Bringing a cat or dog to Australia
Covers only cats and dogs coming from three source countries, the United States (excluding Guam and Hawaii), the United Kingdom and Canada (DAFF Group 3). Rules for other source countries are not covered here.
Last reviewed 2026-10-13 against official sources.
Dogs from the United States, United Kingdom or Canada
Government rule: DAFFCovers only cats and dogs coming from the United States (excluding Guam and Hawaii), the United Kingdom or Canada, which DAFF places in Group 3.
Time in an approved country
To be eligible, dogs residing in a Group 3 country must: have lived in an approved country for at least 180 days before export (from the date the RNATT sample arrives at the laboratory)
Rabies vaccine age
The government approved veterinarian must use an approved rabies vaccine. This vaccine must be: given when the dog was at least 84 days old
Rabies antibody test (RNATT) timing
The RNATT sample must be taken between 12 months and 180 days before the date of export.
RNATT result
A result of 0.5 IU/ml or more is acceptable.
Brucellosis test
Test for Brucella canis (brucellosis) within 45 days of the date of export.
At export
When you plan to export your dog, it must NOT be: under quarantine restrictions more than 30 days pregnant nursing puppies.
Arrival airport
Your dog must arrive directly to Melbourne International airport.
Post-entry quarantine
Dogs must spend at least 30 days at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility.
Narrow exception: Shorter quarantine (only under these conditions)
This period of quarantine can be reduced to at least 10 days if: an official government veterinarian verified your dog's identity before taking blood for the RNATT (see Step 3.2), or your dog originated in Australia and has evidence of their identity on their Australian-issued export certification.
Cats from the United States, United Kingdom or Canada
Government rule: DAFFCovers only cats and dogs coming from the United States (excluding Guam and Hawaii), the United Kingdom or Canada, which DAFF places in Group 3.
Time in an approved country
To be eligible, cats residing in a Group 3 country must: have lived in an approved country for at least 180 days before export (from the date the RNATT sample arrives at laboratory)
Rabies vaccine age
The government-approved veterinarian must use an approved rabies vaccine. This vaccine must be: given when the cat was at least 84 days old
Rabies antibody test (RNATT) timing
The RNATT sample must be taken between 12 months and 180 days before the date of export.
RNATT result
A result of 0.5 IU/ml or more is acceptable.
Arrival airport
Your cat must arrive directly to Melbourne International airport.
Post-entry quarantine: 30 days, reduced to 10 days only under these conditions
Cats must spend 30 days at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility. Our quarantine facility is designed to comfortably accommodate cats and meet their needs. This period of quarantine can be reduced to at least 10 days if: an official government veterinarian verified your cat's identity before taking blood for the RNATT (see Step 3.2), or your cat originated in Australia and has evidence of their identity on their Australian-issued export certification.
Cats must stay at Mickleham for a minimum of 30 days, unless your cat is eligible for the minimum 10 day stay.