Category 4: Quarantine period varies in Australia

Time Frame: Confirm eligibility before proceeding.

Residency: Cats and dogs must have been continuously living in the country of export for a minimum of six (6) months immediately prior to export or since direct importation from Australia or since birth.

Cats and dogs must not be under quarantine restriction at the time of export.

Age: Cats and dogs must be at least six (6) months old at the time of export.

Pregnancy: Cats and dogs must not be more than 3 weeks pregnant nor be suckling young at the time of export. Pregnant animals must meet the minimum 30 day quarantine requirement in Australia – refer to Step 5 of this information package.

Cat Breeds: In accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) cats that are derived from a cross with a wild cat species are not eligible for importation into Australia. This includes (but is not limited to) breeds such as the Savannah cat (which is a cat derived from crossbreeding a domestic cat (Felis catus) with a serval cat (Felis serval), the Safari cat (crossed with a Geoffroy cat, Oncifelis geoffroyi) and the Chausie (crossed with the Jungle cat, Felis chaus). The only exception to this is the Bengal cat (Felis catus x Prionailurus bengalensis) which may continue to be imported provided it is five generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis).

Dog Breeds: Under the legislation of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, dogs of the following pure-breeds are prohibited and are not eligible for importation into Australia:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brazileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull
• Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario

The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service can be contacted by phone: +61 2 6275 6666 or 1300 363 263 (within Australia) or email.

Hybrids: Any domestic/non-domestic animal hybrids (e.g. Savannah cats or wolf-dog crosses) are not eligible for import. The only exception to this is the Bengal cat (Felis catus x Prionailurus bengalensis) which may continue to be imported provided it is five generations removed from the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis). Contact the Wildlife Trade Regulation Section, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) phone +61 6274 1111 or email.

Time Frame: Before the blood is sampled for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test.

Cats and dogs must be identified by a microchip that can be read by an Avid, Trovan, Destron or other ISO compatible reader. The microchip must be implanted before any testing takes place.

DAFF strongly recommends that the animal is scanned at each visit to the veterinarian to ensure that the microchip can be read and is correct prior to export.

If the microchip differs from the DAFF import permit and/or supporting documentation, or cannot be found or read upon the animal's arrival in Australia, the animal will be exported to the country of origin.

It is the importer's responsibility to contact their local Australian council regarding cat or dog registration and microchip requirements. DAFF is unable to provide council details.

Time Frame: Within the 12 months prior to export.

Every cat and dog must be vaccinated against rabies with an approved inactivated rabies virus vaccine within the 12 months prior to export and when the animal is at least three (3) months old.

The rabies vaccination certificate must be presented to the Official Government Veterinarian when completing the Rabies vaccination and Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) Declaration of the application form for an DAFF import permit.

Time frame: Before sampling blood for the rabies antibody test.

An Official Government Veterinarian: is a government officer usually employed by the government veterinary administration in the exporting country (e.g. in the USA - The United States Department of Agriculture). Official Government Veterinarians generally do not work in private practice. Official Government Veterinarians are authorised to sign certificates on behalf of their Government's veterinary administration. Official Government Veterinarians endorse Veterinary Certificate A and complete Veterinary Certificate B in the DAFF import permit.

A Government Approved Veterinarian: You should contact the government veterinary administration in your country to determine which veterinarians you can use to prepare the animal for export. The government approved veterinarian will prepare the animal for export to Australia and complete Veterinary Certificate A of the DAFF import permit.

Government Approved Laboratories: are approved by the veterinary service in the country of export for testing samples from animals destined for export. These laboratories may be in another country. However, it must be located within an DAFF approved country.

DAFF does not have a list of Government or Official Veterinarians. To locate appropriate veterinarians and testing laboratories you must contact the government quarantine, agriculture or food departments in the country of export.

You can view a list of useful contact links at Useful Links - Importing Live Animals.

Time frame: Between 60 days and 12 months prior to export.

For pregnant animals: between 150 days and 12 months prior to export.

