Importing Your Pet to Australia
Strict to importAustralia has the strictest pet import process of any country in this guide. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) regulates it, and import permits are applied for through its BICON system. Unless your pet comes from New Zealand, Norfolk Island or the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, it goes into government quarantine at Mickleham in Melbourne, the only post entry quarantine facility for cats and dogs. Group 2 and Group 3 pets must arrive directly into Melbourne International airport, with no domestic transfers, wherever in Australia you’re going.
DAFF sorts the world into three groups: Group 1 (New Zealand, Norfolk Island, the Cocos Islands), Group 2 (approved rabies-free countries such as Singapore, Japan, Mauritius, Fiji and Hawaii) and Group 3 (approved countries where rabies is present but well controlled, which is where the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, most of the EU, South Africa and the UAE sit). Pets cannot be imported directly from any other country: the pet must first spend at least 180 days in an approved country and meet all the conditions for importing from there. For Group 3 pets the timeline is driven by the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT): microchip, rabies vaccination, then the blood draw, and there is no export to Australia until at least 180 days after the laboratory receives that sample. DAFF allows no exceptions.
DAFF tells Group 3 owners to allow at least 6 months for health checks, tests and paperwork.
Import Requirements
Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 2 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.
Who is in charge
- Cat and dog imports are regulated by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF); import permits are applied for through its Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON).
Import permits for cats and dogs coming to Australia, checked 2 October 2026
Where your pet travels from
| Group | What applies | Origins |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | New Zealand, Norfolk Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. New Zealand: no import permit and no quarantine if standard health certificate conditions are met. Norfolk Island: no permit and no quarantine if standard health certificate conditions are met. Cocos (Keeling) Islands: cats need an import permit but no quarantine; dogs from Cocos: no published pathway (the guides page says dog imports from Cocos are not accepted; the newer Cocos guide says contact DAFF). Source | New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands |
| Group 2 | Approved rabies-free countries and territories (Christmas Island, Cook Islands, Iceland, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Tuvalu and Wallis & Futuna currently have no health certificate, so no export from them for now); import permit required (valid 12 months). No rabies vaccination or RNATT; official identity verification then 180 days' residence in a Group 1 or 2 country; minimum 10 days' quarantine at Mickleham for dogs and cats; dogs need Leishmania, Brucella (if entire) and Leptospira Canicola measures, and CIV vaccination from Singapore and Hawaii. Source | 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 3 | Approved countries where rabies is present but well controlled (Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Seychelles, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines and British Virgin Islands currently have no health certificate, so no export from them for now); import permit required. Rabies vaccination, RNATT, 180-day wait from the date the RNATT sample arrives at the laboratory, then minimum 30 days' quarantine at Mickleham, reduced to minimum 10 days if an official government veterinarian verified identity before the RNATT blood draw. Source | 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 (including 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) |
| Non-approved | Any country not listed in Groups 1 to 3. Pets cannot be imported directly; the pet must spend at least 180 days in an approved country and meet that country's conditions. The former non-approved via Group 2/3 pathway is no longer available. Source | all other countries |
- Dogs from Cocos (Keeling) Islands: the Cocos guide (page last updated 11 June 2026, the newer page) covers cats only and tells dog owners to contact DAFF at imports@aff.gov.au before planning. Treat a dog from Cocos as having no published direct pathway until DAFF confirms one in writing.
Applies to dogs from Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
How to bring your cat to Australia from Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Group 1 territory), checked 1 October 2026Official sources differ
The step-by-step guides page (https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/how-to-import/step-by-step-guides, page last updated 9 June 2026) says: 'We do NOT accept dog imports from Cocos (Keeling) Islands. You will need to import via one of the countries on this list.' Both are DAFF pages; the newer Cocos guide was preferred under the conflict rule, but the two are compatible in practice: no dog pathway is published, and DAFF must be contacted. - Cats and dogs can only be imported from an approved country (Groups 1 to 3); from any other country, all import steps must be completed in an approved country.
Applies to dogs and cats from countries not in Groups 1 to 3.
Step-by-step guides to bring your cat or dog to Australia, checked 1 October 2026 - For a pet in a non-approved country, the pet must spend at least 180 days in an approved country and meet all conditions for importing from that country.
