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Importing Cats to Australia [2023 Fees, Requirements & Processes]

Importing cats to Australia can be a complicated process.

Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment places great emphasis on protecting their natural flora and fauna. Thus, they have strict conditions that must be met in order to successfully import your cat to Australia. The requirements vary widely, mostly depending which country you are traveling from. However, this is only true if your cat adheres to their strict rules.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of importing cats to Australia, and breakdown the strict and complicated entry requirements.


What is an Australia Pet Passport for cats?

Australia does not have an official ‘Pet Passport’, however it is a term used to describe the documents that are required to take a pet to Australia. Cats will require a microchip at minimum, however it is likely that they will also need vaccinations, rabies titer test, parasite treatment and an import permit to travel to Australia. All vet documents must be issued by an accredited veterinarian and recorded alongside your cat’s individual microchip number. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your cat is fit and healthy to travel.

The documents required to travel with cats depends on which country you are travelling from, and which country you are travelling to. Each country has different rules and requirements to export and import cats. We will discuss the requirements to import cats to Australia in detail below.


What is the process of importing cats to Australia?

The process of importing cats to Australia is as follows:

  1. Research – the process and requirements depend mostly on where you are traveling from. Therefore, ensure you are aware of the specific requirements for importing your cat to Australia. It’s also important to check that your cat is allowed to be imported to Australia, as they have very strict rules, prohibiting some cat breeds from visiting. See listed of banned cat breeds below.
  2. Visit the vet – most cats will require a microchip, vaccinations, parasite treatments and a rabies blood test. However, the requirements vary depending on where you are traveling from and where your cat has been in the last 6 months. We will go into more detail in the requirements section below.
  3. Apply for import permit (if necessary) – to import a pet to Australia, you may need an import permit depending on where you are traveling from. You need to apply for this before traveling to Australia as it will be required to pass customs. For more information, check the import permit section below.
  4. Organise Australia pet quarantine (if necessary) – unless you are traveling from New Zealand, your cat will need to stay in Australia pet quarantine. You should apply for this as soon as you have your import permit granted. For more information see the Australia pet quarantine section below.

What cat breeds are not allowed into Australia?

In accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the following hybrid cats are not eligible for import to Australia:

  • Savannah cat, domestic cat (Felis catus) crossed 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)

If you are bringing other pet species, such as dogs, rabbits, birds or horses to Australia, check Importing Pets to Australia [PET PASSPORT GUIDE].


What are the requirements to import cats to Australia?

The requirements to import cats to Australia depend on your cat’s age and where you are traveling from. The requirements can include any of the following:

  1. Pet microchipping
  2. Rabies vaccination
  3. Internal and external parasite treatments
  4. Additional vaccinations
  5. Rabies blood test (Rabies Titer Test)
  6. Import permit and health certificate

The entry requirements depend on which of the following country groups you and your cat are traveling from:

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), Uruguay.

PET MICROCHIPPING

All cats imported to Australia must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip that is a 15 digit and non-encrypted.

A microchip is a small chip the size of a grain of rice that is embedded just under your cat’s skin in between its shoulder blades. Each microchip holds a unique number which can be detected by a microchip scanner and is attached to your contact details. 

This should be the first step you take. If your cat requires a rabies vaccination (traveling from group 2 or 3 countries), your cat’s microchip must be implanted before its vaccination is administered, otherwise the vaccination will not count. We will discuss the rabies vaccination in detail in the next section.

Your cat’s microchip number must be present on all documentation that is required required to enter Australia. Your veterinarian must scan your cat’s microchip before any tests or treatments required to enter Australia.

RABIES VACCINATION

Cats residing in and entering from Group 1 and Group 2 Countries do not require a rabies vaccination. However, it is a requirement for cats entering Australia from all other countries.

If you are travelling from the following countries, your cat will NOT need a rabies vaccination:

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.

If you are travelling from the following countries, your cat WILL need a rabies vaccination:

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), Uruguay.

Cats must be more than 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination.

Be sure to obtain certification of the period of validity for the particular vaccinations that you obtain, as some are good for three years, others for only one. The vaccination must be valid at the time of entering Australia. Australia accepts both the 1 year vaccination and the 3 year rabies vaccination.

Some cats may also require a rabies blood test, also known as a rabies titer test. Refer to the ‘requirement 4 – rabies blood test’ section below.

ADDITIONAL VACCINATIONS

As well as the rabies vaccination, cats also require additional vaccinations to enter Australia from Group 2 or Group 3 countries. All vaccinations should be valid for the entire post-arrival quarantine period. 

