Importing Pets to Australia [PET PASSPORT GUIDE 2023]

Taking pets 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 take your pet to Australia. The requirements vary widely, depending on the species of your pet, and which country you are traveling from. Currently, only dogs, cats, horses, birds and rabbits are permitted to enter Australia. However, this is only true if your pet adheres to their strict rules.

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

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What is the process of importing pets to Australia?

The process of importing pets to Australia is as follows:

1. Research – the process depends on the species and age of your pet, and where you are traveling from. Therefore, ensure you are aware of the specific requirements for taking your pet to Australia. It’s also important to check that your pet is allowed to be imported to Australia, as they have very strict rules, prohibiting many pets visiting. We will discuss the requirements for different pet species below.
2. Visit the vet – most pets will require a microchip, vaccinations, parasite treatments and a rabies blood test. However, the requirements vary depending on your pet’s species and home country. 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 will need an import permit. You need to apply for this before traveling to Australia as it will be required to pass customs.
4. Organise quarantine (if necessary) – as soon as you have your import permit granted, you should get in contact with the The Mickleham Center in Victoria to make arrangements for your pet.

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What pet species can be imported to Australia?

​​Sadly, not all pets will be allowed into Australia. This is because the pest or disease risks associated with importation may be considered too great and pose as a threat to Australia’s abundant wildlife.

The following pet species are currently permitted to be imported into Australia:

*Only “household pet birds” (budgerigars, parakeets, parrots, finches, cockatiels, lovebirds or other domesticated pet birds) are permitted to enter Australia. Poultry species (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, pheasant, quail or other game birds), or pigeons (Columbia livia) do not qualify as household pet birds.

Therefore, currently, only dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and certain species of birds from approved countries may be imported as pets. However, there are very strict conditions that must be met.

Unfortunately, no other vertebrate animals are approved for import into Australia as pets.

Reptiles (turtles, tortoises, snakes and lizards) are not permitted to be imported as pets, but may be imported under strict conditions for zoological purposes only.

Additionally, pet fish are not permitted to be imported into Australia. Live fish or fertile fish eggs are only permitted to be imported for the aquarium (ornamental) trade or for laboratory research.

Frogs and other amphibians can only be imported for laboratory or zoological purposes.

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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:

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What are the requirements to import pets to Australia?

The requirements to import pets to Australia depend on your pet’s age and species, 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

PET MICROCHIPPING

All dogs, cats and rabbits must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 pet microchip that is a 15 digit and non-encrypted. Birds and horses do not require microchips.

A microchip is a small chip the size of a grain of rice that holds a unique number which can be detected by a microchip scanner. It is implanted just under your pet’s skin in between its shoulder blades.

This should be the first step you take. Your pet’s microchip must be implanted before its rabies vaccination is administered, otherwise the vaccination will not count. We will discuss the rabies vaccination in detail in the next section.

RABIES VACCINATION

Dogs and cats residing in and entering from Group 1 and Group 2 Countries do not require a rabies vaccination. However, it is a requirement for dogs and cats entering Australia from all other countries. Birds, rabbits and horses do not require rabies vaccinations.

Pets 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 the 3 year rabies vaccination.

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

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARASITE TREATMENT

RABIES BLOOD TEST (RABIES TITER TEST)

The rabies blood test ensures their rabies vaccine has provided your pet with adequate levels of the rabies antibody.

A licensed vet will need to take your pet’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 pet can enter Australia no sooner than 180 days after date that the lab receives the blood sample. The titer test is valid for 730 days after that date.

IMPORT PERMIT & HEALTH CERTIFICATE

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 pet.

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.

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How long does it take to import pets to Australia?

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Will my pet need to stay in Australian quarantine?

Dogs, cats and rabbits traveling from New Zealand will not be subjected to quarantine. However, all pets 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. Pets will have great caretakers and special food/medication accommodations if your pet 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 pet 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 pet as soon as you receive your pet’s import permit.

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

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How much will it cost to import pets to Australia?

Importing a pet to Australia can be a rather expensive process, potentially costing around $5,000 (AUD) per animal. 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 species of your pet, and airline
• Import permit fees – costs around $480 (AUD) for one pet and $240 (AUD) for additional pets
• Quarantine fees – costs at least $2,200 (AUD)
• Government endorsements – varies depending on home country
• Travel gear – costs between $40 – $150 (AUD)

For a detailed breakdown of the costs, check Cost of Bringing a Dog to Australia.

The most expensive part of importing your pet 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 animal
• A daily rate of $27 (AUD) per animal
• $30 (AUD) document clearance per animal
• $30 (AUD) per 15 minutes of veterinary examination per animal
• $1,200 (AUD) post-entry quarantine (PEQ) charge

The typical 30 days in Australian quarantine for one animal 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).

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

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What airlines allow flying a dog to Australia?

Most airlines allow flying a dog to Australia. However, depending on the airline you fly with, pet policies differ.

When flying with a dog, it’s important to check airline pet policies before booking any travel. Different airline’s have different rules for flying with dogs, including which dog breeds are allowed, the size and weight of dogs that are permitted, and the number of dogs they allow. Fees also vary between airlines.

Most airlines will allow dogs to fly in the cargo section of their planes, in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their dogs, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin.

Some airlines will allow dogs to fly in the cabin with their owners, but generally only small dogs that weigh under 8kg are permitted. This is because dogs must fly inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owners.

For a list of airlines that allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, check:

• 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies]
• 13 Airlines That Allow Flying With a Cat In-Cabin [Prices & Policies]
• Which Airlines Allow Ferrets In Cabin? [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines that Allow Rabbits in the Plane Cabin [Policies & Prices]

For a list of airlines that allow other pets on their planes, check: 

• 13 Airlines That Allow Pet Birds on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Pet Snakes on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Lizards on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Rodents on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• Which Airlines Allow Hedgehogs on Planes? [Policies & Prices]

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Guidelines for Pet Carriers

If you are flying to Australia with a pet, it is important that you use a pet carrier that is approved by your airline. Different airlines have different pet carrier policies, which often vary between aircrafts and routes. Check that your pet 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 dogs are comfortable when travelling. Thus, inside their travel carriers, pets 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).

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

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

Additionally, if traveling with a dog, airlines often require that he or she is be obedient to your commands and can behave appropriately in public. Thus, he mustn’t bark or growl at other passengers or staff. If your dog 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 pet is flight-ready.

BUDGET	PET CARRIER	PRICE
LOW	AmazonBasics Pet Carrier Medium	CHECK HERE
MEDIUM	PetsFit Pet Carrier With Expandable Side	CHECK HERE
HIGH	Mr. Peanut’s Double Expandable, Soft-Sided Pet Carrier	CHECK HERE

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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Can I take my puppy or 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, dogs and cats must be at least 10 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. Puppies and kittens should wait a minimum of 30 days after rabies vaccination prior to having their titer test.

Can I take my pet to Australia with an EU Pet Passport?

You can travel 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 pet to stay in quarantine on arrival. Your pet may also need additional vaccines and treatments. Please refer to the requirements section above.

Can I move to Australia with my pet?

Possibly. You may be able to move to Australia with your pet, as long as you and your pet meet strict requirements. If you are from New Zealand, the process will likely be more simple. However those wanting to relocate to Australia from another country, will have a more lengthy and difficult process to go through. This is because there are additional requirements and conditions to be met. Furthermore, currently, only dogs, cats, horses, birds and rabbits are permitted into Australia. For more details, refer to the requirements section above.

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Bottom Line

So, importing a pet 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 pet 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!