Applies to dogs and cats from countries not in Groups 1 to 3.
Step-by-step guides to bring your cat or dog to Australia, checked 1 October 2026 - The former non-approved via Group 2/3 country pathway is no longer available; applicants must meet the conditions for the intended approved country of export.
Applies to dogs and cats from non-approved countries.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - A country-specific health certificate negotiated with DAFF is needed; where none exists, the cat or dog cannot be exported to Australia from that approved country.
Applies to dogs and cats from approved countries.
Step-by-step guides to bring your cat or dog to Australia, checked 1 October 2026 - Approved countries with no health certificate currently in place (so no export to Australia from them for now): Group 2: Christmas Island, Cook Islands, Iceland, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Tuvalu, Wallis & Futuna. Group 3: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Jamaica, Seychelles, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Virgin Islands British.
Applies to dogs and cats from the listed approved countries.
Step-by-step guides to bring your cat or dog to Australia, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1: New Zealand (and Norfolk Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands as Group 1 regions) is classified as Group 1 and approved for dog and cat imports.
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand, Norfolk Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (cats only for Cocos).
Step-by-step guides to bring your cat or dog to Australia, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2: approved, rabies-free countries listed on the Group 2 guides (the cat and dog lists are identical).
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3: approved countries where rabies is present but well controlled, listed on the Group 3 guides (the cat and dog lists are identical).
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026
Import permit
- An import permit is required for Group 2 and Group 3 animals; most permits are issued in 20 to 40 business days but it can take up to 123 business days.
Applies to dogs and cats needing a permit (Groups 2 and 3).
Import permits for cats and dogs coming to Australia, checked 2 October 2026 - For Group 3 dogs the permit is valid until the RNATT expires, 12 months from the blood sample date.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Cats and dogs from Norfolk Island need no import permit to Australia if they meet the standard health certificate conditions.
Applies to dogs and cats from Norfolk Island.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from Norfolk Island (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand: no import permit is needed if the cat or dog meets the standard health certificate conditions.
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 Cocos (Keeling) Islands: cats must travel with a valid import permit (valid 12 months from issue).
Applies to cats from Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
How to bring your cat to Australia from Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Group 1 territory), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 import permits are valid for 12 months from the date granted; the permit must be valid at export.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026
Microchip
- Microchips starting with 999 are not accepted because they are not unique (Group 3 cat guide; the Group 3 dog guide states the same rule but misprints 'Microchip' as 'Microsoft').
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries (quoted from the Group 3 cat guide; the Group 3 dog guide states the same rule).
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 2 October 2026 - AVID 9-digit microchips are not accepted; owners may send a microchip scanner with the animal.
Applies to dogs and cats from all approved countries.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - The dog or cat must be implanted with an ISO compliant microchip (generally 10 or 15 digits); microchips are the only approved identification method.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries (the Group 2 guides state an equivalent ISO microchip rule in different words).
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026
Rabies vaccination
- Group 3: rabies vaccination given at 84 days of age or older.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3: the rabies vaccination must be valid continuously from the RNATT up to and including the date of export.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026
Rabies titre test
- Group 3: the RNATT blood sample must be taken by a government approved veterinarian who scans the microchip, in an approved country, between 12 months and 180 days before export and after rabies vaccination (normally 3 to 4 weeks after a first vaccination; regularly vaccinated animals may be sampled sooner). The laboratory must use FAVN or RFFIT; a result of 0.5 IU/ml or more is acceptable.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3: wait 3 to 4 weeks between rabies vaccination and the RNATT blood sample; if the animal has regular rabies vaccinations the sample may be collected sooner (check with the vet).