If you are traveling from the following countries, your cat MAY NOT need additional vaccines:

Group 1 Countries: New Zealand; Norfolk Island; Cocos Island

This is the case as long as there have been no cases of canine brucellosis (Brucella canis), leptospirosis (Leptospira canicola) and indigenous cases of, and established populations of competent vectors for, canine ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis) and leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum) during the 12 months before the date of export.

If you are travelling from the following countries, your cat WILL need additional vaccinations:

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), Uruguay.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment RECOMMENDS that cats traveling from Group 2 and Group 3 countries receive vaccinations against the following:

  • Feline enteritis (also known as feline panleucopenia or feline distemper)
  • Rhinotracheitis
  • Calicivirus

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARASITE TREATMENT

Before importing cats to Australia, they must be treated against internal and external parasites. 

All cats imported to Australia must be given two internal parasite treatments effective against nematodes and cestodes, by a government approved veterinarian. Two treatments must be given at least 14 days apart and within 45 days before the date of export. The second treatment must be given within 5 days before the date of travel.

All cats imported to Australia must be treated with a topical product that kills ticks and fleas on contact at least 21 days before the date of export.

To calculate 21 days before the date of export, count the first day the treatment is applied as day 0. For example, if treatment is given 1 January then the earliest date of export is 22 January.

All treatments should be administered by a government approved veterinarian.

Continuous protection from external parasites must be maintained until the time your cat leaves Australia.

Check which treatments are accepted on Australia’s government website here.

RABIES BLOOD TEST (RABIES TITER TEST)

If you have proof of at least 6 months residency in the following countries, your cat will NOT need a rabies blood test:

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.

If you are travelling from the following countries, or your cat has spent time in these countries in the past 6 months, your cat WILL need a rabies blood test:

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), Uruguay.

The rabies blood test ensures their rabies vaccine has provided your pet with adequate levels of the rabies antibody. This will prevent the potential risk of bringing rabies to Australia.

A licensed vet will need to take your cat’s blood at least three to four weeks after receiving their rabies vaccination. Their blood sample must then be sent to an approved lab for testing. Their blood results must show at least 0.5 IU/ml of the rabies antibody to pass.

Once you have your positive results back, your cat can enter Australia no sooner than 180 days after date that the lab receives the blood sample. Your cat’s rabies titer test certificate is valid for 730 days after the date shown.

If your cat is currently living in a non-approved country, you can have your pet’s rabies titer tested in your country. The blood sample must be processed in an OIE-approved laboratory in either China, France, South Korea, Mexico, United Kingdom or South Africa. However, before applying for the import permit, your cat must have another rabies titer test once it has moved to an approved country. The sample from the second test can be processed in an approved lab in that country.

IMPORT PERMIT & HEALTH CERTIFICATE

If you are importing cats to Australia from Group 2 or Group 3 countries, you will require an import permit.

If you are traveling from the following countries, cats will NOT need an import permit:

Group 1 Countries: New Zealand; Norfolk Island; Cocos Island

If you are travelling from the following countries, your cat WILL need an import permit :

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), Uruguay.

An import permit will show that your cat is qualified for traveling to Australia. Your veterinary health certificate will be Appendix 1 of your import permit

Upon arrival in Australia, customs officials will need to see a valid import permit, with a veterinary health certificate completed by an Official government veterinarian in the country of export.

Copies of documents may be used, however they must show the original signature of an official government veterinarian and stamp of the competent authority on every page.

An official government veterinarian must:

  • Complete, sign and stamp all pages of the veterinary health certificate
  • Give you a seal to be placed on your cat’s travel crate at the time of export. The seal number must be recorded on the veterinary health certificate.

How to apply for an Australian Import Permit?

You can apply an import permit online through BICON, once you are registered to their system.

You must ensure that your permits are applied for well in advance of your expected arrival date in Australia. You can file for an import permit as soon as your cat’s rabies titer test is passed, and no sooner than 42 days before import. An import permit is valid for 12 months after issue date.

Once you have submitted your application, The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will assess it and may decide to grant an import permit subject to any conditions deemed necessary to safely import your cat.

It is important to note that applying for an import permit does not automatically result in an import permit being issued. The department will inform you why your import permit was not granted.

Before submitting an import permit application, we highly recommended that you double check the import requirements for your cat on BICON.

How long does it take to import cats to Australia?

The process of importing a cat to Australia can take between 1-12 months to complete. This depends on where you are traveling from. If your cat requires a rabies titer test (traveling from group 3 countries), then you should allow yourself at least 9-10 months. 

