Flying to Australia with a pet

Entry requirements at a glance

Microchip

Required

Confirm accepted identification, scan records and the required sequence with vaccination for your exact route. A chip requirement alone does not establish that your records meet it.

Rabies vaccine

For Group 3 dogs and cats, an accepted rabies vaccination must remain valid from the RNATT through export. Initial vaccination must meet the vaccine and minimum-age requirements. Lapsed coverage can require new vaccination, testing, and a new waiting period. Hawaii and Guam follow a different import category.

Health certificate

Use the current U.S.-specific dog or cat export health certificate and obtain USDA APHIS endorsement. Keep the endorsed RNATT declaration, laboratory reports, and, if used, the official identity declaration with the certificate. The import permit sets the applicable preparations.

Rabies titer test

For Group 3 dogs and cats, export is permitted no earlier than 180 days after the RNATT blood sample arrives at the laboratory, not 180 days after the blood draw or before arrival in Australia. Approved FAVN or RFFIT testing must show at least 0.5 IU/mL. Confirm test validity, continuous vaccination, and any repeat-test conditions against the import permit.

Quarantine on arrival

For Group 3 pets, the minimum post-entry quarantine is generally 30 days, or 10 days when the required official identity-verification process has been completed and accepted. Reserve the appropriate quarantine arrangement before travel; a 10-day stay is not automatic.

Breed restrictions / bans

Australia restricts certain dog breeds and non-domestic hybrids. Confirm the pet's breed and ancestry with the relevant Australian authority and carrier before starting the import process.