Pet Transport Import Services

Relocating to Australia and don’t want your four-legged family member to miss out? Moving back home and want your new furry friend to come too? Already living in Australia and want to bring a pedigree pet or exotic animal into the country? No matter what reason it is you need to import pets into Australia, Dogtainers can help!

What’s the Pet Import Process Like?

With a long set of protocols, rules, and regulations to follow to satisfy the Australian government, the process of importing a pet into Australia can be quite complicated and time consuming. So we’ve created a simplified list to help you get a better idea of what’s required.

  1. Determine if your pet is allowed in the country. Australia has 13 ‘banned breeds’ that aren’t allowed into the country.
  2. Determine what country group your pet is in. There are four groups pets can belong to. Each group follows different import rules and regulations.
  3. Organise travel preparations. Dogs and cats need to receive vet checks and vaccinations on very specific dates, based on where they are flying.
  4. Organise proper paperwork. Pets need a government-approved import permit and various vaccination certificates to travel.
  5. Manage travel day. Pets need to be transported to the airport and brought to the appropriate boarding area at specific times based on the airline.
  6. Manage quarantine stay. Pets from non-Group 1 countries need to be quarantined in Melbourne for ten days. This quarantine needs to be booked in advance.
  7. Organise the final collection. Pets need to be collected from the Melbourne Quarantine facility and transported to their final address.

If you’d like to know more about any of these points, just keep on reading! We’ve gone into detail so you’re equipped to make an informed decision about your pet’s travel.

Experience Matters – For You And Your Pet

Planning your pet’s transport can be time-intensive and feel quite daunting. That’s why we’re here to help. At Dogtainers, we’re highly experienced with the ins and outs of importing pets to Australia and offer tailor-made pet transport solutions.

We can handle as much or as little of the pet import process as possible, including planning the entire journey with pickup and delivery from your locations of choice. Our ‘door-to-door’ service is available from anywhere in the world!

Already have a preferred pet mover? We can handle the import process and liaise with them to ensure the last stretch of the journey is as smooth as possible.

If you would like to get a quote or contact us to learn more about how we can import your pet or animal into Australia.

Importing Pets to Australia

With a long set of protocols, rules, and regulations to follow to satisfy the Australian government, importing a pet into Australia can be tricky. Overseas countries are broken down into different categories, determining the pre-arrival requirements for pets entering Australia.

Why You Should Choose Dogtainers

There are four different categories recognised by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The categories are based on the rabies risks of animals coming from these countries. Cats and dogs from approved countries are allowed to enter, provided all the veterinary requirements are met.

    We are Australia’s largest owner-operated pet transport network and the only pet travel company to have our own offices and staff located in every state in Australia, including the Northern Territory.

    Dogtainers has been operating for 50 years, and we import thousands of pets into Australia every year.

    vet bedding for cats and dogs

    We’re an official RSPCA partner and a member of IPATA

    Most importantly, we’re pet lovers just like you! We understand that pets are family, and they deserve to be treated like it.

    AUSTRALIA BANNED BREEDS

    American Pit Bull Terrier

    Fila Brasileiro

    Dogo Argentino

    Japanese Tosa

    Savannah cat

    Chausie crossed with Jungle cat.

    Bengal cat crossed with Asian Leopard cat

    Safari cat crossed with Geoffroy cat

    Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak

    Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog

    Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog

    Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound

    Pet Import FAQs

    How Much Does It Cost To Import Pets?

    Depending on the origin of the pet and the quantity being imported, the price of importing pets to Australia can change. There are additional costs to take into account in addition to transportation costs, such as quarantine fees, veterinary fees, and other import requirements. Typically, prices can range from 8K to 20K.

    What Are The Steps To Import Pets In Australia?

    There are many steps to follow that we provide details guidance on, this is in line with the published requirements from DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry).

    The steps to import pets into Australia according to DAFF are as:

    • Check if your pet is eligible to be imported to Australia.
    • Apply for an import permit from DAFF.
    • Meet all import conditions and get your pet ready for travel.
    • Choose a quarantine station to host your pet.
    • Make travel arrangements for your pet and ensure that all necessary documentation is in order.
    • On arrival in Australia, the pet needs to be quarantined (minimum of 10 days for dogs and cats).

    It’s important to note that the process and requirements may vary depending on the type of pet and country of origin, so it’s best to contact us for specific guidance.

    How Long Does The Import Process Take For A Pet To Enter Australia?

    Depending on the origin point it is good to start planning 1 year ahead and no less than 6 months ahead of travel. Due to a number of requirements to start very early on, and the capacity at quarantine, starting this soon is essential.

    What Type Of Health Certificate Is Required For A Pet To Enter Australia?

    The Australian import permit is a dual document of permit/health certificate that we work at obtaining for our clients.

    What Are The Requirements For Importing Pets?

    Depending on the country of origin and pets being imported, different countries may have different requirements from DAFF for bringing pets into Australia. However, a few standard prerequisites are as follows:

    • An import permit for the pet
    • A health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian in the country of origin.
    • A rabies vaccination certificate (dogs and cats only).
    • Compliance with specific import conditions for the pet species.

    How Much Is A Pet Import Permit In Australia?

    The permit itself is $480 AUD for the first pet and $240 AUD for each additional pet thereafter.

    Start Your Pet Transport Journey

    Australia: 1300 13 52 52 | New Zealand: 0800 13 52 52