Pet Transport to Australia
Moving a pet to Australia is one of the most complex international relocations in the world. With strict biosecurity laws, detailed veterinary timelines, and mandatory government quarantine, expert planning is essential. Our team manages every step of the process to ensure your pet’s journey to Australia is safe, compliant, and stress-free.
Approved Countries & Eligibility Groups
Australia classifies countries by rabies risk, which determines the import process and timeline.
- Approved countries are divided into multiple groups
- Pets must reside in an approved country for a specific period before export
- Pets from non-approved countries may need extended residency before qualifying
Import Permits & Documentation
Entry into Australia requires extensive documentation, including:
- Australian import permit
- Government-endorsed health certificates
- Test results and vaccination records
- Airline and customs paperwork
What Pets Can Travel to Australia
Australia permits the import of dogs and cats only, subject to eligibility requirements.
- Pets must meet minimum age and health standards
- Certain dog and cat breeds and hybrids are prohibited
- Pets must not be pregnant or nursing at the time of travel
- Airline-specific breed and temperature restrictions may also apply
Banned Dog Breeds and Mixes
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Presa Canario
- Any dogs derived from non-domestic species like the wolf (e.g., Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Saarloos Wolfdog, Kunming Dog, Lupo Italiano)
Banned Cat Breeds and Hybrids
- Savannah cats (domestic cat crossed with a serval)
- Safari cats (domestic cat crossed with a Geoffroy’s cat)
- Chausie cats (domestic cat crossed with a jungle cat)
- Bengal cats (domestic cat crossed with a leopard cat)
Import Health Checklist
Microchip & Vaccination Requirements
- ISO-compliant microchip required prior to any vaccinations
- Valid rabies vaccination administered after microchipping
- Additional core vaccinations required for dogs and cats
- Microchip number must match all documentation exactly
Rabies Testing & Mandatory Waiting Period
Pets must complete a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT).
- Blood sample sent to an approved laboratory
- A mandatory 180-day waiting period begins after successful testing
- Travel to Australia cannot occur until this waiting period is complete
Additional Tests & Treatment
- Parasite treatments (internal and external)
- Disease-specific blood tests
- Pre-export veterinary examinations
Quarantine in Australia
All pets must complete quarantine at the government-run facility in Mickleham, Victoria.
- Quarantine duration is typically 10 or 30 days, depending on compliance
- Costs are paid directly by the pet owner
- Pets receive daily care and veterinary monitoring
Australia FAQs
How long does it take to move a pet to Australia? Most relocations take 7–10 months, depending on testing timelines and eligibility.
How much does it cost? Costs vary based on pet size, routing, quarantine length, and services required.
Is cargo travel safe for pets? Yes. When handled correctly, cargo transport is the safest and most regulated option for international pet travel.