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - The laboratory must use FAVN or RFFIT and be approved by the competent authority of the exporting country; it may be in another approved country.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - RNATT is valid 12 months (365 days) from the blood sample date, not for life; retest before expiry, with the new sample reaching the lab within 12 months of the original to avoid restarting the 180-day wait.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
Rabies vaccination and tests for cats and dogs coming to Australia, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3: no export to Australia until at least 180 days after the RNATT sample arrives at the laboratory; no exceptions.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3: the official identity check is optional (it reduces post entry quarantine from a minimum of 30 days to a minimum of 10 days); if it is done, it must be completed before the RNATT and cannot be done at the same visit.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
Rabies vaccination and tests for cats and dogs coming to Australia, checked 1 October 2026
Health certificate
- An official government veterinarian must complete, sign and stamp every page of the veterinary health certificate, after the final health check and the second internal parasite treatment, within 5 days before export.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand: either a pre-printed AUPET9 certificate issued by a private vet at an MPI listed practice, or an official assurance certificate AUPETOA9 issued by an MPI official veterinarian; the original must travel with the pet.
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 cats: an official government veterinarian must complete, sign and stamp all pages of the health certificate within 5 days before export, after the final check and second internal parasite treatment; each page needs the wet ink stamp.
Applies to cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs: the health certificate and laboratory reports must be endorsed by an official government veterinarian within 5 days before export; the official vet also supplies a seal for the crate and records its number.
Applies to dogs from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 cats: the official government veterinarian endorses every page within 5 days before export, supplies a crate seal and records the seal number on the certificate.
Applies to cats from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026
Other vaccines and tests
- Group 3 dogs: test for Leishmania infantum (IFAT or ELISA) within 45 days of export.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 dogs that are not desexed: test for Brucella canis within 45 days of export.
Applies to entire (not desexed) dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 dogs: either vaccinated against or tested negative for Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Dogs that have ever been in mainland Africa must be treated with imidocarb dipropionate by a government approved veterinarian within 28 days of export.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries that have ever visited mainland Africa.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 cats: feline enteritis, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus vaccinations are recommended but not required, and the Group 2 cat guide lists no blood tests. The Group 3 cat guide (updated 20 February 2026) likewise says these vaccinations are not mandatory and lists no blood test other than the RNATT.
Applies to cats from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs: Leishmania infantum test (IFAT or ELISA, not rapid tests) within 45 days of export.
Applies to dogs from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs that are not desexed: Brucella canis test (RSAT, TAT or IFAT) within 45 days of export.
Applies to entire dogs from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs: Leptospira Canicola vaccination (primary course completed at least 14 days before export, or annual booster between 12 months and 14 days before) or a negative MAT within 45 days; a positive MAT makes the dog ineligible.
Applies to dogs from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Leptospirosis vaccine given in Australia does not cover serovar Canicola and is not compliant for import (relevant to Australian pets returning).
Applies to dogs returning to Australia.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs from Singapore and Hawaii must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza virus (CIV).
Applies to dogs from Singapore and Hawaii.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 dogs from the USA and South Korea must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza (primary course completed at least 14 days before export; boosters between 12 months and 14 days before export).
Applies to dogs from the USA and South Korea.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 dogs from Canada: either full CIV vaccination, or 10 days’ isolation from other dogs plus a negative CIV PCR on a swab within 7 days of export and an examination within 48 hours of export.
Applies to dogs from Canada.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand: dogs that have lived outside NZ (other than since birth or import from Australia) need a negative Leishmania infantum IFAT or ELISA, sampled after at least 21 days in NZ; dogs that have lived in mainland Africa need imidocarb treatment.
Applies to dogs from New Zealand that have lived elsewhere.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Not required: Ehrlichia canis serological testing was removed for all dogs imported to Australia from 1 November 2022 (industry advice 203-2022, 21 October 2022).
Applies to dogs from all approved countries.
203-2022: Changes to Ehrlichia canis testing requirements for live dog imports, checked 1 October 2026 - Not required: Babesia gibsoni. The Group 3 dog guide lists every laboratory report to bring to the final examination (RNATT, Leishmania, Brucella if entire, Leptospira if not vaccinated, CIV if required); no Babesia gibsoni test appears. Babesia applies only as imidocarb treatment for dogs that have been in mainland Africa.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026
Parasite treatment
- Internal parasites (dogs and cats): two treatments within 45 days before export, at least 14 days apart, the second within 5 days before export.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - External parasites, dogs: start at least 30 days before export and repeat per manufacturer's directions.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - External parasites, cats: start at least 21 days before export and repeat per manufacturer's directions.
