Can I bring my pet to Australia if it’s a dog or cat in my family and I move there?” is undoubtedly a question on your mind. We’re here to tell you that the answer is “yes”—but only if you’re from a recognized nation, and the process is neither quick nor inexpensive.
However, it’s likely that you find the idea of leaving your pet behind intolerable. The following are the key information concerning bringing your pets to Australia:
- Approved nations.
- The price.
- Standards for quarantine.
- Requirements for immunizations, microchips, etc.
- What occurs to elderly animals or animals suffering from illnesses.
Find out first if you may bring your pet with you to Australia.
Which nations are authorized to send pets to Australia?
Australia has granted permission for the import of pets from 96 different nations. These nations all have good levels of animal health and competent animal health services.
Additionally, the 96 nations are separated into three groups:
Group 1:
Group 1 includes New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Cocos Island. No import license is required for canines and felines coming from New Zealand or Norfolk Island. Cats must have an import permit to enter Australia, while dogs from Cocos Island do not.
Group 2:
Group 2 nations are those recognized as rabies-free nations and territories. Animals from the 26 nations that make up this group must have an import permit in order to enter Australia.
Group 3:
Group 3 nations, or the 67 nations that make up this group, are those where rabies is either nonexistent or well under control. Animals from this group must have an import licence to enter Australia, much like animals from Group 2.
Not all dogs and cats are eligible for importation.
Certain pure breed dogs, as well as local and foreign hybrid cat breeds, are prohibited from entering Australia. They consist of, but are not restricted to:
- There are both domesticated and wild cats, such as Bengal cats, Savannah cats, and Safari cats.
- The Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American pit bull terrier, also known as a pit bull terrier, and the Perro de Presa Canario, sometimes known as the Presa Canario, are all single-breed dogs.
- Examples of hybrid canines that are both domestic and wild are Czechoslovakian wolfdogs (Czechoslovakian Vlcak), Saarloos wolves, Lupo Italiano wolves (Italian wolves), and Kunming wolves.
What is the price of importing a dog or cat into Australia?
You must pay the following fees to bring your pet to Australia:
- Application fees for import permits for cats and dogs.
- Fees for government-run animal quarantine facilities
Together, they will add AU$2200 to the price of importing one cat or dog that passes through the required quarantine.
If your cat or dog need additional services, such as treatments, veterinary care, or a prolonged quarantine period, there will be additional costs.
It is best to request a quote from a trustworthy pet importer in order to receive an accurate costing. To learn more about our recommended pet importer, please contact our team.
How long must my animal remain under quarantine?
All cats and dogs must spend at least ten days in quarantine. Your animal must enter Australia through Melbourne International Airport since this must take place at the Mickleham post in Melbourne.
If problems occur that raise the biosecurity risk, such as when a tick is discovered on your dog, stays will be longer.
What more do I need?
You’ll need the import permit you paid for in addition to the following in order to bring your pet to Australia:
- Your pet must have a microchip that has been examined by a veterinarian.
- Vaccinations: Within a year of entering Australia, your pet must have received a rabies vaccination. Other common immunizations for your dog or cat are advised but not essential. Whether you’re immigrating from a Group 1, 2, or 3 country will determine the sort of vaccination you need.
- Additional medical procedures and blood tests are necessary before leaving. This will again depend on the country group that you belong to.
What if my animal companion is ill or old?
There are no age restrictions on animals, which is wonderful news. However, if you’re worried about how a lengthy travel and quarantine period will affect an elderly animal, please see your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can provide you advice on any further safety measures you need to take.
Pets with medical issues may still be imported as long as they can adhere to all Australian import requirements. Please be aware that medical issues must be disclosed in the import permission, and that you must notify Australian authorities if your pet develops a condition after the permit has been issued.
For more information, go to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
As we previously stated, bringing a pet into Australia is not an easy task. When the time comes to begin your emigration, bookmark the website of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and visit it often.