Importing dogs and cats to Australia
Pet Carriers International has over 30 years’ experience with Importing Pets to 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 1300 788 770 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, 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, Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak only), 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.
- 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. http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/cat-dogs Check the requirements from your 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 in Australia?
Currently there is only one Quarantine facility and it is located in Melbourne. For further details please visit http://www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/cat-dogs/accom
Can my pet travel in the plane cabin with me?
No. Your pet must travel to Australia as manifested cargo. Your pets will travel on passenger flights to Australia as Cargo not as Excess Luggage
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.
Please complete the import quote request form and we will contact you with a quotation.