17/02/2023
Who does this notice affect?
All non-commercial vessel owners, operators, master’s, arriving in Australian territory to visit, stay or returning Australians.
Any shipping agents who represent international non-commercial vessels arriving in Australian territory.
Non-commercial vessels include yachts, pleasurecraft and motorcruisers.
Importing a dog or cat to Australia – legally
Planning to visit Australian territory with a dog or cat? Ensure you are familiar with the entire biosecurity process for bringing your animal into Australian territory by reading the step-by-step guides for cats and dogs.
Dogs or cats must meet import conditions and travel directly from an international port to Melbourne International Airport. From the airport, animals are transported to the Australian Government Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) at Mickleham, where they are required to spend a minimum of ten days.
Animals including pets onboard non-commercial vessels arriving into Australian territory must meet the conditions set by the department for that species. Some species of animals cannot be imported into Australia.
Can I arrive in Australia with my dog or cat onboard my yacht?
Animals arriving in Australian ports or transiting within Australian waters onboard a non-commercial vessel, without a valid import permit (or health certificate if exported from New Zealand or Norfolk Island), are not permitted.
An animal is considered to have been imported to Australia once the animal is within 12 nautical miles of Australian territory.
- Animals that arrive in Australian territory on a non-commercial vessel, without a valid import permit, will be managed as illegally imported animals.
- Animals are not allowed to travel on non-commercial vessels, from port to port, or land at Australian subsequent ports.
What do you need to do to report your impending arrival?
Whether visiting, returning to Australia or importing a yacht (a non-commercial vessel), the master and/or operator of the yacht is responsible for complying with Australian biosecurity rules and regulations.
The master or operator of a vessel is required by law to give notice of impending arrival at least 12 hours before arrival in Australian territory. Prior to arrival at an Australian first port of call, the vessel master must notify the department of the presence of any animals onboard.
On arrival, at the first point of entry, biosecurity and Australian Border Force (ABF) checks will be completed. Vessel operators must travel directly to an appointed boarding station as directed by a biosecurity officer or ABF officer.
The department requires that all illegally imported animals are confined and controlled at all times while the vessel is in Australian ports or waters with any animal waste to be disposed of in a department-approved manner. On arrival at the first point of entry (arrival port), biosecurity officers will provide directions for the management of any illegally imported animal/s on board.
Fees will apply for the attendance of biosecurity officers, inspection, ongoing assessment and disposal of animal waste. A full list of fees associated with vessel biosecurity services are set out in the department’s charging guidelines.
Background
Live animals onboard vessels may introduce serious diseases to Australia and therefore pose a risk to the health of Australian animals, people and environment. Disease such as African swine fever, screw worm fly, rabies, Newcastle disease, and foot and mouth disease.
Biosecurity risk animals include cats, dogs, fish, birds, ruminants, pigs, rodents and reptiles.
Stowaway animals (e.g. hitchhiking birds that have landed on a vessel due to exhaustion) will be managed by the biosecurity officer as appropriate.
To legally import a cat or dog to Australian territory, the animal must meet the relevant import conditions, which includes travel directly to Melbourne International Airport as manifest air cargo from an international airport.
Vessel reporting requirements and the Biosecurity Act 2015
Vessel masters and shipping agents are reminded:
- to understand and comply with Australia’s biosecurity conditions while in Australian territory.
- that any changes in circumstances during the voyage in Australian waters must be reported to the National Maritime Centre (NMC) or biosecurity officers at Australian port as soon as practicable.
- that a failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under the Biosecurity Act 2015 may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties, or criminal prosecutions.
Further information
Information on:
- Planning to visit Australian territory. Learn about Australia’s biosecurity requirements for non-commercial vessels arrivals: Non-commercial vessel arrival biosecurity reporting - yachts and private superyachts
- Commercial vessel arrivals and reporting information can be found on the department’s website: Vessels
- Animals on vessels and step-by-step guides for importing cats and dogs to Australia can be found on the department website: Animals on vessels and Step-by-step guides
- Information about importing live animals to Australia: Importing live animals and reproductive material
- See the biosecurity Vessel Contacts for the key biosecurity port office contact details across Australia to notify arrival.