🇦🇺 Pet Import to Australia

Australia operates one of the most rigorous pet biosecurity regimes in the world under the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The country is rabies-free and maintains its disease-free status through strict controls. Cats and dogs may only be imported from approved countries (including the UK, USA, Canada, Singapore, and others) or non-approved countries, with each pathway having different requirements and preparation timelines. For pets from non-approved countries, the process typically spans 6 months or more. Microchipping with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant chip is mandatory. Dogs and cats from non-approved countries must be vaccinated against rabies and undergo a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Test (RNAT) at an approved laboratory with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. A waiting period then applies before travel. All pets must undergo a series of internal and external parasite treatments on a precise DAFF-specified schedule in the weeks before departure. Dogs must receive heartworm prevention and may need Leishmania and Brucella canis testing depending on the country of origin. All pets arriving in Australia undergo mandatory post-arrival quarantine of at least 10 days at an approved facility; pets from certain higher-risk countries may face longer quarantine. DAFF must approve the import permit before the animal departs its country of origin. Only cats and dogs are routinely permitted as companion animals; most other species face additional restrictions or outright prohibition under Australian biosecurity law. Pet owners should begin the process at least 6 to 12 months before their intended travel date.