If you are traveling from New Zealand with a cat, the time scale will be shorter. This is because they will not require rabies blood tests or import permits. However, if you are traveling from a country other than NZ, it will likely take you longer to import your cat to Australia.

The most timely steps of importing a cat to Australia, are getting your cat’s rabies blood test results back, and applying for an import permit.

Getting your cat microchipped and vaccinated against rabies will just take a quick appointment to the vet. The appointment should take no more than half an hour. Of course, if your cat requires additional treatments and vaccinations, the appointment may take a little longer.

As mentioned above, your cat’s rabies blood test will be one of the most timely steps. This is because you must wait at least 30 days after your cat’s rabies vaccination, before taking its blood sample. Not only can it take up to 30 days to get your cat’s blood test results back, but you will then have to wait 180 days before entering Australia.

Furthermore, the process of getting an import permit can be lengthy. The majority of permit applications are processed and decided within 20 days. However, in more complex cases, the process takes longer. In fact, under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and Biosecurity Regulation 2016, the department has a maximum of six months (123 business days) to either grant or refuse a permit.


Will my pet need to stay in Australian quarantine?

Cats traveling from New Zealand will not be subjected to quarantine. However, all cats traveling from outside of New Zealand will be subject to a 10 day quarantine period upon arrival. 

Don’t worry, quarantine isn’t as scary as it sounds. Cats will have great caretakers and special food/medication accommodations if your cat needs it.

Sadly, due to repeated forest fire damage, there is just one quarantine center – The Mickleham Center in Victoria. Therefore, upon arrival, departmental staff will collect your cat and transport them directly to the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility.

As there is just one center, we advise that you make reservations for your cat as soon as you receive your pet’s import permit.

When entering Australia from another country through New Zealand, cat must be quarantined in New Zealand, then remain on the island for 90 days after quarantine prior to entering Australia.

The quarantine facility at Mickleham will be closed for the last 2 weeks of December and the first day of January. No cats will be accepted for quarantine during that time.

How much will it cost to import cats to Australia?

Importing a cat to Australia can be a rather expensive process, potentially costing around $5,000 (AUD) per cat. The total cost broken down into the following fees:

  • Vet fees – microchipping, vaccinations and treatments varies on your vet practice fees and home country (average $425 AUD)
  • Airline fees for shipping a pet – varies widely depending on size and weight of your cat, and airline
  • Import permit fees – costs around $480 (AUD) for one pet and $240 (AUD) for additional cat (see breakdown below)
  • Quarantine fees – costs at least $2,200 (AUD) (see breakdown below)
  • Government endorsements – varies depending on home country
  • Travel gear – costs between $40 – $150 (AUD)

The most expensive part of importing your cat to Australia, is quarantine. The minimum stay in quarantine is 10 days, however you should prepare for a 30 day stay. The fees for quarantine are broken down into the following:

  • $33 (AUD) entry per cat
  • A daily rate of $27 (AUD) per cat
  • $30 (AUD) document clearance per cat
  • $30 (AUD) per 15 minutes of veterinary examination per cat
  • $1,200 (AUD) post-entry quarantine (PEQ) charge

The typical 30 days in Australian quarantine for one cat will probably cost you at least $2,200 (AUD). Add this to the permit costs and you’re looking at a total of around $3,000 (AUD).

IMPORT PERMIT FEES

Online lodgement of import permit application

Service

Lodgement

Assessment

Total (AUD)

First cat or dog in a consignment

$120.00

$360.00

$480.00

For each additional animal thereafter in the same consignment

$120.00

$120.00

$240.00

Full details of fees and charges can be found in the department’s charging guidelines.​​

AUSTRALIA PET QUARANTINE FEES

Service Notes

AUD$

Initial Booking Fee
(Listed as PEQ initial husbandry fee – Cat on invoice)
Fee is counted towards first nights stay (Daily rate AUD $29) $29
Inspection fee
(Listed as PEQ Inspection, in office, 30 mins on invoice)
Fee per 30 minutes. This fee is charged per animal $60
Document assessment
(Listed as PEQ Doc Assessment, in office, 30 mins on invoice)
Fee per 30 minutes. This fee is charged per animal $60
Quarantine accommodation
(Listed as PEQ daily husbandry fee – Cat on invoice)
9 days stay x daily rate AUD $29 $261
Importation charge
(Listed as PEQ Importation charge – Cat on invoice)
Levy $1200
Release appointment
(Listed as ‘Recovery of Airline Handling charge’ on invoice)
Terminal Service Fees (charged per airway bill number)
This fee is charged by the airline and is paid by the department on your behalf upon collection of your animal from the airport.
$110-$200
Accommodation of an additional cat in the consignment* Daily rate for subsequent dog or cat $29
Overstay accommodation of cat Daily rate $29
Any additional costs
Out of hours collection fee per cat
(Listed as OOH Out of office non cont  – weekday or weekend – PEQ on invoice)
Weekdays
Weekends & public holidays
$130
$140
Any additional costs
For example: Non-compliance fees or grooming appointments
Fee per 30 minutes. This fee is charged per animal $60
Any additional veterinary care Additional veterinary medical care provided by a private veterinarian upon request  

