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Department of Agriculture

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  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Bringing cats and dogs to Australia
  4. Quarantine in Australia

Sidebar first - Cats and Dogs

  • Bringing Cats and Dogs to Australia
    • How to import a cat or dog
      • Step-by-step guides
        • Group 1: Cocos (Keeling) Islands
        • Group 1: New Zealand
        • Group 1: Norfolk Island
        • Group 2: step by step guide for cats
        • Group 2: step by step guide for dogs
        • Group 3: step by step guide for cats
        • Group 3: step by step guide for dogs
        • How to import frozen dog semen to Australia from New Zealand
        • How to import frozen dog semen to Australia from a listed country
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    • Quarantine in Australia
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      • Our facility
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      • Bringing cats and dogs into Norfolk Island from mainland Australia
        • Health certificate for cats brought from mainland Australia to Norfolk Island
        • Health certificate for dogs brought from mainland Australia to Norfolk Island
      • Bringing cats and dogs into Norfolk Island from New Zealand
    • Other live animals and reproductive material
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    • Cats and dogs frequently asked questions
      • Glossary of terms

Quarantine in Australia

Australia has a highly favourable animal health status. We are free from many cat and dog diseases. To protect our status, cats and dogs must undertake a period of quarantine upon arrival in Australia.

This quarantine period allows us to:

  • assess the required documentation
  • monitor the animal's health for symptoms of disease that may be of biosecurity concern.

We operate a post entry quarantine facility for cats and dogs in Mickleham, Melbourne, Victoria.

Fees apply for cats and dogs in our post entry quarantine facility.

The Post entry quarantine facility administration offices are closed on public holidays and weekends.

Veterinary care

If your animal needs veterinary care, we will contact you or your authorised agent.

You or your agent will need to arrange treatment by a private veterinarian. Alternatively, we will seek permission for biosecurity officers to transport the animal to the emergency veterinary hospital, either option will be at your own expense.

Find out more about our strict guidelines on medicating animals in quarantine.

Warning to Importers – Heat Stress Concern

Heat stress in cats and dogs is a concern in Australia. We experience extremely hot summers. From December to February temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F). There is a significant risk of heatstroke during this time.

Animals at risk are those compromised due to a medical condition, age or breed (Brachycephalic dogs), long or thick hair, overweight or previous history of heat stress.

We strongly advise all importers to:

  • discuss appropriate precautions with a veterinarian
  • arrange for animals to arrive in Australia early in the morning or later in the day (where possible and subject to normal collection times)
  • ensure water will be available during the animal's flight
  • ensure travel crate has suitable ventilation
  • clip your animal’s coat where appropriate, before travel.

Contact us

Contact the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility for more on:

  • animal reservations
  • arrival times
  • precautionary measures.

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Report a biosecurity concern

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Page last updated: 29 August 2025

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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