What is an approved country?
An approved country is any country, administrative region or territory from which Australia allows the import of cats and dogs and their semen. Approved countries are divided into three groups, each with different import conditions.
Group 1 do not require an import permit to enter Australia. – New Zealand; Norfolk Island; Cocos Island
Group 2 countries are described as approved rabies-free countries and territories – 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.
Group 3 countries are described as approved countries and territories in which rabies is absent or well-controlled – 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, Reunion, 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).
What Breeds are not permitted to be imported into Australia?
Dogs
The following pure breeds cannot be imported into Australia under the legislation of the Department of Home Affairs:
- American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier
- dogo Argentino
- fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
Domestic/nondomestic hybrids (e.g., dog-wolf crosses) are also prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak
- Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog.
- Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog
- Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound
Cats
Domestic/non Domestic Hybrids cannot be imported to Australia in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Hybrid cats include, but are not limited to:
- Savannah cat, domestic cat (Felis catus) crossed with serval cat (Felis serval)
- Safari cat, domestic cat crossed with Geoffroy cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi)
- Chausie, domestic cat crossed with Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
- Bengal cat, domestic cat crossed with Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).
What Does Brachycephalic mean?
Brachycephalic is a term related to the size of a dog’s head compared to the muzzle, as brachy- means “short,” and cephalic means “relating to or of the head.” Dogs need to score over 80 in the cephalic index to be considered truly brachycephalic.
A cephalic index is calculated by multiplying the width of a dog’s head by 100, then dividing the result by the head’s length.
Brachycephalic is used to describe a dog with a cephalic index higher than 80.
A mesocephalic dog has a cephalic score between 75 and 80, while a dog under 75 is considered dolichocephalic.
What dog breeds are considered Brachycephalic?
- Affenpinscher
- Boxer
- Bulldog
- Brussels Griffon
- Bullmastiff
- Boston Terrier
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cane Corso
- Chow Chow
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Toy Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Japanese Chin
- Lhasa Apso
- Pekingese
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan Spaniel
How much does it cost to bring my pet to Australia?
Only Imports understands price is a big factor in your decision to bring a pet to Australia. This is why we offer tailored comprehensive quotes. Every import is vastly different and the flight prices alone country to country differ.
When does the 180 days start?
The dog is not eligible for export to Australia until at least one hundred and eighty (180) days after the blood sample arrives at the lab for this RNAT test (with a satisfactory result).
What is the level of Titre required?
A result of 0.5 IU/ml or more is acceptable. A result of less than 0.5 IU/ml is not acceptable.
What happens if my dog fails the Titre?
In this circumstance you must re-vaccinate and repeat the testing process. Your consultant will advise you of this upon review of the Laboratory report.
Does my crate need to be IATA approved?
Yes you must have an IATA approved crate. Your pet must be in a crate that they be comfortable, with enough room to stand, sit and turn around. Snub nosed breeds need a 10% larger container. Only Imports generally arrange a crate as part of our quote this takes the stress out of selecting the correct sized crate for your pet and that it is compliant for all airlines.
For more information on pet crate requirements – head to the IATA Traveller’s Pet Corner.
Does my pet have to quarantine in Melbourne?
Yes, your pet must arrive directly in Melbourne as this is currently the only quarantine facility in Australia. Upon landing in Melbourne this is where they will be transported to the Post Entry Quarantine facility. They will undergo a minimum 10 – 30 day stay and could be extended up to 180 days. They will have to stay longer if there are any issues that increase the biosecurity risk.
How do I collect my pet once the quarantine stay has been completed?
Only Imports will provide you detailed pickup instructions and the time of collection for your pet. Alternatively, we can arrange collection of your pet and domestic transport to your nearest airport or home.