How to complete the Application to Import Cats and Dogs

With the import of companion animals (cats and dogs), the importer and exporter are frequently one and the same person. It is acceptable to have your name as both the importer and exporter.

The importer address details must be within Australia and be a physical street address. An address using a Post Office (PO) Box, 'to be advised', or 'care of the animal quarantine station' is not accepted.

An Australian telephone contact number that will be active during the animal's stay in quarantine is also required.

If you do not have an Australian address or telephone contact details at the time of application you may use details care of a relative, friend or workplace. You should tell this contact that you are using their details on the import permit application as we may need to contact them.

The person nominated as the importer is classified as the owner and is responsible for the animal during the quarantine period, the release of the animal from quarantine and all associated fees.

The importer is the only person allowed to visit and make enquiries about the animal during the quarantine period.

The importer may authorise other persons (e.g. family members, friends, pet transport agencies, etc.) by written permission to make enquires, visit or collect the animal at its intended release date.

The written permission must to be forwarded to the animal quarantine station.

Lodging online: An email address and a phone and/or mobile number are required in both Importer and Exporter details. 

The exporter is the person in the country of export responsible for preparing the animal for travel to Australia.

The exporter address details must be within the exporting country and contain a telephone number and fax number or email address.

If you are using a pet transport company to assist you with the importation of the cat or dog, you may use their contact details as the exporter.

Animal call name
State the name the cat or dog will respond to during the quarantine period—not the pedigree/kennel name.

Age or date of birth
Indicate the cat or dog's age (in years or months) or date of birth. Month and year for the date of birth is acceptable.

Species
Indicate whether the animal is a cat or dog by ticking the appropriate box.

Breed
State the breed of the cat or dog. For mixed breed animals, indicate the breed/s which the cat or dog most closely resembles in appearance.

Crossed, mixed or mongrel will not be accepted by AQIS as a cat or dog breed.

Sex
Indicate the sex of the cat or dog by ticking the appropriate box.

If the animal is pregnant, tick the appropriate box and provide the expected birth date.

When completing the import application answer 'yes' to indicate that the cat or dog has ongoing veterinary conditions, requires medication or has specific dietary requirements.

A Veterinary Medical Form available from AQIS or detailed veterinary letter should accompany the application to ensure the animal's welfare and medical requirements are met whilst in our care. The form/letter should be completed with as much information as possible.

If the animal has been diagnosed with a medical condition after the import permit has been granted, please notify the relevant quarantine station as soon as possible.

• DAFF can only administer medication between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, seven days a week. These are not the hours that the quarantine station is open to the public.
• If your animal requires the administration of medication outside the station’s medicating hours e.g. diabetic/epileptic animals, you should discuss alternative treatment intervals with the animal’s veterinarian prior to import into Australia.

State the microchip number in the boxes provided.

Indicate the type of microchip by ticking the appropriate box.

Country of export
State the country that the cat or dog has been living in for the 6 months immediately prior to export.

Australian port of arrival
State the port in which the cat or dog will arrive in Australia.

The port of arrival must be either 'Kingsford Smith—Sydney', 'Tullamarine—Melbourne' or 'Perth International—Perth'. This depends on the animal quarantine station selection.

Date of entry into South African quarantine
This option is only applicable to cats and dogs being sent from South Africa.

State the date which the cat or dog entered South African quarantine by day/month/year.

(Does not apply to dogs from Norfolk Island)

Indicate the animal quarantine station to accommodate the cat or dog. Please be aware that there may be availability restrictions.

Shared accommodation
Complete this section should you wish for two of your animals of the same species to share quarantine accommodation.

The animals must be from the same importer and exporter, and arrive in Australia at the same time.

Entire animals of the opposite sex may not be able to share quarantine accommodation.

AQIS may use its discretion to separate animals whilst in quarantine if problems occur with sharing.

Indicate the import permit delivery preference. Import permits can be faxed, emailed or posted to the Importer or Exporter. Please make one selection only.

If email is selected the terms and conditions check box must be ticked.

The Prohibited Breed and Domestic Animal Hybrid Importer Declaration outlines the legal obligation of the individual that is applying for the Import Permit and must be completed and signed by the importer.

Read carefully before signing the declaration.

Attach a completed credit card payment form or bank cheque. Indicate the option selected by ticking the appropriate box.

Credit card payment form  PDF [36 KB]
Credit card payment form  Word [132 KB]

Lodging online: the application lodgement fee is $85.00 and an assessment fee will apply. Refer to the Fees for Cat and Dog Applications to ensure you have authorised sufficient payment.

(Does not apply to dogs from Norfolk Island)

All import permit applications must have a completed and signed Private Veterinary Attendance and Treatment Declaration at the time of application.

This form must be completed and signed by the person listed as the importer.

We do not accept a typed name as a signature on this form, it must be handwritten.

Cats and dogs being exported from an AQIS category 4 country or South Africa must submit a RNATT Declaration at the time of application.

The RNATT Declaration must be completed, signed and endorsed by an Official Government Veterinarian within the country of export.

A copy of the RNATT Laboratory report must be submitted with the RNATT Declaration.