Bringing a dog or cat to Australia

1. Establish the permitted pathway

Start with the exporting country, species, breed and residence history. Australia uses different country groups. The preparation outline below concerns Group 3; do not apply it unchanged to another group.

If the pet lives in a non-approved country, a flight connection through an approved country does not establish eligibility. Check the residence and preparation conditions for an approved-country export before arranging a relocation there.

2. Build the Group 3 veterinary timetable

The microchip must connect the animal to its records. Follow the applicable rabies vaccination and rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) sequence. The 180-day waiting period is counted from the successful sample’s arrival at the laboratory.

An official identity check can reduce the minimum quarantine period from 30 to 10 days. It is optional, but must precede RNATT sampling at a separate visit and be completed at least 180 days before export. Confirm the applicable procedure before the test.

3. Coordinate permit, quarantine and flight

Bring the import permit, quarantine reservation and flight itinerary into one schedule. Final tests, treatments and certification must match the applicable official conditions. Minimum quarantine periods do not guarantee a release date.

For your proposal, identify which appointments and fees are included and which are paid separately. See our quote checklist.

4. Check species and breed restrictions early

Use the dog or cat guide that applies to your pet. Australia’s current cat guidance states that Bengal cats are not permitted to enter from March 1, 2026. An old preparation plan may therefore no longer be usable.

5. Send the records before fixing dates

Start with current location, destination, species, breed, age and preferred month. For the detailed assessment, gather the residence history, microchip, vaccination and test records.

We organize the agreed journey around the applicable preparation pathway. Veterinary procedures, permits and release decisions remain with the relevant professionals and authorities. Discuss your Australian move.

Official sources and scope

• DAFF: Group 3 dog import guide
• DAFF: Group 3 cat import guide
• DAFF: country-specific import guides

Published and sources checked October 10, 2026. This is a planning overview for dogs and cats, not the full veterinary checklist. Use the current species-specific instructions, exporting-authority guidance and individual permit conditions.