Applies to cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand: topical external parasite treatment (oral products generally not accepted) and an internal parasite treatment against nematodes and cestodes, each within 5 days before export.
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Oral flea and tick products (such as NexGard and Bravecto) and tick collars are not accepted as external parasite treatments.
Applies to dogs and cats from all approved countries.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026
Quarantine
- There is one post entry quarantine facility for cats and dogs, at Mickleham (Melbourne, Victoria), run by DAFF.
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Quarantine in Australia, checked 2 October 2026 - Group 3 dogs: at least 30 days at Mickleham.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3: reduced to at least 10 days if an official government veterinarian verified identity before the RNATT blood draw, or the pet originated in Australia and has its Australian export certification.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 cats: minimum 30 days unless eligible for the minimum 10 day stay.
Applies to cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 cats: minimum 10 days at Mickleham.
Applies to cats from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 2 October 2026 - Mickleham quarantine can only be booked once the import permit has been issued; a valid permit number is needed to book.
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - No quarantine for cats and dogs from Norfolk Island that meet all other conditions.
Applies to dogs and cats from Norfolk Island.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from Norfolk Island (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Heat stress warning: from December to February temperatures can exceed 40C, a significant heatstroke risk for animals compromised by a medical condition, age, breed (brachycephalic dogs), long or thick hair or excess weight.
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Quarantine in Australia, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand: no quarantine period for cats and dogs that meet standard conditions.
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 Cocos (Keeling) Islands: no mandatory post entry quarantine for cats that meet all other import conditions.
Applies to cats from Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
How to bring your cat to Australia from Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Group 1 territory), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs: at least 10 days at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility.
Applies to dogs from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Holding an import permit does not guarantee a Mickleham place on the requested date; part of the quarantine fee is paid at booking and unpaid bookings are not kept. No set lead time or capacity figure is published.
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - Quarantine for Group 2 and 3 pets is at Mickleham only (no home quarantine); stays are at least 10 to 30 days and can extend up to 180 days if biosecurity risk issues arise.
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026
Arrival points and notice
- Group 2 and 3 pets must arrive directly into Melbourne International airport; no domestic transfers.
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 cats must arrive directly into Melbourne International airport from the country of export.
Applies to cats from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Norfolk Island pets are cleared at the first point of entry in Australia, by air or sea.
Applies to dogs and cats from Norfolk Island.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from Norfolk Island (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand and Cocos: cleared at the first point of entry in Australia (air or sea); notify the regional office of the state of first arrival at least 3 days before arrival.
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Groups 2 and 3: the airline must send an OK to Forward request to PEQservices@aff.gov.au and it must be approved before departure, after the quarantine reservation is confirmed.
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Our facility (Mickleham post entry quarantine), checked 1 October 2026 - Mickleham accepts arrivals into Melbourne 05:00 to 14:30 Monday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday and 05:00 to 21:00 Wednesday to Friday; flights landing 21:00 to 05:00 are not accepted, and out of hours fees apply on weekends, public holidays and after 14:30 (page updated 31 August 2026).
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Our facility (Mickleham post entry quarantine), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs: transhipment only in a Group 1 or 2 country or in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, London, Dubai or Hong Kong; transit (staying on the plane) is allowed anywhere.
Applies to dogs from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026
Minimum age
- Group 1 New Zealand: the cat or dog must not be less than 8 weeks old at export.
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 dogs: DAFF's BICON import conditions (Domestic dogs case, effective 1 October 2026, Group 3 with verified identity) set no separate minimum import age; the person in charge must comply with IATA or airline minimum-age rules for international flights. In practice the age floor also follows from rabies vaccination at 84 days or older, the RNATT and the 180-day wait.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
BICON Domestic dogs: Group 3 country (excluding Hawaii), animal has official identity verification (effective 1 October 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs: DAFF's BICON import conditions (Domestic dogs case, effective 1 October 2026, Group 2 including Hawaii) set no separate minimum import age; the person in charge must comply with IATA or airline minimum-age rules for international flights.
Applies to dogs from Group 2 countries.
