Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world’s most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. This could devastate our unique environment.

While it’s common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates are increasing in popularity and becoming more available.

What you need to know

​​​​​Semen and embryos from the animal species listed below can currently be imported into Australia from selected Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry approved countries only.

Permitted species for imports of animal semen include buffalo, cattle, cats, deer, dogs, giraffes, goats, horses, mice, rats and sheep.

Permitted species for imports of animal embryos include buffalo, cattle, deer, goats, mice, rats and sheep. For information about importing semen from dogs, please review the information available for:

Purpose

This purpose of this webpage is to assist importers with a timeline for the submission of information/applications to the department for the import of pigeon consignments.

Submission of applications and documentation

The following table summarises the timeframes for submission of forms and applications. Information regarding the details of these is not covered in this document. Details are available on the department’s website and/or via the relevant contacts listed below.

Publication details

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, September 2021.

You are required to email the completed form to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment at least 3 to 7 business days prior to the scheduled arrival of the pigeon consignment in Australia.