blood was drawn for the titer test. (Have your veterinarian scan your pet's microchip prior to the titer test.)
Note that this test is not required for pets entering Australia from Group 1 or Group 2 countries who have proof of a minimum of 6 months of continuous residency or birth in that country immediately proceeding import to Australia.
Dogs and cats who reside in Australia prior to export and will be returning to Australia within 12 months of export can have the rabies titer test done prior to leaving Australia to start the 180 day requirement. They must have proof of export and conform to all import regulations.
Import Permit
You can file an import permit after the rabies titer test is done in the approved country and no sooner than 42 days before import. It is valid for 12 months after issue date. (Not required for pets entering from New Zealand or Norfolk Island.)
Pet Health Certificate
Your pet must be inspected within 5 days of travel by a licensed veterinarian in your country who will issue a health certificate. The certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian who is a representative of the agency responsible for the import and export of animals, generally the Department or Ministry of Agriculture, in the origination country.
Internal and External Parasites
Before your dog or cat can enter Australia, it must be treated against internal parasites twice with the second treatment administered within 5 days of transport.
Two treatments against external parasites must be administered to your cat. Dogs must start treatments 21 days prior to Ehrlichia blood sampling.
Country Classifications
To qualify to be classified in the country groups below, your dog or cat must have resided in the country continuously since birth or a minimum of 6 months prior to import.
Group 1 Countries:New Zealand; Norfolk Island; Cocos Island
Group 2 Countries: American Samoa, Bahrain, Barbados, Christmas Island, Cook Island, Falkland Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Kiribati Mauritius, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
Group 3 Countries: 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, 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) and Uruguay.
If your dog or cat does not reside in one of these countries, it is not approved for import to Australia. It must reside in an approved country for 6 months prior to export. All tests and treatments must be done in the approved country.
Quarantine
All pets entering Australia, except those from New Zealand or Norfolk Island are subject to 10 - 30 days of quarantine at the Mickleham Quarantine Facility at Melbourne depending on whether the Microchip Validity Identification process was followed (see above). It is advisable to make reservations for your pet as soon as you receive your pet's import permit.
When entering Australia from another country through New Zealand, pets must remain on the island for 180 days after quarantine prior to entering Australia. (new requirement)
Further quarantine may be required for additional verification of tests or treatments.
Entering Australia by Air
Pets entering Australia must enter as air cargo via Melbourne Airport. Your pet must arrive between the days of Monday - Friday between the hours of 04:30 – 16:30, else special arrangements must be made for inspection at additional expense.
Pet owners should plan to avoid importing their pets to Australia during the months of December through February as the temperatures can be too high during that time to fly your pet in the cargo hold.
Note that, if there are no direct flights from your pet's originating country, then all transits or layovers must be through DAFF approved countries (see step #7).
The rules and regulations are complex and we recommend that you enlist the services of a licensed pet transport agent to assist you in making the arrangements to take your pet into Australia.
From most counties, it is a very long flight and you should consider the health and well being of your pet including asking the advice of your veterinarian. Taking a pet animal into Australia for a holiday is not practical.
Puppies and Kittens
Unvaccinated puppies and kittens are not permitted to enter Australia. The import requirements include microchipping and rabies vaccination no sooner than 3 months of age. Puppies and kittens should wait a minimum of 30 days after rabies vaccination prior to having their titer test, thus the minimum age of import would be 10 months of age. As these tests do not apply to puppies and kittens entering Australia from the Keeling Islands, New Zealand or Norfolk Island, pets must be at least 8 weeks of age when entering from these countries.
Banned Breeds
The following dog breeds are not permitted to enter Australia: Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is not included in Australian legislation. The laws only apply to pure bred dogs and does not apply to cross breeds or mixes.
Wolf and dog crosses are not eligible for import. This includes, but not limited to: Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog.
Domestic/non domestic animal hybrids are generally not eligible for import. Hybrid cats include, but are not limited to: Savannah cat, derived from crossbreeding domestic cat (Felis catus) 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).
Exporting Pets
Pet owners planing to export their pets from Australia must apply for an Export Permit and supply a Health Certificate. All requirements for the country your pet is traveling to must have been met.
Other Animals
The following pets are not permitted to enter Australia: chinchillas, fish, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, lizards, mice, snakes, spiders, pigs and turtles. Live pigeons are permitted from any country, however, household birds are only permitted if they are entering from New Zealand. Import standards are being compiled for the import of parrots.
Horses may enter from select countries. Rabbits are also permitted entry from certain countries.
Need More Advice?
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.
Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com. We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 2:00 PM EST.
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