Pet Import Services
Australian Imports For Dogs, Cats, and Other Animals
At Dogtainers, we’re highly experienced with the ins and outs of importing pets to Australia and offer tailor-made pet transport solutions. We can handle as much or as little of the pet import process as possible, including planning the entire journey with pickup and delivery from your locations of choice. Our ‘door-to-door’ service is available from anywhere in the world.
No matter the reason you need to import a pet into Australia, we’re here to help. If you already have a preferred pet mover, we can handle the import process and liaise with them to ensure the last stretch of the journey is as smooth as possible. If you’re already living in Australia and want to bring a pedigree pet or exotic animal into the country, we’ve got you covered.
Get a free quote or learn more about importing pets into Australia, please feel free to contact us.
What’s the Pet Import Process Like?
With a long set of protocols, rules, and regulations to follow to satisfy the Australian government, the process of importing a pet into Australia can be quite complicated and time consuming. So we’ve created a simplified list to help you get a better idea of what’s required.
- Check if your pet is allowed in the country. Australia has 13 ‘banned breeds’ that aren’t allowed into the country.
- Determine what country group your pet is in. There are four groups pets can belong to. Each group follows different import rules and regulations.
- Organise travel preparations. Dogs and cats need to receive vet checks and vaccinations on very specific dates, based on where they are flying.
- Organise proper paperwork. Pets need a government-approved import permit and various vaccination certificates to travel.
- Manage travel day. Pets need to be transported to the airport and brought to the appropriate boarding area at specific times based on the airline.
- Manage quarantine stay. Pets from non-Group 1 countries need to be quarantined in Melbourne for ten days. This quarantine needs to be booked in advance.
- Organise the final collection. Pets need to be collected from the Melbourne Quarantine facility and transported to their final address.
Our Import Services: We can cover the basics or much more:
- Import Permit Application
- Quarantine Reservation
- Endorsements and vet checks with overseas animal health authorities
- Overall management of your pet’s relocation
- Guidance on the protocols with a detailed veterinary schedule
- Flights into Australia
- Collection from quarantine and delivery to your home
Importing Dogs to Australia
We import thousands of dogs and puppies every year. Whether your dog is an energetic puppy, a gentle senior dog, or anything in between, we can transport them anywhere in Australia or abroad. We offer dog import services, dog export services, and domestic dog transport.
Importing Cats to Australia
We don’t just transport dogs, we’re cat transport experts, too. We import thousands of cats and kittens every year. Whether your cat is a playful kitten, a calm fluff ball who just wants to sleep, or anything in between, we can transport them anywhere in Australia or abroad. We offer cat import services, cat export services, and domestic cat transport.
TRUSTED SINCE 1971
Why Choose Dogtainers
Australia's most trusted pet transport company — 50 years of experience, offices in every state, and a team of genuine pet lovers.
● Official RSPCA partner
● IPATA member
● Australia's oldest pet transport company
Offices in every state
The only pet transport company with local offices and staff in every state and territory — always someone nearby looking after your pet.
50 years of experience
Operating since 1971 — Australia's oldest pet transport company, moving thousands of pets safely every year.
Accredited and trusted
Official RSPCA partner and IPATA member. Your pet is in certified hands from pick-up to delivery.
Pet lovers, just like you
We know pets are family. Every team member shares your commitment to their care and wellbeing.
Country Categories for Importing Pets into Australia
There are four different categories recognised by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The categories are based on the rabies risks of animals coming from these countries. Cats and dogs from approved countries are allowed to enter, provided all the veterinary requirements are met.
- Group 1:
New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos Island.
- Group 2:
American Samoa, Bahrain, Barbados, Christmas Island, Cook Island, Falkland Islands, Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Kiribati, Mauritius, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis, and Futuna.
- Group 3:
Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Canary and Balearic Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jersey, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak only), Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Netherlands—Antilles & Aruba, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, the Republic of South Africa, Reunion, Saipan, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland (including Liechtenstein), Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States (including the district of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (but excluding Guam and Hawaii), Uruguay.
- Group 4:
All countries not listed in Groups 1, 2, and 3 are non-approved countries and your pet cannot directly enter Australia from these destinations. Cats and dogs travelling from non-approved countries need to move to a country in category 2 or 3 for six months before being eligible to enter Australia.
Importing Pets to Australia from Group 1 Countries
Importing pets from New Zealand or Norfolk Island to Australia is easier compared to other countries. Cats and dogs coming in from New Zealand and Norfolk Island are not required to have an import permit, and your pets don’t need to be quarantined. You can enter Australia with your beloved pets with a minimum of fuss and a relatively short time.
Cocos (Keeling) Island is also a Group 1 country, but cats coming to Australia from Cocos Islands must be accompanied by a valid import permit, which provides the conditions for importing the cat. There is no mandatory quarantine period for cats from Cocos Islands.
Importing Pets to Australia from Group 2 Countries
Bringing your pet from a Group 2 country into Australia usually takes 2-3 months.
