Moving to Australia with your pet from overseas is a complex process due to Australia’s strict biosecurity regulations. Pet importation involves multiple steps, including veterinary checks, official documentation, and certified translations. For example, if you were moving from Spain, you’d have to engage certified Spanish translation services to have all the documentation translated by a NAATI-certified translator. This guide outlines the essential steps and necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth relocation for your pet.

Australia has stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of diseases. The country classifies regions into three groups based on rabies status:

Rabies-free countries and territories. Pets from these regions may have simplified import procedures. New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Approved rabies-free countries and territories. Pets from these regions require an import permit and must meet specific health requirements.

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

Approved countries and territories where rabies is absent or well-controlled. Pets from these regions require an import permit and must adhere to stringent health protocols.

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, Réunion, 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)

For detailed information and specific import requirements, please refer to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s step-by-step guides.

Using again Spain as an example, the country is classified as a Group 3 country, so pets must meet all Group 3 import requirements, including a minimum 180-day waiting period after a Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) before they can be imported into Australia.

Importing pets from a Group 3 Country to Australia involves multiple stages to meet the country’s strict biosecurity requirements. Following these steps carefully will help ensure your pet’s journey is safe, compliant, and free from unnecessary delays.

Your pet must be implanted with a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before receiving any vaccinations. A valid rabies vaccination must also be administered, ensuring compliance with Australian biosecurity laws.

At least 180 days before travel, your pet must undergo a Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) to confirm adequate immunity. This test must be conducted in an approved laboratory.

Pet owners must apply for an import permit through the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Ensure all veterinary documents, including translated records, are included in the application.

To apply for an Import Permit, the key documents that you might need to present include:

Microchip Certificate – If issued in Spanish, an English translation is required.

Veterinary Health Records – Vaccination certificates, rabies titre test results, and other medical records must be translated.

Import Permit & Supporting Documents – All pets must have a valid import permit. Any supporting documents not in English require translation.

Government-Endorsed Health Certificate – This must be signed and stamped on every page by an official government veterinarian. If issued in Spanish, a certified translation is required. The vet will also provide a seal for the pet crate.

It is important to note that documents must always be provided to the Australian Government in English. If they are in a language other than English, you must engage professional NAATI-certified translator to prepare an official translation for you.

5. Pre-Export Health Examination

Before travel, a government-approved veterinarian must conduct a final health check to certify that your pet is free from parasites and fit for travel. This exam must be documented in an official veterinary health certificate, which may need translation.

6. Quarantine Upon Arrival

All pets entering Australia, except those from New Zealand or Norfolk Island, must undergo a mandatory quarantine period of 10 to 30 days at the Mickleham Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. The length of quarantine depends on whether the Microchip Validity Identification process was correctly followed. To avoid delays, pet owners should secure a quarantine reservation as soon as they receive their pet’s import permit.

Certain dog breeds are prohibited from entering Australia. Before making arrangements, check if your pet’s breed is allowed. Under the AMCDA there are 5 prohibited dog breeds:

Dogo Argentino

Fila Brasileiro

Japanese Tosa

American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier

Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canari

For a full list, visit the Australian Department of Agriculture’s website.

Importing certain pet animals into Australia is strictly regulated. Chinchillas, fish, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, lizards, mice, snakes, spiders, pigs, and turtles are not allowed to enter from any country. Live pigeons are permitted from all countries, while household birds can only be imported from New Zealand. Additionally, import standards for parrots are currently under development.

Minimum Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 10 months old before entering Australia.

Travel Costs: Budget for veterinary fees, import permits, quarantine, and certified translation services for required documents.

Timeframe: The entire process takes at least seven months, including the required 180-day stay in an approved country.

While the journey to bring your pet into Australia may seem daunting, sharing your migration experience with them is immeasurable. By carefully following the regulations, you can ensure a seamless transition for your pet.

*Image Creator in Bing