BICON Domestic dogs: Group 2 country (including Hawaii) (effective 1 October 2026), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 cats: DAFF's BICON import conditions (Domestic cats case, effective 1 October 2026, Group 3 with verified identity) set no separate minimum import age; the person in charge must comply with IATA or airline minimum-age rules for international flights (rabies vaccination must still be at 84 days or older).
Applies to cats from Group 3 countries.
BICON Domestic cats: Group 3 country (excluding Hawaii), animal has official identity verification (effective 1 October 2026), checked 1 October 2026
How many pets
- No official page states a rule on this. We confirm it with you for each move.
Banned and restricted breeds
- Banned pure breed dogs (Department of Home Affairs legislation): dogo Argentino, fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier, Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - Domestic/non-domestic dog hybrids (for example dog-wolf crosses) are prohibited, including but not limited to the Czechoslovakian wolfdog, Saarloos wolfdog, Lupo Italiano and Kunming wolfdog.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - Non-domestic cat hybrids are banned (Savannah, Safari, Chausie and Bengal, and crossbred offspring); this is an environmental protection ban administered by DCCEEW.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 2 October 2026 - Bengal cats are no longer permitted to enter Australia as of 1 March 2026 (changed in 2026; the previous version of this file said only that Bengal exemptions stopped from 1 March 2025). Same wording on the Group 1 New Zealand and Cocos guides.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 2 October 2026 - Mixed breed dogs, including mixes involving the banned pure breeds, are not restricted.
Applies to dogs.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026
How your pet may travel
- Cats and dogs cannot travel in the cabin; they must travel to Australia as manifest cargo (eligible assistance dogs may be exempt).
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand: by air as manifested cargo in an IATA crate, or by sea on a vessel direct to Australia (manifested cargo not needed by sea).
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs and cats: the crate must be sealed with the seal supplied by the official government veterinarian and the seal must be intact on arrival.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 3 dogs must travel in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved crate, as manifested cargo.
Applies to dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026
Official fees
- Import permit fees are paid in full at application and are non-refundable; no permit is issued until payment clears. Fees are charged per animal in a consignment: AUD 626 for the first cat or dog (AUD 135 lodgement plus AUD 491 assessment) and AUD 299 for each additional animal in the same consignment (AUD 135 plus AUD 164). Assessment fees are minimums; extra fees may apply for incomplete applications, errors or variations. Fees are reviewed annually.
Applies to dogs and cats needing a permit.
Import permits for cats and dogs coming to Australia, checked 2 October 2026 - Post entry quarantine fees per animal (DAFF fees page as read on 1 October 2026): reservation AUD 282, importation charge AUD 1,132 (both non-refundable unless exceptional circumstances apply), inspection AUD 84 and document assessment AUD 84 per 30 minutes, accommodation AUD 56 per day (AUD 560 for 10 days, AUD 1,680 for 30 days), out of hours collection AUD 176 weekdays or AUD 186 weekends and public holidays, other supervision or non-compliance costs AUD 42 per 15 minutes, release appointment (airline terminal service fee per air waybill, paid by the department on the importer's behalf) minimum AUD 170. Fees are calculated on a cost recovery basis and reviewed annually.
Applies to dogs and cats entering post entry quarantine.
Fees and charges (post entry quarantine), checked 2 October 2026 - The quarantine account must be paid in full before release; extra charges apply for additional treatment, veterinary care or extended stays.
Applies to dogs and cats entering post entry quarantine.
Fees and charges (post entry quarantine), checked 2 October 2026 - DAFF estimates the total government cost to import one cat or dog at AUD 3,114 with the minimum 10 days of quarantine, or AUD 4,234 with the minimum 30 days (FAQ updated 1 July 2026).
Applies to dogs and cats from Groups 2 and 3.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 2 October 2026
Other conditions
- Group 3 pets must have lived in an approved country for at least 180 days before export, counted from the date the RNATT sample arrives at the laboratory.
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 cats must have lived in a Group 1 or 2 country for at least 180 days since the official identity check, immediately before export.
Applies to cats from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your cat to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Allow at least 6 months for health checks, tests and paperwork (Group 3).
