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Of course. The fact that it is a service dog doesn’t reduce the bio-security risk. The following is a step by step guide from the Department of Agriculture and it has to be followed to the letter and all in the correct order. It is why many people opt to have it done by professionals.Group 3: step by step guide for dogs​​​​​Dogs coming to Australia from group 3 countries must be accompanied by a valid import permit, which provides the conditions for importing the dog. The conditions on the import permit take precedence over any other source of information. This step-by-step guide explains what you must do to prepare your dog for export; it is not a substitute for the import permit. Dogs must comply with all conditions on the import permit. Failure to comply with the conditions on the import permit may result in the dog being (at your cost): held longer in post entry quarantine subject to additional testing exported euthanased.On arrival in Australia dogs must spend a minimum of 10 day at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility.A government approved veterinarian or official government veterinarian must perform all veterinary procedures listed below.All testing must be done in an approved country in a laboratory recognised by the government of the country of export.The department cannot give advice on treatments for diseases. Seek advice from a veterinarian if your dog tests positive to an infectious disease listed in the import conditions.[hide all]Step 1: Contact the competent authorityTimeframe: Before starting the export processContact the competent authority in the country of export to find out: which veterinarians and laboratories are approved to prepare your dog for export (all veterinary procedures and testing must be done in an approved country and testing must be done in a laboratory recognised by the competent authority of the approved exporting country) if the country of export has any requirements in addition to those stated on this webpage if the country of export has an agreed veterinary health certificate to use instead of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment standard veterinary health certificate.The department recommends that you take this information to your government approved veterinarian or pet transport agent to help you understand the requirements.Further guidance for government approved veterinarians preparing dogs and cats to Australia:Guidance for government approved veterinarians preparing dogs and cats for export to Australia PDF [295 KB, 2 pages]Guidance for government approved veterinarians preparing dogs and cats for export to Australia DOC [120 KB, 2 pages]​Step 2: Confirm general eligibilityTimeframe: Before starting the export processDogs can only be exported to Australia from an approved country. can only be exported to Australia after 180 days from the date the blood sample for the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) arrives at the testing laboratory – step 4 and 5 must not be under quarantine restrictions at the time of export. must not be more than 30 days pregnant nor be suckling young at the time of export.Domestic/non-domestic animal hybrids (e.g. wolf-dog crosses) are not eligible for import. This includes, but not limited to: Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog.Please contact the department’s Environmental Biosecurity Office for more information on hybrid animals and reproductive material/specimens.In accordance with the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, dogs of the following pure breeds cannot be imported to Australia: dogo Argentino fila Brasileiro Japanese Tosa American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario.For more information on prohibited dog breeds, contact the Department of Home Affairs on +61 2 6264 1111 or 131 881 (within Australia).Step 3: Verify existing microchip or implant a new microchipTimeframe: Dependent on vaccine validityDogs must be identified by a microchip that can be read by an Avid, Trovan, Destron or other ISO compatible reader.A government approved veterinarian must scan the microchip at each veterinary visit. The scanned microchip number must be correctly recorded on all documentation.If the microchip cannot be read or is recorded incorrectly in the dog's documentation, the dog cannot be imported to Australia.Microchip numbers starting with 999 are not acceptable because they are not unique.Step 4: Check rabies vaccinationTimeframe: Dependent on vaccine validityYour dog must be vaccinated with an inactivated rabies vaccine that:was given in an approved country when the dog was at least 90 days oldis valid, in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, at the time of exportis approved for use in dogs by the competent authority of the country of exportRabies vaccinations with a three (3) year validity are acceptable if given in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.Step 5: Rabies neutralising antibody titre (RNAT) testTimeframe: Between 180 days and 24 months before the date of exportWait 3-4 weeks between the rabies vaccination and blood sample collection for the RNAT test, but if the dog has a history of regular rabies vaccinations it may be possible to collect the blood sample sooner.The RNAT test must meet the following requirements: A government approved veterinarian must scan the dog’s microchip and collect the blood sample for the RNAT test in an approved country. The dog’s microchip number must be written accurately on the blood tube and the laboratory submission form. The testing laboratory must be approved by the competent authority in the exporting country. It is acceptable to draw blood in an approved country and test it at a laboratory in a different approved country. The testing laboratory must use either a fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) test or a rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). The laboratory report must be in English and completed on the testing