Are you thinking of taking a dog to Australia? While the process might seem daunting due to Australia’s strict biosecurity laws, it is possible with the proper preparation.
Following the proper steps and meeting the requirements ensures your furry friend has a safe and stress-free journey together.
This guide covers everything you need to know about taking a dog to Australia, from eligibility checks to quarantine procedures. Let's begin the adventure!
Can I Bring My Dog to Australia?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Australia! However, Australia has stringent regulations to protect its unique ecosystems from foreign diseases. These regulations include health checks, permits, and a mandatory quarantine period.
News Highlight!
New Identity Check Process for Cats and Dogs Travelling from the UK to Australia
Starting 4 November 2024, the UK will introduce a new identity check process for cats and dogs travelling to Australia.
If your pet follows this updated process, they will be qualified to undergo a minimum 10-day quarantine at Australia’s facility in Mickleham, Victoria, after arriving. However, if they don't meet the requirements, they will need to go through a longer 30-day quarantine instead.
if not it is 30 days.
Step-by-Step: Taking a Dog to Australia
With over 20 years of experience in pet travel and relocation, we - Global Paws, will provide step-by-step guides to help you understand the import process.
These guides are organised by country group, so you can quickly start. But remember, these guides are just a helpful reference! The real deal is in your import permit, which will have all the official conditions you need to follow.
What if Your Country Is Not Listed?
If your country is not listed in Groups 1, 2, or 3, you will need to move your pet to a Group 2 or 3 country and follow the guide for that country. However, please be aware that starting 1 March 2023, you can no longer use the route via Group 2 or 3 countries to import cats and dogs into Australia.
Group 1 Country
Good news! If you bring a dog or cat from New Zealand or Norfolk Island, you would not need an import permit to bring them into Australia.
Cats from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands will need an import permit to enter Australia.
Make sure to get everything sorted before your furry friend’s big trip!
Group 2 Country
American Samoa, Bahrain, Barbados, Christmas Island, Cook Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Kiribati, Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga (Kingdom of), Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna.
Those countries are considered rabies-free, which means animals from them need an import permit to be eligible for entry into Australia.
Ensure your pet has all the proper paperwork to join you down under! Trust us to handle everything for you and your furry friend. We have got you covered!
Group 3 Country
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).
They are those where rabies is either absent or well-controlled. Animals from these countries also need an import permit to be eligible for entry into Australia.
Step 1: Check Your Dog's Eligibility
Before making travel plans, ensure your dog is eligible to enter Australia.
Here is everything you need to know to prepare your furry friend for their big trip!
Essential Requirements for Bringing Your Pet to Australia
To begin, your dog or cat must have lived in an approved country continuously for at least 6 months prior to travel. Additionally, your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of shipment. With Global Paws, you can rest easy, we will take care of every detail, so you and your furry friend have nothing to worry about.
Special Considerations for Pregnant Pets
If your dog or cat is pregnant, they can only be up to 6 weeks pregnant at the time of export to Australia. They must not be nursing young, either.
Some Breeds Cannot Be Imported.
While many of these breeds make great family pets, Australia has restrictions on certain breeds due to safety concerns.
These include:
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Japanese Tosa
Pitbull Terrier
American Pit Bull
Presa Canario
Unfortunately, if you have any of these breeds, they cannot be brought into Australia.
Hybrid Animals
What about hybrids? Unlike Bengal cats or wolf crosses, they can only be imported if they are proven to be five generations or more away from any non-domestic ancestor.
Step 2: Microchip and Vaccinations
If you plan to take a dog to Australia, it is essential that an Avid, Trovan, Destron, or any other ISO-compatible reader can read their microchip. Don’t worry—your vet can confirm this for you!
When your pet arrives, the microchip number must be recorded correctly to avoid any mix-ups or cases of mistaken identity. Think of it as their passport to the land down under!
Along with the microchip, ensure your dog has up-to-date vaccinations, including a rabies vaccination administered at least 3 months before travel. You may also need to arrange a rabies titer test as part of the process.
