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  3. Bringing cats and dogs to Australia

Sidebar first - Cats and Dogs

  • Biosecurity and trade
    • 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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      • Cats and dogs returning to Australia
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      • Norfolk Island
        • 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
      • Unique or exotic pets
      • Cats and dogs frequently asked questions
        • Glossary of terms

Bringing cats and dogs to Australia

You can only bring your cat or dog into Australia under strict import conditions. These safeguard our agriculture, environment, native and domestic animals, and our people. They are based on rigorous scientific analyses to manage biosecurity risks.

New identity check process for cats and dogs from the UK travelling to Australia

A new identity check process in the United Kingdom (UK) for cats and dogs travelling to Australia will commence from 4 November 2024. Compliant animals that start their preparations using this new process may undertake a minimum 10-day post entry quarantine (PEQ) period at our facility in Mickleham, Victoria.

Learn more about the process or read our frequently asked questions.

Import conditions

You must import your cat or dog directly from an approved country.

The conditions your cat or dog must meet can vary depending on the approved country. Your cat or dog must also undergo veterinary preparations and certification in the approved country before you import them to Australia.

From 1 March 2023 there are new measures in place for importing cats and dogs into Australia.

Find out more about how to import your cat or dog.

Microchip numbers in cats and dogs

Cats and dogs intended for import to Australia must be identified by a microchip that can be read by an ISO compatible reader.

It is vital that you ensure accurate recording of microchip numbers in cats and dogs intended for import to Australia.

Read about recording accurate microchip numbers in cats and dogs intended for import to Australia.

Other animals and reproductive material

Find out how to import other live animals and reproductive material.

Post entry quarantine facility and bookings

Find out more about the post entry quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria.

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Report a biosecurity concern

Post entry quarantine facility and bookings

Find out​ more about the post entry quarantine facility in Mickleham, Victoria.​​​

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Page last updated: 23 April 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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