Countries: 
Australia

Time to read: Approximately 3 minutes

The The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is the Animal Quarantine Authority for the entry of dogs to Australia.

For Australia, read both the Assistance Dog and Standard (pet) Dog Travel Rules provided. For any contradictions, clarify with the Animal Quarantine Authority.

Tasmania has additional Travel Rules to follow.

A kangaroo resting on its side in sparse Australian bushland. The background shows another resting kangaroo lying amongst tree logs scattered across the ground.
A kangaroo resting on its side in sparse Australian bushland. The background shows another resting kangaroo lying amongst tree logs scattered across the ground.

Contact the The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Be prepared

  • Confirm any specific requirements with all Animal Quarantine Authorities before booking your trip. This includes both entering/leaving any country and all airline/cruise line requirements.
  • The Travel Process can take several months so leave plenty of planning time for your trip (except for valid EU Pet Passport travel).

Travel Rules for Assistance Dogs

The links below detail concerns specific to Assistance Dogs. Visiting these links will open another website.

Assistance Dog Eligibility Criteria

There is no standard that all countries follow for recognising Assistance Dogs. Check whether your dog qualifies.

Bringing Assistance Dogs into Australia

The process for bringing a recognised Assistance Dog into Australia.

Travel Rules for Standard (pet) Dogs

These links detail the process for Standard (pet) Dogs, which Assistance Dogs may still need to follow. Visiting these links will open another website.

Bringing all dogs into Australia

The process for bringing all dogs into Australia.

Taking all dogs out of Australia

The process for taking all dogs out of Australia.

Means of Travel

Information relevant to travel via different modes of transport within Australia.

Airlines in Australia

Information pertinent to airline travel with an Assistance Dog in Australia, as well as an overview of the requirements of several major Australian airlines.

Cruise Ships for Australia

Information for boarding or disembarking cruise vessels with an Assistance Dog in Australia.

Miscellaneous Information

Extra information that is specific to the region or country.

Transit and Transhipment Requirements

Per the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), transiting refers to when an animal arrives and departs on the same plane without leaving the aircraft, while transhipping involves the animal spending time within the airport before continuing its journey on the same or a different plane.

If you're planning to transit/tranship through Australia or enroute to Australia, be sure to contact DAFF to confirm the requirements that apply.

Tasmanian Travel Rules

Tasmania has its own Travel Rules in addition to those set for the whole of Australia.

Norfolk Island Travel Rules

Norfolk Island is an external territory of Australia and has its own travel rules established by the Norfolk Island Regional Council and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

You can contact the Department by email at Norfolk.Island@agricuture.gov.au for more information.

Australian Public Access Laws

Requirements and rights covering Assistance Dogs and their Handlers.

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A Hobbit House set into the side of a grassy topped hill with a large round brown door and circular windows. The front garden is highlighted by green shrubs, colourful flowers and a wooden bench seat in the sunshine.
A Hobbit House set into the side of a grassy topped hill with a large round brown door and circular windows. The front garden is highlighted by green shrubs, colourful flowers and a wooden bench seat in the sunshine.