Importing dogs and cats to Australia
Pet Carriers International has over 30 years’ experience with Importing Pets to Australia.
As at March 2025 :
We have safely imported over 2,000 sets of Family's Pets from over 150 origin airports in over 100 different countries into Australia.
We can provide a complete service to include obtaining Import Permits, veterinary treatments and the transport to Australia.
For full details please contact our import specialist’s on +61 2 9700 7223 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We prefer to manage the whole import process as we find that provides better outcomes.
Dogs and cats entering Australia from an approved country require an Import permit issued by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Pet Carriers International has a team specialising in Import Pets to Australia. Pet Carriers International can organise an Import Permit on your behalf and guide your through the strict protocol, to ensure your pets smooth entry to Australia.
There are some countries from which cats and dogs cannot be directly imported to Australia. These are referred to as ‘non-approved’ countries. If you are bring a pet from a non-approved country they must spend time in an approved country to receive the relevant veterinary treatments before they will be eligible to return to Australia.
Here is a snap shot of what is required to bring your pets to Australia from different countries.
- Bringing your pet from a Category 3 country (Click link for more information)
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).
- Bringing your pet from a Category 2 country (Click link for more information)
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
- Bringing your pet from a non approved country (click link for more information)
How Long will my Pet be in Quarantine?
The minimum quarantine period for pets entering Australia is 10 days. The ONLY countries which you can import a Pet to Australia without quarantine are New Zealand, Cocos Islands & Norfolk Island.
How long does the process take?
From most countries your pet will need to have a Rabies Blood test done ( 6 months) prior to importing to Australia to be eligible for the minimum 10 days quarantine.
Use this link :
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade
- Select the Cats and Dogs section (even for other pets),
- Click on the post entry quarantine link on the right hand side of the webpage.
- Check the requirements from your originating country.
How much does Quarantine Cost?
The estimated Australian Government Post Entry Quarantine facility fees and customs clearance charges for the 10 days is approximately $2,000AUD for a dog or a cat regardless of size, but depending on flight arrival time.
How many Quarantine Facilities are there in Australia?
Currently there is only one Quarantine facility and it is located in Melbourne.
For further details please visit :
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade
- Select the Cats and Dogs section (even for other pets),
- Click on the post entry quarantine link on the right hand side of the webpage.
Can my pet travel in the aircraft cabin with me?
Your pet must travel to Australia as manifested cargo. Your pets will travel on passenger flights to Australia as Cargo.
The only exceptions are possibly certified service dogs or military dogs.
How much does the Transport Cost?
When Importing Pets to Australia the transport cost is dependent on a few factors.
Breed and size of your pets – Airfreight is calculated by the volume of space taken up on the flight.
Location of your pets – Where your pets travel from can make a significant change in the cost as they vary from country to country.
We have two quoting levels, tailored to your needs:
1. The first quoting level is faster to produce and is free, but is not comprehensive, and is a rough quide.
This level of quoting works best if you are just thinking of importing a puppy from another country , and are wondering how much it roughly is and how long it takes from start to finish.
If you want a rough guide to cost and time involved.
CLICK on this link to complete the quick and free import cost and time range quide request form and we will contact you with a rough range guide within a couple of business days usually.
*** Note that you will still need a more comprehensive quote later if you decide to proceed. ***
OR
2. The second , more comprehensive, quoting level is required if you definitely need to proceed and/or need to urgently import your pets.
This more comprehensive quoting level takes up to two weeks to prepare depending on the complexity of the import, due to the effort involved,
time taken for airlines and international government agencies to respond, and the due diligence required.
We charge AUD $250 for this comprehensive quote. If you proceed with Pet Carriers International to import your pets, we will credit the AUD $250 off the total Import Quote price.
CLICK on this link to the comprehensive import quote request form (an AUD$250 fee applies) and we will contact you for payment, and will provide a comprehensive quotation within two weeks.