Australia enforces some of the world's strictest pet import biosecurity laws through the Department of Agriculture. Only cats and dogs from approved countries may enter. All animals require an import permit via BICON, mandatory quarantine at the Mickleham facility, rabies titer testing, and extensive veterinary preparation costing AUD $1,000-$3,000.
Companies Listed
14
Quarantine
Yes (10 days)
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
Import permit required via BICON (AUD $480-$1,200)
ISO 11784/11785 microchip must be implanted before rabies vaccination
Rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) required (0.5 IU/mL minimum)
Minimum 10-day quarantine at Mickleham government facility (up to 30 days)
Only cats and dogs permitted from approved Group 2 and Group 3 countries
Must arrive via approved airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
Bengal cats banned from import effective March 2025
Apply for import permit at least 20-40 business days in advance
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Australia vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Generally not permitted
Australia effectively prohibits private pet bird imports. The only exception is certain psittacine (parrot-family) pet birds from New Zealand under a strict DAFF biosecurity permit. Pet birds cannot be imported from the United States or any other country, so for nearly all owners relocating, bringing a pet bird is not possible.
Only some pet psittacine bird species from New Zealand are eligible; no pet birds may be imported from any other country
DAFF biosecurity import permit required (apply via BICON, 'Household pet birds (psittacine birds only)')
Dedicated post-arrival quarantine room at a premises you nominate (your home or a close family member's/friend's), approved before the permit issues
45 days post-arrival quarantine at the nominated premises, plus pre-export conditions
Conditions for importing psittacine birds from all countries were suspended in 1995; only the New Zealand pet-bird pathway remains in force, due to avian influenza, Newcastle disease and exotic bird disease risk. This route is rarely practical. Verify current eligibility directly with DAFF (avianimports@aff.gov.au) and in BICON before any planning.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Australia from approved countries with a DAFF import permit, pre-export quarantine, and mandatory post-arrival quarantine. All horses except those from New Zealand and New Caledonia must complete a minimum of 14 days at the government Mickleham facility (VIC) or an approved arrangement site, with disease testing on arrival and during quarantine.
DAFF biosecurity import permit required before export
Pre-export quarantine/isolation before export, with the period set by the origin country's import conditions
Minimum 14 days post-arrival quarantine at the Mickleham facility (VIC) or an approved arrangement site (horses from New Zealand and New Caledonia are exempt as those countries are free of equine influenza)
Government veterinary health certification and disease testing, including for equine influenza
Screening for other equine diseases (such as equine viral arteritis, contagious equine metritis, piroplasmosis and surra) as set by the import conditions
Horse must originate from a DAFF-approved country
Arrange transport and quarantine well in advance; permits take time to process
Specific test panels, exact day-counts beyond the 14-day post-arrival minimum, and fees depend on the country of origin and current DAFF Notices to Industry. Disease status (such as glanders, dourine and EIA) is managed largely via the approved-country list. Confirm the current import conditions for your origin country in BICON before committing.
Reptiles
Generally not permitted
Australia does not permit reptiles to be imported as pets. Snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises are not on the EPBC Act Live Import List for private ownership, so no import permit can be issued. Live reptile imports are only possible under strict conditions for approved zoological or scientific purposes, never for relocating a personal pet.
Reptiles cannot be imported as pets; only species on the EPBC Act Live Import List may enter Australia, and reptiles are generally excluded for pet import
If a species is not on the Live Import List, it cannot be imported and no permit can be issued
Limited zoo/scientific imports only, under strict conditions and separate approvals
Reptile imports as pets are barred under the EPBC Act Live Import List (administered by DCCEEW) alongside the Biosecurity Act (DAFF). The list permits some birds and fish as pets, but in general reptiles, amphibians and mammals are excluded. There is no realistic private-owner pathway for reptiles.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Australia?
A full-service move to Australia typically costs $5,670–$13,810 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, rabies titer test, import permit, customs clearance, and mandatory quarantine boarding. Typical process time: 180-day prep + 10-day mandatory quarantine.
Pet size
Estimated full-service cost
Small pet / cat
$5,170–$12,830
Medium dog
$5,670–$13,810
Large dog
$6,460–$14,920
Australia requires government quarantine on arrival, which is the single biggest cost driver for this destination.