Applies to dogs and cats from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Pregnant dogs only if no more than 30 days pregnant.
Applies to pregnant dogs from Group 3 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 3 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Pets leaving Australia that will return from a Group 3 country should be rabies vaccinated and RNATT tested through ACDP before leaving; the Australian export health certificate must carry the microchip number.
Applies to Australian pets returning from Group 3 countries.
Cats and dogs returning to Australia, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs: the official government veterinarian identity verification must be done at least 180 days before export, before any other preparation; the dog is eligible 180 days after verification.
Applies to dogs from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 2 dogs: if identity is verified and the permit lodged before the dog turns 6 months old, the 180-day wait before export may not apply.
Applies to young dogs from Group 2 countries.
How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country, checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand eligibility: lived only in NZ since birth or since import from Australia, or at least 180 days in NZ immediately before export.
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - Group 1 New Zealand and Cocos: females must not be more than 40 days pregnant or nursing at export (Groups 2 and 3: not more than 30 days pregnant).
Applies to dogs and cats from New Zealand and Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from New Zealand (Group 1 country), checked 1 October 2026 - No upper age limit: an import permit will not be refused because of an animal’s age (DAFF advises against importing sick or very old animals).
Applies to dogs and cats from all approved countries.
Cats and dogs frequently asked questions, checked 1 October 2026 - Middle East conflict (industry advice 43-2026, 13 March 2026): import requirements for cats and dogs from Middle Eastern countries are unchanged; unannounced or non-compliant animals may be re-exported or destroyed.
Applies to dogs and cats from Middle Eastern countries.
43-2026: Import requirements for companion cats and dogs from countries impacted by the Middle East conflict, checked 1 October 2026
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The 180-day rule and why you can't shortcut it
For pets coming from Group 3 countries (the UK, USA, Canada, most of the EU, South Africa), the timeline is controlled by one number: 180 days. The detail almost every guide gets wrong is where that number starts counting. It is not the vaccination date, and it is not the day the blood was drawn. DAFF says there is no export to Australia until at least 180 days after the RNATT sample arrives at the laboratory. Any time the sample spends in the post is added to your wait.
To reach that blood draw, the animal needs an ISO compliant microchip implanted first (chips starting with 999 are not accepted), then a rabies vaccination given at 84 days of age or older. The blood is taken by a government approved vet, normally 3 to 4 weeks after a first vaccination, and the laboratory must use FAVN or RFFIT with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The result is valid for 12 months from the blood sample date, and a Group 3 dog’s import permit runs to the same expiry, so the animal has to travel inside that window. DAFF says most permits are issued in 20 to 40 business days, but some take up to 123 business days.
One step is worth doing even though nothing forces you to: have an official government veterinarian verify the animal’s identity before the blood is drawn, at a separate visit. That is what reduces the Mickleham stay from a minimum of 30 days to a minimum of 10.
Mickleham: the one quarantine facility
Group 2 and Group 3 cats and dogs arrive in Melbourne and go to the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility. There is no home quarantine option. If you’re moving to Perth, Sydney, or Brisbane, your pet still arrives in Melbourne, completes quarantine, and is then released to you or transported onward.
You can only book Mickleham once your import permit has been issued, and holding a permit does not guarantee a place on the date you want. Don’t finalise your own travel date before you have a confirmed quarantine booking. DAFF estimates the total government cost to import one cat or dog at AUD 3,114 with the minimum 10 days of quarantine, or AUD 4,234 with the minimum 30 days, and the quarantine account must be paid in full before your pet is released.
Blood tests beyond rabies
DAFF requires more than the rabies titre for dogs. Group 3 dogs need a Leishmania infantum test within 45 days of export and, if they are not desexed, a Brucella canis test in the same window. They must also be either vaccinated against or tested negative for Leptospira Canicola. Dogs from the USA and South Korea must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza, and dogs from Canada need either that vaccination or isolation plus a negative PCR test. Ehrlichia canis testing was removed for all dogs from 1 November 2022. Group 3 cats need no blood test other than the RNATT.Routes to Australia
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Australia
- Difficulty: Strict
- Code: AU
Sources
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- DAFF · Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry