Key points (updated October 2026)
- All imported cats and dogs (except from New Zealand and Norfolk Island) complete at least 10 days at the Mickleham quarantine facility in Melbourne.
- Pets must arrive at Melbourne Airport; the temporary Sydney transhipment arrangement mentioned below is no longer available.
- From most countries you need a rabies antibody blood test and a 180 day wait before travel, so start at least 6 to 7 months ahead.
- Your pet’s import permit is separate from your visa. See our partner, skilled and employer sponsored visa guides for your own move.
Moving to Australia is a big step in everyone’s life. Many people also want to bring their fur-friends to Australia with them. However, there are many regulations and logistics involved in this procedure which you must understand to plan a “purrfect” journey for your little buddies.
In this article, we will discuss relevant matters that you should consider in bringing your pets to Australia.
Are pets allowed to be imported to Australia?
Countries are categorized into 3 groups eligible to imports pets to Australia. The categories are based on the countries’ rabies status; therefore, different requirements and conditions are imposed.
If you cannot not find your country in the above list, it means that your country is a non-approved country. Animals from non-approved countries are not eligible for direct import to Australia, and you should follow the procedure of importing animals of Group 2 and 3 countries.
How long will your per be in quarantine?
Australia is free from a number of cat and dog diseases and has a highly favourable animal health status. In order to protect this status, cats and dogs must undertake a period of quarantine upon arrival in Australia. This quarantine period allows the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (formerly the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment) to monitor the animal’s health and become aware of any disease concerns prior to the animal’s release into Australia.
There is only 1 animal quarantine facility in Australia, which is in Mickleham, Melbourne. Your pets will need to spend a quarantine period here before they can be transported to elsewhere.
In 2021, cats and dogs could be transhipped via Sydney to the Post-Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne under a temporary arrangement with Qantas. This arrangement has ended: pets must now arrive at Melbourne Airport.
The minimum cost for one cat or dog to undergo a minimum 10-day quarantine isolation is approximately $2000. There may be additional fees if the animal needs extra parasite treatments, veterinary care, an extended stay in quarantine or other services.
Cost involves
This is often the biggest concern among pets’ owners. When bringing your pets to Australia, you must take into account several costs that might be involved in the process.
Vet fees – for all necessary vaccination before boarding – around AUD $425
Airline fees – depending on size of your pets and where they are travelling from – around AUD $2,000 – 3,000
Import permit fees – around AUD $480 per pet
Quarantine fees – minimum AUD 2,000 per pet, plus $29 per extra day
Exporting fee – depending on your country
Travel gear for pets – around AUD 150
Based on the above break down cost, you can look into around AUD 5,000 – AUD 10,000 to bring your pets over to Australia.
Yes, there are some agents that can help you to plan a worry-free travel for your pet. Although the cost will be a little higher than you plan the whole thing yourself, but it’s worth to have a specialist in this process to make sure that your pets can arrive safely.
Some agents in Australia:
Send them an inquiry to see how much they would charge and how they plan your pets’ travel.
What cats and dogs breeds cannot be imported into Australia?
Cats:
Domestic/non domestic hybrids cannot be imported to Australia in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Hybrid cats include, but are not limited to:
- Savannah cat, domestic cat (Felis catus) crossed with serval cat (Felis serval)
- Safari cat, domestic cat crossed with Geoffroy cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi)
- Chausie, domestic cat crossed with Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
- Bengal cat, domestic cat crossed with Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).
Dogs:
The following pure breeds cannot be imported into Australia under the legislation of the Department of Home Affairs :
- dogo Argentino
- fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
Domestic/non-domestic hybrids (e.g. dog-wolf crosses) are also prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak
- Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound
- Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog
- Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog.
Step by step: bringing your cat or dog to Australia
The steps below are typical for pets coming from an approved rabies controlled (Group 3) country. Requirements are set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and are listed for each country in its BICON import conditions system. Always check the current conditions for your country before you start.
- Check your country group and breed. Confirm your pet’s breed is not prohibited and find the conditions for your country of export.
- Microchip and rabies vaccination. Your pet needs a readable microchip and a current rabies vaccination. A government approved vet must check identity before the blood test.
- Rabies antibody test (RNATT). A blood sample goes to an approved laboratory. Your pet cannot travel until 180 days after the laboratory receives the sample, and the vaccination must stay current during that time.
- Apply for an import permit. Lodge the application online once the test result is available. Processing usually takes a few weeks.
- Book quarantine early. Reserve a place at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine facility as soon as you can, as space is limited in peak periods.
- Pre-export treatments and paperwork. Parasite treatments, a final vet check and a health certificate endorsed by the government vet authority in your country are needed shortly before departure.
- Fly into Melbourne. Pets travel as manifest cargo to Melbourne Airport and are taken straight to Mickleham for at least 10 days.
Typical timeline
| Country group | Examples | Lead time and quarantine |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | New Zealand, Norfolk Island | No import permit or quarantine if conditions are met |
| Group 2 | Approved rabies free countries and territories | Import permit and at least 10 days quarantine; shorter preparation |
| Group 3 | Approved rabies controlled countries, such as the US mainland | About 6 to 7 months preparation, including the 180 day wait, then at least 10 days quarantine |
| Non-approved | Countries not listed in Group 1 to 3 | Pet must first be prepared in an approved country, which adds months |
As a guide, the government charges for a minimum 10 day quarantine stay for one cat or dog were about $1,900 in 2026, before vet, airline and transport costs. Check the current fee schedule when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can my pet fly in the cabin with me?
Generally no. Cats and dogs must arrive in Melbourne as manifest cargo and go directly to quarantine. Some approved assistance dogs have different arrangements.
Can I visit my pet in quarantine?
No. Visits are not allowed at the Mickleham facility, but staff monitor the animals and you can arrange collection or transport once the quarantine period ends.
Should I wait for my visa before starting?
No. Because of the 180 day wait, many families start the pet process while their visa is still being processed. If your visa timing is uncertain, check our processing times page and plan the quarantine booking around your expected arrival.
What if my pet arrives without the right paperwork?
Pets that do not meet the import conditions may face extra quarantine time, be exported again at your cost or, in serious cases, be euthanased. A specialist pet transport agent can help you avoid mistakes.
Are other animals allowed?
Australia has strict rules for other pets. Many birds, rabbits, reptiles and rodents cannot be imported at all, so check the conditions for your animal before you plan your move.
Doctors and Lawyers: When Registration or Admission Is Your Skills Assessment
Married, Separated or Had a Baby After Your Skilled Visa Invitation?
Second Jobs, Volunteering and Overseas Work on a 482 Visa
Australian Study Requirement: RPL, Overlapping Courses and Time Offshore
Australian Migration News: October 2026 Update