If the animal has never been previously rabies vaccinated DAFF recommends that at least four (4) weeks elapse between the rabies vaccination and blood sampling. This will enable the animal to produce sufficient antibodies to record a positive test result.

The date of blood sampling for the RNATT will determine the amount of time the animal must stay in Australian quarantine.

One hundred and eighty (180) days must elapse from the date that the blood is sampled for the RNAT test (with a satisfactory result) before the animal can be released from quarantine in Australia.

Cats and dogs must remain in the country of export for at least 60 days from the date of blood sampling for the RNATT, prior to arrival in Australia.

Cats and dogs must be held in Australian quarantine for a minimum of 30 days.

The remaining 90 days must be spent in the country of export or added to the Australian quarantine period.

The table below shows examples of how the 180-day requirement may be met:

Arrange for a Government Approved Veterinarian to scan the animal's microchip and collect a blood sample for the RNATT. Ensure the animal's microchip number, as scanned, is written on the blood tube and on the laboratory submission form. The blood sample must be drawn within a DAFF approved country.

The microchip number and blood sampling date must be consistent between the RNATT laboratory report and RNATT declaration before a DAFF import permit can be granted.

A government approved laboratory must carry out testing. The testing laboratory must be within a DAFF approved country. Testing methods accepted by DAFF are FAVN and RFFIT as described in the OIE manual. The laboratory report must include the animal's microchip number, the blood sampling date and the test type, and a result of greater than or equal to 0.5 IU/ml. It must be signed by an authorising officer at the testing laboratory OR contain printed text from the testing laboratory to the effect “This laboratory report is valid without a signature”. If a result of less than 0.5 IU/ml is obtained you must re-vaccinate the cat or dog and repeat the process.

DAFF recognises the RNATT result for a period of 12 months from the date of blood sampling. DAFF advises retesting prior to expiry of the RNATT. The animal must have a valid RNATT at the time of export.

If your animal has had previous RNAT testing and rabies vaccinations, please forward copies of this documentation to DAFF with your import permit application.

The Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) Declaration must be completed by an Official Government Veterinarian NOT the Government Approved Veterinarian (your preparing veterinarian).

Copies of the RNATT laboratory report and rabies vaccination certificate need to be shown to the Official Government Veterinarian in order for the RNATT declaration to be completed.

The RNATT Declaration is included in the application form to import cats and dogs.

Time frame: After you have received the RNAT test Laboratory Report and completed RNAT test Declaration, and at least 30 days prior to export.

You must submit copies of the following documents with your import permit application:

1. RNAT test Declaration signed and stamped by an Official Government Veterinarian
2. RNAT test Laboratory Report
3. Private Veterinary Attendance and Treatment Declaration – completed by the person listed as the importer on the application form. You must provide Australian contact details (physical street address and telephone number. An address using a Post Office (PO) Box, 'to be advised', or 'care of the animal quarantine station' is not accepted) and a handwritten signature on this form.
4. For animals with ongoing medical condition(s) a detailed medical letter from the Veterinarian. Originals documents are not required.
5. Full payment (credit card payment form or cheque if not applying for the import permit through the eLodge system).

Note: Additional documents will not be assessed unless specifically requested in a separate email.

You may submit your import permit application and supporting documentation by any of the following methods:

• Online application using DAFF eLodge. You must scan and attach all supporting documentation.
• Manual application with a copy of your application and all supporting documentation:
  • Email to Animal Import Operations Branch.
  • Fax to +61 2 6272 3110
  • Post to Animal Import Operations: GPO Box 858, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

DAFF aims to grant all import permit applications within ten (10) working days, provided that all required information is received at the time of submission.

DAFF import permits are valid for six (6) months from the date of issue.

Application information and forms can be found at Application to Import Cats and Dogs.

Payment of Import Permit Fees

Current fees for import permit applications can be found at Charging Schedule for Import Permit Applications.

DAFF will not grant an import permit until payment is confirmed.

You can pay by:

• Credit Card – American Express, Visa and MasterCard on posted, faxed, emailed and eLodged applications.
• Bank Cheque – With posted applications only. Bank cheques must be in Australian dollars and made out to the "Collector of Public Monies – DAFF". Personal cheques will not be accepted.

Time Frame: On receipt of the DAFF import permit.

On receipt of the DAFF import permit, you will need to contact the relevant Animal Quarantine Station to make a booking for your animal/s.

The granting of a DAFF import permit does not guarantee a space at your preferred Animal Quarantine Station. Due to high demand, some stations may require bookings to be made in advance.

You must confirm the booking by providing an air waybill number to the Animal Quarantine Station closer to the date of departure.

Detailed information on the Australian Animal Quarantine Stations can be viewed at Quarantine Station Accommodation & Fees.

Time frame: A copy of the DAFF import permit is required to start travel arrangements

Cats and dogs can only arrive into Australia through the following airports:

• Sydney (New South Wales)
• Melbourne (Victoria)
• Perth (Western Australia).

Animals can travel unaccompanied to Australia. On arrival animals will be collected at the airport by DAFF staff and transported directly to the Animal Quarantine Station.

In general and wherever possible, flights should be booked to arrive in Australia between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Animals must not arrive on Australian public holidays or weekends as they cannot be collected from the airport.

If you are unable to arrange a flight that arrives in Australia between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, information on animal collection arrangements at each of the Australian Quarantine Stations is available below. Please contact the relevant station office for further information on collection hours.

Spotswood, Melbourne, Victoria - Animals cannot be collected from the airport between the hours of 9.00 pm and 6:00 am, Monday to Friday.

Eastern Creek, Sydney, New South Wales - Animals can not be collected from the airport between the hours of 12.00 am (midnight) and 6:00 am, Monday to Friday.

Byford, Perth, Western Australia - Animals cannot be collected from the airport between the hours of 7.00 pm and 6:00 am, Monday to Friday.

Note: the differences in collection hours reflect differences in each station's infrastructure and staffing arrangements, proximity to the airport and different operating hours at each airport.

DAFF does not place any restrictions on the airline you choose. However, the animal must travel as "Manifested Cargo" (not in the cabin) and in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved container (crate) for cats and dogs.

IATA guidelines can be viewed at Traveler's Pet Corner - Shipping your dog or cat

Strict compliance with crate specifications is vital for the safe and secure transport of your animal. Problems will occur if the animal can escape from its crate or if any part of its body (nose, limbs, or tail) can protrude.

During transport to Australia cats and dogs may transit (stay on the same plane) or trans-ship (change planes) in all countries (DAFF approved or not). However, the original seals on the crates must not be broken. Transhipment may also require approval from the quarantine authority in the country of transhipment. For the wellbeing of the animal DAFF strongly advises booking direct flights to prevent mishaps occurring e.g. animals missing connecting flights and remaining in airports for extended periods of time.

There are animal transport companies in most countries that can make arrangements on your behalf. Visit Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International, Inc. for a list of animal transport companies worldwide.

DAFF accepts no responsibility for animals that escape en route, and all transport costs are at the expense of the importer.

Time Frame: Once travel arrangements have been made and prior to export of the animal.

You must contact the Animal Quarantine Station to confirm your animal's booking. You will need to provide:

• A valid DAFF Import Permit number
• Flight number and date of arrival in Australia
• Air waybill number
• Contact telephone number
• Details of any special needs your animal may have

Time frame: Between one (1) year and 14 days prior to export.

NEW! - As of 1 March 2012, all import permits for dogs will be issued with a condition that vaccination for Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) is mandatory.

Vaccinations must be valid for the entire quarantine period in Australia. All vaccinations must have been administered within an DAFF approved country.

• Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, infectious hepatitis (canine advenovirus), canine parvovirus (parvo), para-influenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Vaccination against Leptospira interrogans are not recommended as the vaccination can interfere with testing which may result in dogs being ineligible for export to Australia.

• Cats must be vaccinated against feline enteritis (also known as feline panleucopenia or feline distemper), rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.

Time frame: Between one (1) year and 14 days prior to export.

Vaccinations must be valid for the entire quarantine period in Australia. All vaccinations must have been administered within a DAFF approved country.

Dogs exported from the USA must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza virus (CIV).

The vaccination schedule involves:

• Initial vaccination – two vaccinations given 2-4 weeks apart
• Annual vaccination

The import conditions require full vaccination therefore dogs must have received both initial vaccinations to meet the import conditions.

The final vaccination of the course or the annual booster must be administered between one (1) year and 14 days prior to export.

Time frame: Within 30 days prior to export.

Blood tests: Arrange for a government approved veterinarian to scan the dog's microchip and draw blood samples for the testing of:

• ehrlichiosis (tropical canine pancytopaenia)
• brucellosis
• leishmaniosis
• leptospirosis

The microchip number must be recorded on the blood tube and on the laboratory submission form. The blood must be sent to a government-approved laboratory for testing. The laboratory report must be in English, on official letterhead, signed by an authorised officer at the laboratory, record the blood sample date and the test type, and link the dog's microchip number to the test result.

If there is no microchip number on the laboratory report or the testing requirements are not met, the dog may be exported from Australian Quarantine at the importer's expense.

The results must be recorded on Veterinary Certificate A of the DAFF import permit. Copies of all laboratory test results must be endorsed by an Official Government Veterinarian and accompany the dog to Australia.

Contact DAFF if the dog does not meet the test requirements.

Ehrlichiosis: Dogs must be tested for Ehrlichia canis infection by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). The test must produce a negative result at a dilution of 1:40.

Treatment for external parasites must commence at the same time that blood is sampled for ehrlichia testing as this disease is spread by ticks.

A Government Approved Veterinarian must treat the dog with a long acting acaricide that is registered for the control of ticks. The treatment must kill ticks upon direct contact. Washes, rinses, spot-on formulations or medicated collars that repel ticks and prevent them biting the animal are acceptable. Oral products are not satisfactory, neither are products that kill ticks only after biting your animal. Acceptable active ingredients include (but are not limited to) fiprinol (e.g. Frontline®), permethrin (e.g. Permoxin® or Advantix ®), amitraz (e.g. Preventic ®) or flumethrin (e.g. Kiltix ®).

The treatment must be repeated according to the manufacturer's instructions to the date of export. Treatment must be also be repeated within 4 days prior to export. Dates of treatment must be recorded on Veterinary Certificate A of the DAFF import permit.

Brucellosis: Dogs must be tested for Brucella canis infection using a serum agglutination test. The test must produce a negative result.

Once blood is collected for this test the dog must not be mated or inseminated prior to export to Australia.

Leishmaniosis: Dogs must be tested for Leishmania infantum infection by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) or an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The test must produce a negative result.

Leptospirosis: Dogs must be tested for Leptospira canicola serovar of Leptospira interrogans using a microscopic agglutination test.

Dogs that record a negative result (less than 50% agglutination at a serum dilution of 1:100) are eligible for import.

Dogs that record a result of positive at 1:100 or more, but negative at 1:800, must be re-tested 14 days or more after blood was sampled for the first test. The second test must also show a negative titre result at 1:800 or less.

Dogs that record a result positive at 1:800 or more are ineligible for import.

Vaccination against Leptospira interrogans are not recommended as the vaccination can interfere with testing which may result in dogs being ineligible for export to Australia.

Time frame: Within 30 days prior to export.

All cats and dogs from Malaysia must be tested for Nipah virus by the Serum Neutralisation test at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), Victoria, fax: +61 3 5227 5555 phone: +61 3 5227 5000. The blood sample must be collected within 30 days prior to export and record a negative result.

The results must be recorded on Veterinary Certificate A of the DAFF import permit. Copies of all laboratory test results must be endorsed by an Official Government Veterinarian and accompany the animal to Australia.

Contact DAFF if the cat or dog does not meet the test requirements.

Time frame: Within 28 days prior to export.

This treatment should not be given within 48 hours of treatment for external parasites as the chance of side-effects may increase.

Option 1: A government approved veterinarian must treat the dog once with imidocarb dipropionate (Forray-65, Hoechst or Imizol by Coopers) at a rate of 7.5 mg per kg body weight by subcutaneous injection.

Option 2: A government approved veterinarian must treat the dog twice with imidocarb dipropionate (Forray-65, Hoechst or Imizol by Coopers) at a rate of 6.6 mg per kg body weight by subcutaneous injection given two weeks apart.

Details of treatment/s must be recorded on Veterinary Certificate A of the DAFF import permit.

Time frame: Within four (4) days prior to export. This can be done at the same time as the completion of Veterinary Certificate A of the DAFF import permit.

Internal parasites: Cats and dogs must be treated with a product approved for the treatment of nematodes and cestodes (e.g. Drontal).

Internal parasite treatment must be effective against roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm.

External parasites: Cats and dogs must be treated with a product approved for the treatment of ticks and fleas. The treatment must kill ticks upon direct contact.

Oral products and injections are not satisfactory nor are products that rely on the tick biting the dog. Washes, rinses, medicated collars and spot on products that kill ticks on contact are acceptable.

Dogs: You must have already commenced external parasite treatment for dogs, as per Step 13. The dog must be retreated for external parasites within 4 days prior to export.

The product name, active ingredient, dose rate and treatment date/s must be recorded on Veterinary Certificate A of the DAFF import permit.

Time frame: Within four (4) days prior to export.

Veterinary Certificates A and B are included in the granted DAFF Import Permit.

Veterinary Certificate A is to be completed by a Government Approved Veterinarian or an Official Government Veterinarian.

You must bring the animal and all documentation (e.g. vaccination certificates, laboratory reports) to this inspection. The animal must be free from clinical signs of infectious or contagious diseases.

A thorough examination for external parasites, including visible or palpable ticks, must be performed by the approved veterinarian. Particular attention should be given to the forelegs, chest, neck, head, ears, eyes, shoulders, axillae and inner thighs. The animal must be fit to undertake the journey to Australia and undergo quarantine in Australia.

Any corrections to the approved veterinarian's entries on Veterinary Certificate A will only be accepted if the original entry has been struck through and remains legible – correction fluid must not be used. An Official Government Veterinarian must sign to each correction.

The DAFF import permit must not be altered.

Time frame: After the completion of Veterinary Certificate A, usually on the day of departure.

Veterinary Certificate B must be completed by an Official Government Veterinarian. The following documents must be presented to the Official Government Veterinarian to be signed and stamped (endorsed) and then travel with the animal to Australia.

• Original or copy of the DAFF import permit
• Completed Veterinary Certificate A
• General vaccination certificates
• Rabies vaccination certificate
• RNATT laboratory report
• [Dogs Only] brucellosis, ehrlichiosis, leishmania and leptospirosis laboratory reports in English
• [If required] Nipah laboratory report

Copies may be used. However, the paperwork arriving in Australia with your animal must bear original signatures and stamps.

An Official Government Veterinarian must scan the animal and confirm that the microchip number is consistent on the DAFF import permit and all supporting documents. If the microchip number is consistent, the veterinarian must record the number on Veterinary Certificate B.

If the microchip number is incorrect on the DAFF import permit and/or supporting documentation OR the microchip is absent and cannot be scanned, the animal is ineligible for import.

The Official Government Veterinarian must record the identification number of the seal on Veterinary Certificate B and seal the animal into the crate. Ensure the animal is prepared for travel before the crate is sealed. Once sealed, the animal must not be released from its crate.

A water container should be fixed inside the crate. An external funnel with a hose leading into the water container should be provided to allow water to be replenished without opening the crate. Sufficient absorbent bedding should be provided (soiled bedding may be destroyed on arrival in Australia). The crate should be marked "Live Animal".

Time frame: Confirm with your airline.

In most cases the animal will be checked in at the freight terminal, not the passenger terminal.

The DAFF import permit (Veterinary Certificates A and B), blood test results, vaccination records and any other relevant documents must travel to Australia with the animal. These documents may be originals or copies but must bear the original signature and stamp of an Official Government Veterinarian of the country of export.

DAFF recommends that you retain a copy of these documents.

If, in exceptional circumstances, the animal's crate must be opened during transit or transhipment it must be resealed and a certificate provided to DAFF by an Official Government Veterinarian, port authority, or captain of the aircraft detailing the circumstances. Instructions to this effect should be attached to the outside of the crate before departure from the port of export.

On arrival animals will be collected from the airport by DAFF staff and transported directly to the Animal Quarantine Station. Visiting of animals at the airport upon arrival in Australia is not permitted.

DAFF provides housing, bedding, food, water and care for the animal for the duration of its stay. All quarantine costs must be paid by the importer prior to the animal's release.

Should the animal require veterinary care, DAFF will contact the importer and arrange for a private veterinarian. Private veterinarians will charge the importer directly.

Visit the following webpage for more information Cats and Dogs Returning to Australia

DAFF cannot guarantee that animals exported from Australia will be eligible for re-import.

Cats and dogs exported from Australia immediately relinquish their Australian status.

Exported cats and dogs may be exposed to exotic diseases and may not be eligible for direct re-import to Australia.

Only cats and dogs in an DAFF approved country may be eligible for direct return to Australia. In order to be considered for the minimum Australian quarantine period upon their return, cats and dogs must have evidence of the following preparation:

In Australia prior to departure:

• An ISO compatible microchip was implanted in the animal
• An DAFF approved veterinarian vaccinated the animal against rabies
• Four weeks later an DAFF approved veterinarian collected and sent a blood sample to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) for a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)
  • The RNATT report from AAHL must record the animal's microchip number and a result of greater than 0.5 IU/ml. This laboratory report must be signed and stamped by DAFF prior to the export of the animal
  • DAFF recognises the RNATT results for a period of 12 months from the date of blood sampling. DAFF advises retesting prior to expiry of the RNATT. The animal must have a valid RNATT at the time of import into Australia

Since leaving Australia:

• The animal has only been within DAFF approved countries
• All other standard DAFF import conditions have been met in full

Approved Rabies-Free Countries and Territories - No Quarantine Required

• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island

Approved Rabies-Free Countries and Territories Minimum of 30 Days Quarantine (Information Package 2)

• Bahrain
• Barbados
• Falkland Islands
• Fiji
• French Polynesia
• Guam
• Hawaii
• Iceland
• Japan
• Mauritius
• New Caledonia
• Norway
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• Vanuatu

Approved Rabies-Free Island Countries and Territories Minimum of 60 Days Quarantine (Information Package 3)

• American Samoa
• Christmas Island
• Cook Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Kingdom of Tonga
• Kiribati
• Nauru
• Niue
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Solomon Islands
• Tuvalu
• Wallis and Futuna
• Western Samoa
  

Approved Countries and Territories recognised by the Australian Government as Countries and Territories in which dog mediated rabies is absent or well controlled. Quarantine Time Varies & Rabies Vaccination (Information Package 4)

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Belgium
• Bermuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Canada
• Canary/Balearic Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Chile
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• France
• Finland
• Germany
• Greece
• Greenland
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Kuwait
• Luxembourg
• Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah & Sarawak only)
• Malta
• Montenegro
• Monaco
• Netherlands – Antilles and Aruba
• Macau
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• Qatar
• Reunion
• Saipan
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Seychelles
• South Korea
• Spain
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sweden
• Switzerland (including Liechtenstein)
• The United Kingdom
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates
• Uruguay
• United States of America (not including Hawaii)
• US Virgin Islands

Approved Countries and Territories recognised by the Australian Government as countries and territories in which dog mediated rabies is endemic. (Information Package 5)

• Republic of South Africa

All Other Countries - Non-Approved

DAFF does not allow the direct importation of cats and dogs from non-approved countries. The importation can only occur indirectly via a DAFF approved country. Cats and dogs must be continuously resident in a DAFF approved country for a minimum of six months prior to export to Australia. Cats and dogs then become eligible for import into Australia under the DAFF import conditions that apply to that particular approved country. DAFF will not accept any vaccinations or blood testing that is completed in a non-approved country