Step 3: Apply for an Import Permit
1. Plan Ahead
First, ensure you have at least 6 months to complete all the steps in the import process. It is a journey, so give yourself plenty of time!
2. Apply for a Permit
Head to the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) and apply for your import permit. You will need to register an account before you can apply. Ensure all your details are correct, and be ready to pay any fees and provide supporting documents.
Because this part is crucial, double-checking is everything, especially with experts who can assist you every step of the way.
3. Supporting Documents
What documents do you need? It depends on where you are coming from:
Group 2 countries require direct identity verification from the competent authority.
Group 3 countries require a rabies test (RNATT) and the RNATT declaration from the official government vet. Make sure all your documents are signed, stamped, and clear!
4. Be Ready for Endorsements
If your documents need endorsements (like signatures from official vets), ensure they are done correctly. Each page of multi-page documents must be endorsed, and you must scan them in high quality.
5. Organise Your Documents
Keep your documents neat and tidy:
Use clear, legible scans.
Only submit the necessary documents (no pet photos, routine vaccinations, or unnecessary stuff).
If applying for more than one pet, name each document specifically, for example: “Spot’s RNATT declaration”.
6. Wait for Approval
Once you have applied, getting your import permit can take anywhere from 20-40 business days (but sometimes up to 123 days). Be patient, pet parents! They will assess your application based on when it was received, so don’t worry if you have to wait.
7. Check Your Permit
If you are approved, read your permit carefully. It will include everything you need to know, like vaccinations, treatments, travel details, and quarantine rules on arrival in Australia.
8. Quarantine Booking
Also, remember that even with your import permit in hand, it doesn’t guarantee a spot at your preferred quarantine station.
You will need to make bookings for your pet at one of Australia’s three main quarantine stations:
Eastern Creek Quarantine Station (Sydney & New South Wales)
Spotswood Quarantine Station (Melbourne & Victoria)
Byford Quarantine Station (Perth & Western Australia)
If you are working against the clock, you can request the permit be faxed, and a copy can be used in the meantime. The permit will be sent to the "exporter" listed on your application, so if you use our services, Global Paws will ensure every detail is included.
Step 4: Get a Health Check
Schedule a health check with a government-approved veterinarian within a specified time before departure. The vet will issue a health certificate confirming your dog meets all import requirements.
Step 5: Quarantine Upon Arrival
All dogs entering Australia must undergo a mandatory quarantine period of at least 10 days at a government-approved quarantine facility. During this time, your dog will be monitored to ensure they are disease-free.
Tips for a Smooth Journey to Australia with Your Dog
Book Pet-Friendly Flights: Choose airlines experienced in transporting pets internationally. Ask your pet travel team here.
Prepare a Travel Crate: Use an airline-compliant travel crate that is comfortable and spacious for your dog. Purchase your IATA-compliant crate here.
Stay Organised: Keep all documents, such as permits and vaccination records, handy during travel.
Plan Ahead: Start preparations at least 6 months before to avoid last-minute stress.
Taking a dog to Australia requires careful planning, but the rewards of having your furry companion by your side are well worth the effort. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth process and a happy experience for both of you.
For expert guidance, trust Global Paws. From securing permits to arranging flights and quarantine, we handle it with care and expertise.
Contact Global Paws today to begin your pet-friendly adventure to Australia!
About Global Paws:
Global Paws is a family-owned business with over 20 years of experience in pet travel and relocation. We know your pets are part of your family, and we care for them like they are part of ours. As proud members of the International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) and certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), we’re committed to making sure they travel safely and comfortably.
What sets us apart is the extra care we provide. Every pet is treated like family, and we make sure their journey is safe and stress-free, no matter where they are headed.
We believe every pet deserves a first-class experience, and we are here to make sure they are comfortable from start to finish. Our experience, backed by IPATA and IATA, gives you peace of mind knowing your pet’s journey is in safe, loving hands.
Then, are you ready to give VIP treatment for your furry friend? Visit our website to book your pet’s dream vacation today!
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