Bringing Pets into Australia – Things you need to know

Taking pets abroad to Australia is a relatively complex process. Australia has the strictest pet entry requirements in Asia, and dogs entering Australia are not allowed to have rabies. Therefore, bringing pets from another country to Australia can be a challenging task. For those who are unwilling to abandon their pets, what is the best course of action?

What do you need to bring your pet to Australia

The first step is to visit the website of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). You must check the country your cat or dog belongs to, its category, and its breed. This classification will determine the procedures required for bringing your cat or dog to Australia and the quarantine period after arrival.

Animal Quarantine Certificate

A local animal quarantine certificate issued by the government veterinarian of the exporting country is required. Pets must undergo an official animal health clinical examination by the authorities of the exporting country or region within 14 days before arrival. This certificate is valid only within 14 days before the entry date, so it’s advisable not to obtain the health certificate too early.

The official quarantine certificate accompanying pets must include the following information, categorised into two types based on the country: designated countries and non-designated countries.

Designated Countries:

1. Pet details (including breed, scientific name, gender, etc.)
2. Microchip number, date, and implantation site
3. Results and date of the animal health clinical examination

Non-Designated Countries:

1. Pet details (including date of birth or age)
2. Microchip number, date, and implantation site
3. Rabies vaccination information
4. Rabies antibody titer test information
5. Results and date of the animal health clinical examination

Vaccination Certificate

Check the expiration date of the rabies vaccine two months before departure and prepare proof of rabies vaccination. If the vaccine expires within 30 days before the return date, it should be administered as soon as possible. The valid vaccination time is more than 30 days before the return date and within one year. The second-year rabies vaccine typically has a validity period of three years, but it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian in advance.

Rabies Immunization Certificate

Obtain a certificate confirming the vaccination against rabies.

Implantation of Microchip

Pets must have a microchip implanted for identification, and the chip number should be present in all relevant documents to ensure it corresponds to the same pet.

Serum Testing

One month after the rabies vaccine is administered, extract serum from the pet and send the sample to a designated laboratory for serum testing. The concentration of rabies antibodies in the serum must reach 0.5 IU/ml. If it does not meet the criteria, the pet needs to be revaccinated and retested until it passes.

Virus Testing

Blood tests to check if the pet is free from four specified viruses.

Apply for an Entry Permit Certificate

To enter Australia or New Zealand, it is necessary to apply for an entry permit certificate in advance. Entry is only allowed after obtaining this permit.

Please note that specific details and regulations may change, and it is crucial to consult the official website of the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment or contact their authorities directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information on pet entry requirements.