 


Tips for traveling with cats

Traveling with cats can be stressful, for you and your cat. To ensure that your journey is as stress-free as possible, follow these guidelines:

  1. Get your cat used to it’s carrier – buy your cats carrier in advance and let it get used to spending time in there. Pop a blanket in there and let your cat get comfortable in it at home, before your journey.
  2. Exhaust your cat 48 hours before your journey – have some extra play time with your cat so that he will be tired for your journey. That way he will be more sleepy and relaxed on the journey.
  3. Limit access to food 12-24 hours before your journey – for the obvious reason, your cat will be less likely to need to poop.
  4. Familiarise yourself with the airports/stations – for a smoother, quicker journey, check exactly where you need to go to check your pet in. You can also check if the airport/station has a dedicated pet area to let your pet exercise.

Guidelines for Cat Carriers

If you are flying to Australia with a cat, it is important that you use a cat carrier that is approved by your airline. Different airlines have different cat carrier policies, which often vary between aircrafts and routes. Check that your cat’s carrier is approved for your chosen airline, aircraft and route. 

The rules and regulations have been set out by International Air Transport Association (IATA) ensure that cats are comfortable when travelling. Thus, inside their travel carriers, cats must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching any side or the top of the container).

The rules for pet carriers also vary depending on whether your cat will be flying in the cabin or cargo area of the plane.

If you are travelling in the cabin with your cat, then you will need to ensure that it fits under the seat in front of you. This is why only small cats weighing under 7-8kg are permitted in the cabin.

Furthermore, airlines often require that your cat must behave appropriately in public. Thus, he mustn’t hiss or growl at other passengers or staff. If your cat does not behave in an appropriate manner, some airlines may transfer him to the cargo hold at an additional cost, or refuse to transport him all together. Some airlines require a consent form to ensure your cat is flight-ready.

Whether your cat is traveling in the cabin or cargo area of the plane, you should attach any required documentation to the carrier. This includes, your import permit and veterinarian certificates. Furthermore, it’s also helpful to attach any special instructions, for example those on feeding and medication if your cat requires any.

For a list of airlines that allow cats to fly in the cabin with their owners, check 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With a Cat In-Cabin [Prices & Policies].

BUDGET

CAT CARRIER

PRICE

LOW AmazonBasics Pet Carrier Medium

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MEDIUM PetsFit Pet Carrier With Expandable Side

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HIGH Mr. Peanut’s Double Expandable, Soft-Sided Pet Carrier CHECK HERE

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Can I take my kitten to Australia?

If you are traveling from the Keeling Islands, New Zealand or Norfolk Island, yes, as long as he or she is over 8 weeks of age. However, unfortunately, cats must be at least 9 months of age to be permitted to enter Australia from any other country. This is due to the strict time requirements on microchipping, rabies vaccinations and rabies blood tests. The import requirements include microchipping and rabies vaccination no sooner than 3 months of age. Kittens must wait a minimum of 30 days after rabies vaccination prior to having their titer test. Results can take 30 days to get back, and on top of that you will need to wait 180 days before traveling to Australia.

Can I import my cat to Australia with an EU Pet Passport?

You can import a cat to Australia with an EU Pet Passport, however there are additional conditions to be met. You will need to apply for an Import Permit and organise your cat to stay in quarantine on arrival. Your cat may also need additional vaccines and treatments. Please refer to the requirements section above.

Can I take a pregnant cat to Australia?

As long as your cat is less than 30 days pregnant and is will not be suckling young at the time of travel, you can import it to Australia.


Bottom Line

So, importing a cat to Australia can be a complicated process. It is particularly complicated if you are traveling from a country other than New Zealand.

If you haven’t been put off, just be sure to familiarise yourself with the conditions you need to meet to bring your cat to Australia. You can check here.

Allow yourself plenty of time to prepare for your trip, even up to 1 year in more complicated cases!

Hope you have found this helpful. Happy travels!

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