- Cats and dogs coming to Australia from Group 2 countries must be accompanied by a valid import permit
- On arrival in Australia, cats and dogs must spend a minimum of 10 days at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility.
- A government-approved veterinarian or official government veterinarian must perform all veterinary procedures listed by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture.
- All testing must be done in an approved country in a laboratory recognised by the government of the country of export.
Importing Pets From Group 3 Countries
Bringing your pet from a Group 3 country into Australia usually takes 6 months.
- Cats and dogs coming to Australia from Group 3 countries must be accompanied by a valid import permit.
- On arrival in Australia, cats and dogs must spend a minimum of 10 days at the Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility.
- A government-approved veterinarian or official government veterinarian must perform all veterinary procedures listed by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture.
- All testing must be done in an approved country in a laboratory recognised by the government of the country of export.
Importing Pets From Non-Approved Countries
If you want to export a pet from a non-approved country, you can move your pet to a Group 2 or Group 3 country, and follow the same import process as the Group 3 procedures to import your pet into Australia. The whole process can take more than 6 months. If you want to learn more about the detailed requirements, our expert pet travel consultants are here to help.
Melbourne Pet Quarantine for Cats and Dog
Melbourne is a critical location for Australian pet travel, as it’s where all imported international pets complete their mandatory quarantine.
All cats and dogs entering Australia from Group 2 and Group 3 countries need to spend at least 10 days in the Melbourne quarantine facility. Pets arriving from Group 1 countries do not need to quarantine. After their post-arrival inspection, they are free to go home.
The Mickleham Post-Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility is only 25 mins away from our Melbourne office. The Melbourne team is experienced, helpful, and caring, with decades of collective experience in the pet travel industry. Our team understands the struggles and concerns pet owners face when planning travel for their pets. That’s why we do everything in our power to make the owner’s experience easier and the pet’s trip more comfortable.
We have regular morning pick-ups where our drivers deliver your cat or dog to their final location.
What Are the Next Steps?
Contact Dogtainers today to get all the information you need, or use our free pet transport cost calculator to get a no-obligation quote based on your specific circumstances. Our dedicated team is here to answer any questions you may have and assist you in making the necessary arrangements. With our expertise and commitment to pet transport, you can trust us to provide the highest level of care and professionalism.
Australian Banned Cat and Dog Breeds
Australia has a blanket ban on several domestic and non-domestic animal hybrids.
Australia has banned the following pure breed dogs from entering Australia:
- Japanese Tosa
- Fila Brasileiro
- Dogo Argentino
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario
The following hybrid cats are not eligible for import into Australia:
- Savannah cat
- Safari cat crossed with Geoffroy cat
- Chausie crossed with Jungle cat
- Bengal cat crossed with Asian Leopard cat
The following hybrid dog breeds are prohibited in Australia:
- Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak
- Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound
- Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog
- Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog
Pet Import FAQs
How Much Does It Cost To Import Pets?
Depending on the origin of the pet and the quantity being imported, the price of importing pets to Australia can change. There are additional costs to take into account in addition to transportation costs, such as quarantine fees, veterinary fees, and other import requirements.
What Are The Steps To Import Pets In Australia?
There are many steps to follow that we provide details guidance on, this is in line with the published requirements from DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry).
The steps to import pets into Australia according to DAFF are as:
- Check if your pet is eligible to be imported to Australia.
- Apply for an import permit from DAFF.
Meet all import conditions and get your pet ready for travel. - Choose a quarantine station to host your pet.
- Make travel arrangements for your pet and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order.
- On arrival in Australia, the pet needs to be quarantined (minimum of 10 days for dogs and cats). It’s important to note that the process and requirements may vary depending on the type of pet and country of origin, so it’s best to contact us for specific guidance.
How Long Does The Import Process Take For A Pet To Enter Australia?
Depending on the origin point it is good to start planning 1 year ahead and no less than 6 months ahead of travel. Due to a number of requirements to start very early on, and the capacity at quarantine, starting this soon is essential.
What Type Of Health Certificate Is Required For A Pet To Enter Australia?
The Australian import permit is a dual document of permit/health certificate that we work at obtaining for our clients.
What Are The Requirements For Importing Pets?
Depending on the country of origin and pets being imported, different countries may have different requirements from DAFF for bringing pets into Australia. However, a few standard prerequisites are as follows:
- An import permit for the pet
A health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian in the country of origin. - A rabies vaccination certificate (dogs and cats only).
- Compliance with specific import conditions for the pet species.
How Much Is A Pet Import Permit In Australia?
Please contact us for all up to date permit fees.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
What our customers say
“Moved our two dogs from Brisbane to London. The team handled every document and kept us updated throughout. Couldn’t have done it without them.”
Sarah M.
Brisbane → London
“As a Defence family we move constantly. Dogtainers have handled three postings for us — fast, reliable, and genuinely caring about our animals.”
James & Kylie T.
Defence family, multiple relocations
“Our cat is anxious at the best of times. The consultant gave us so much advice and called us as soon as she arrived safely. Exceptional.”
Priya S.
Sydney → Perth