Bringing Cats and Dogs and other pets to Australia
To bring cats and dogs to Australia, they must meet all of the AQIS import conditions prior to export. This is to minimise the risk of exotic diseases being introduced into Australia. Australia is free from many animal-related diseases found in other parts of the world.
To import a cat or dog to Australia, you must apply for an AQIS import permit via the Live Animal Imports Program, except for cats and dogs from New Zealand. AQIS officers will assess the application and—provided that the animal meets the import permit requirements—grant an import permit.
An AQIS import permit is required to book a space at an AQIS post-arrival animal quarantine station. There are three government animal quarantine stations equipped to accommodate cats and dogs in Australia. They are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Please be aware there may be availability restrictions at the Melbourne and Perth quarantine stations. We recommend that you contact the quarantine station to determine if a waiting period applies at the time of your intended importation.
Note: The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) commonly known as the Pet Passport Scheme, does not apply to cats and dogs being imported or returning to Australia. All cats and dogs being imported to Australia must meet the AQIS import conditions.
Different import conditions apply for the importation of disability assistance dogs.
Select the country you intend to export a cat or dog from the list below to determine if the importation to Australia is permitted and to download an information package outlining the AQIS import conditions that apply and the steps involved for importing a cat or dog to Australia.
To import a cat or dog to Australia, you must apply for an AQIS import permit via the Live Animal Imports Program, except for cats and dogs from New Zealand. AQIS officers will assess the application and—provided that the animal meets the import permit requirements—grant an import permit.
An AQIS import permit is required to book a space at an AQIS post-arrival animal quarantine station. There are three government animal quarantine stations equipped to accommodate cats and dogs in Australia. They are located in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Please be aware there may be availability restrictions at the Melbourne and Perth quarantine stations. We recommend that you contact the quarantine station to determine if a waiting period applies at the time of your intended importation.
Note: The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) commonly known as the Pet Passport Scheme, does not apply to cats and dogs being imported or returning to Australia. All cats and dogs being imported to Australia must meet the AQIS import conditions.
Different import conditions apply for the importation of disability assistance dogs.
Select the country you intend to export a cat or dog from the list below to determine if the importation to Australia is permitted and to download an information package outlining the AQIS import conditions that apply and the steps involved for importing a cat or dog to Australia.
Christmas and New Year Hours 2009-10
The quarantine stations will have limited operating hours over the Christmas the New Year period. This will effect animal arrivals, visiting hours and collection periods. Further information on Quarantine Station operating hours 2009-10.
During the Christmas and New Year period the Live Animal Imports Program Canberra Head office will be closed on the following days:
- Friday 25 December 2009
- Monday 28 December 2009
- Tuesday 29 December 2009
- Friday 1 January 2010
For more information contact:
AQIS Live Animal Imports
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Australia
Phone: +61 2 6272 4454
Fax: +61 2 6272 3110
Email: Animal Imports
Last reviewed: 18 Nov 2009
Contact: