Published on May 6, 2026
Last updated:
Moving a pet to Australia is one of the most detailed international pet relocation processes in the world. Between rabies testing, import permits, quarantine requirements, veterinary timelines, and strict biosecurity rules, pet parents often begin planning months before their move.
But before starting the Australia pet import process, there is one important question every pet parent should ask first:
Is my pet eligible to enter Australia?
Australia does not allow every dog or cat breed to be imported. Certain purebred dogs, hybrid dogs, and hybrid cats are banned from entering the country, regardless of whether the pet is healthy, vaccinated, well-behaved, or traveling as a family pet.
If you are planning to move a dog or cat to Australia, here is what you need to know.
Why Does Australia Ban Certain Pet Breeds?
Australia has strict import rules because the country works to protect its people, animals, agriculture, and native wildlife. Pet import rules are not only about rabies or general health requirements. Some restrictions are connected to customs laws and environmental protection laws.
For pet parents, this means a dog or cat may meet normal veterinary requirements but still be ineligible for import because of its breed or hybrid status.
Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry states that some dog breeds, hybrid dogs, and hybrid cats are not allowed into Australia.
What Dog Breeds Are Banned From Australia?
The following purebred dogs cannot be imported into Australia:
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
This is one of the most important eligibility checks for pet parents moving dogs to Australia. If your dog is one of these pure breeds, they are not eligible to enter Australia under current government guidance.
Are Mixed-Breed Dogs Allowed Into Australia?
In many cases, yes. Australian government guidance states that mixed-breed dogs are allowed if the dog meets all other import conditions. However, this does not mean every dog with uncertain breed history will automatically be accepted.
If a dog is identified as possibly being a prohibited breed after arrival, the Department of Home Affairs may investigate further.
For pet parents, this makes early breed review very important. If your dog has physical traits or paperwork that could raise questions, it is better to address those concerns before beginning the import process.
Are Wolfdogs Allowed in Australia?
No. Domestic/non-domestic hybrid dogs are prohibited from entering Australia. This includes wolf-dog crosses.
Examples of hybrid dogs not allowed into Australia include:
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak
- Saarloos Wolfdog or Saarloos Wolfhound
- Lupo Italiano or Italian Wolfdog
- Kunming Wolfdog or Kunming Dog
These restrictions are separate from the standard rabies, vaccination, and quarantine requirements for dogs traveling to Australia.
What Cat Breeds Are Banned From Australia?
Australia does not allow domestic/non-domestic hybrid cats to be imported.
Hybrid cats that are not allowed into Australia include, but are not limited to:
- Savannah cats
- Safari cats
- Chausie cats
- Bengal cats
According to current Australian government guidance, non-domestic cat hybrids are not allowed into Australia, and Bengal cats are now included in that restriction.
As part of your DAFF import application, you will need to state your cat’s breed and sign a declaration confirming that your cat is not considered an ineligible breed for import to Australia.
Are Bengal Cats Allowed to Move to Australia?
No. Under current Australian government guidance, Bengal cats are not permitted to enter Australia.
This is especially important because Bengal cats were previously treated differently from some other hybrid cats under certain conditions. Current guidance now lists Bengal cats among hybrid cats that are not allowed into Australia.
Are Savannah Cats Allowed in Australia?
No. Savannah cats are considered domestic/non-domestic hybrids and are not eligible for import into Australia. This includes cats derived from a domestic cat crossed with a serval.
Even if a Savannah cat is several generations removed from its wild ancestor, pet parents should not assume the cat is eligible. Australian guidance lists Savannah cats as hybrid cats that are not allowed into the country.
Can Documentation or a Special Permit Make a Banned Pet Eligible?
In most pet relocation cases, documentation cannot override a banned breed or hybrid restriction.
A pet may have:
- A valid rabies vaccine
- A passing rabies titer test
- A microchip
- Veterinary records
- An import permit application
- Pedigree paperwork
- A long history as a family pet
But if the pet is a prohibited purebred dog or a domestic/non-domestic hybrid, they may still be ineligible to enter Australia.
This is why breed eligibility should be checked before beginning the full Australia pet relocation process.
What If I Am Not Sure About My Pet’s Breed?
If you are unsure whether your dog or cat may fall under Australia’s prohibited breed or hybrid rules, do not wait until the final stages of travel.
Before moving forward, gather:
- Adoption records
- Breeder paperwork
- Veterinary records
- Pedigree documents, if available
- Photos of your pet
- Any known breed history
- Microchip and vaccination records
A professional pet relocation team can help you review the situation and determine whether additional guidance may be needed before starting the Australia import process.
What Other Requirements Apply When Moving Pets to Australia?
If your dog or cat is eligible by breed, they still need to meet Australia’s full import requirements.
For many pets moving to Australia from the United States and other Group 3 countries, this can include:
- Microchip identification
- Rabies vaccination
- Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test, also called RNATT
- A mandatory waiting period
- Import permit application
- Government-endorsed veterinary documents
- Pre-export testing and treatments
- Approved airline routing
- Arrival into Australia as manifest cargo
- Post-entry quarantine in Australia
For Group 3 countries, DAFF states that cats and dogs must meet rabies vaccination and testing requirements and be resident in an approved country for the required period before export.
Do Pets Need Quarantine When Moving to Australia?
Yes. Most pets entering Australia must complete post-entry quarantine after arrival. Australia’s Post Entry Quarantine facility is designed for animal care and biosecurity management, and DAFF notes that the facility includes climate control, bedding, exercise yards, and welfare-oriented care. Owners are not allowed to visit pets during the quarantine period.
Because quarantine space, import permits, testing, and flight availability all affect the timeline, pet parents should begin planning early.
Why Start the Australia Pet Relocation Process Early?
Australia is not a last-minute pet travel destination. Even eligible dogs and cats may need several months of preparation before they can travel.
Starting early helps pet parents avoid:
- Missed rabies testing windows
- Import permit delays
- Incorrect paperwork
- Flight routing problems
- Quarantine timing issues
- Discovering too late that a pet may be ineligible
If you are planning to move a pet to Australia, the best first step is confirming your pet’s eligibility, then building a timeline around Australia’s import requirements.
Moving a Dog or Cat to Australia? WorldCare Pet Can Help
Moving pets to Australia can feel overwhelming, especially when breed eligibility, rabies testing, import permits, quarantine, and flight routing all need to align.
WorldCare Pet Transport helps pet parents navigate the international pet relocation process with careful planning, document review, airline coordination, and guidance from start to finish.
If you are preparing to move your dog or cat to Australia, our team can help you understand the next steps and determine whether your pet may be eligible for travel.
Request a Free Quote today to begin planning your pet’s move to Australia.
What Pet Parents Are Saying About Their Move to Australia
“For an experience that is so daunting and not something many people go through, to have Giulia by our side made it a completely perfect experience. Giulia was so on top of everything; she was informative and handled everything! I couldn’t imagine doing this overseas move without World Care Pet Transport.” –Butler Family, Canada to Australia
“I was very satisfied with the entire process with getting our little friend, Tarragon to his new home on the other side of the world. Thanks to Giulia and her team.”- A.M, USA to Australia
Archie, an Australian Shepherd, completed his 4th move with WorldCare Pet!
“Every step of the way, any concerns I had, everything was handled with the utmost care and respect, no matter how big or small my concerns” – McCormick Family, USA to Australia
“ We have had the pleasure of working with Giulia 4 times now and we are so thankful for her – she is so kind, patient, ever so helpful, attentive, and genuinely cares about our family and most importantly, our dog Archie. I have requested her each time and have never been disappointed or never left feeling nervous or anxious about the entire process. I recommend her to everyone who asks and I believe WCPT are lucky to have her. Everyone else we have dealt with at WCPT are just as wonderful, but Giulia is something special. Thank you for taking such good care of our Archie! We appreciate you all.” – Pounsett Family, UK to Australia
Helpful Australia Pet Travel Blogs
Planning a pet move to Australia? Explore the blogs below for more information on Australia pet import requirements, timelines, and what pet parents should know before relocating their dog or cat.
- Australia Pet Quarantine Requirements for Dogs & Cats
- Australia Pet Relocation Mistakes: 7 Costly Errors That Delay Entry
- Moving a Pet to Australia Flights: Direct vs Multi-Stop Options
- How Long Does It Take to Move a Pet to Australia
- USA to Australia Dog Transport (2026) | Timeline
- USA to Australia Cat Transport (2026) | Timeline & Requirements
Valerie Neyra is the Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and a proud cat mom to Lucky. She is dedicated to creating resources that simplify domestic & international pet transport. Valerie understands how important pets are to our lives and works to help pet parents feel supported and confident every step of the way during their global moves.