On 1 March 2023 we implemented revised import conditions for dogs and cats. The step-by-step guides reflect the revised import conditions. If you received a permit to import your cat or dog to Australia prior to 1 March 2023 you will need to refer to your import permit for the applicable import conditions. See more about changes to rabies virus requirements for live dog and cat imports. We have contacted permit holders and applicants directly to advise how this affects you.
If you intend to import cats, dogs or frozen canine semen into Australia you must comply with our import conditions.
Permit applicants may submit information and/or evidence with their application for assessment against the import conditions or to demonstrate equivalence to standard import conditions. This information will be considered during assessment of the import permit application.
We provide step-by-step guides to help you understand the import requirements. You can find links to these guides under each country group. Use them as a guide only. Your import permit will contain the definitive import conditions.
If your country of export does not appear in the list of Group 1, 2, or 3 countries, you’ll need to move your animal to a Group 2 or 3 country and prepare them using the step-by-step guide for that approved country. From 1 March 2023 the non-approved via Group 2 or 3 country pathway is no longer available for the import of cats and dogs to Australia.
New Zealand; Norfolk Island; Cocos Island
Dogs and cats from New Zealand and Norfolk Island do not require an import permit to enter Australia.
Cats from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands do require an import permit.
Select the appropriate step-by-step guide:
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.
Group 2 countries are described as approved rabies-free countries and territories in and animals from these countries require an import permit to be eligible for import to Australia.
Select the appropriate step-by-step guide:
Note: Some south Pacific Island countries with limited animal health services may not have a permanent government approved veterinarian present to perform the required blood testing, treatments or examinations. If prospective importers cannot locate a government approved veterinarian, they must contact the department well in advance of their proposed travel dates to discuss further options. In some cases, procedures completed by a regularly visiting foreign veterinarian or para-veterinarian may be acceptable.
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).
Group 3 countries are described as approved countries and territories in which rabies is absent or well-controlled and animals from these countries require an import permit to be eligible for import to Australia.
Select the appropriate step-by-step guide:
If you intend to import frozen canine semen from New Zealand or another approved country into Australia, you must comply with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry import conditions.
Frozen canine semen from non-approved countries is not eligible for import into Australia.
Select the appropriate step-by-step guide:
Frozen canine semen from non-approved countries is not eligible for import into Australia.
Keep informed
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- our policies that affect cat and dog importers and their agents
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Check our website regularly for up-to-date information on import conditions. These can change without notice.