laboratory’s letterhead. It must include: the dog’s microchip number the blood sampling date and location the signature of the person issuing the laboratory report the test type and test result.A result of 0.5 IU/ml or more is acceptable. A result of less than 0.5 IU/ml is not acceptable and in this circumstance you must re-vaccinate and repeat the testing process.The RNAT test is valid for 24 months from the date of blood sampling. If the RNAT test is more than 24 months old at the time of export it is not valid and you cannot export the dog to Australia. You must have your dog retested.The dog is not eligible for export to Australia until at least one hundred and eighty (180) days after the blood sample arrives at the lab for this RNAT test (with a satisfactory result). There is no requirement for the dog to stay in an approved country during this period.Note: There are no exceptions or dispensations available for this mandatory 180 day waiting period.Step 6: An official government veterinarian must complete the rabies vaccination and RNAT test declarationTimeframe: Before applying for the import permitAn official government veterinarian (not the government approved veterinarian) in the country of export must: check the RNAT test laboratory report and rabies vaccination certificate complete, sign and stamp the RNAT test declaration.The microchip number, test result and blood sampling date must be consistent between the RNAT test laboratory report and RNAT test declaration.Ensure the completed RNAT test declaration states the name of the testing laboratory, not the submitting laboratory.Step 7: Apply and pay for the import permitTimeframe: After you have received the completed rabies vaccination and RNAT test declaration, and at least 42 days before the proposed date of exportSubmit your import permit application, including full payment and all supporting documentation, online through our Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON).Supporting documentation (original documents are not required) must include: Rabies vaccination and RNAT test declaration. RNAT test laboratory report.Additional charges may apply if information is missing, incorrect or if an application is put on hold.We endeavour to assess import permit applications within 20 business days of receiving a complete and fully paid application however the legislated decision making period in relation to an import permit application is 123 business days. The decision making period may be paused where further information is required to assess the application or biosecurity risk. Submitting an application does not guarantee that we will grant an import permit.As of 1 March 2021, the import permit will be valid for 12 months or until the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNAT) test expires, whichever occurs first.Step 8: Book tentative post entry quarantine accommodation and make travel arrangementsTimeframe: After you have received your import permitDogs must spend at least 10 days at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility. See the Australian post entry quarantine facilities webpage for further information.Where a biosecurity officer deems necessary, diagnostic samples may be collected from animals in PEQ, including to verify that the import conditions continue to manage the biosecurity risks associated with the import of animals to Australia.Travel arrangements:The department does not place any restrictions on the airline you choose. But the dog must arrive direct into Melbourne International Airport. Domestic transfers from an Australian city to Melbourne are not permitted.The dog must travel as manifested cargo (not in the cabin), in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved crate for dogs. IATA guidelines can be viewed at Traveler's Pet Corner.There are animal transport companies in most countries that can make arrangements for you. Visit the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association for a list of animal transport companies worldwide.The department accepts no responsibility for animals that escape en route.All transport costs are at the importer’s expense.Transit/TranshipmentThe dog may transit (touch down but stay on the same plane) or tranship (change aircraft) in any country en route to Australia.Dogs transhipped through international airports in non-approved countries must not leave the international side of the airport.It is the importer’s responsibility to contact the competent authority in the country of transhipment to find out: whether they allow animals to tranship whether they have a facility to accommodate animals during transhipment how long the animals can be held if any additional conditions apply.Step 9: Check other vaccinationsTimeframe: Dependent on the validity of your dog’s vaccination and at least 14 days before the date of exportDogs may be vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola as an alternative to the testing outlined in Step 14. If you choose to do this, dogs must be fully vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola, according to manufacturer’s recommendations (usually an initial course of two vaccines 2-4 weeks apart followed by yearly boosters), at least 14 days before export. The vaccination must be valid at the time of export.Further guidance relating to Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola vaccination for veterinarians preparing dogs for export to Australia is available:Leptospira interrogans sv. Canicola vaccination guidance for veterinarians preparing dogs for export to Australia PDF[441 KB, 2 page]Leptospira interrogans sv. Canicola vaccination guidance for veterinarians preparing dogs for export to Australia DOCX[26 KB, 2 page]The department recommends that your dog receives a vaccination that protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Para-influenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica and is valid for the entire post entry quarantine period.USA and Singapore only: Dogs exported from the USA and Singapore must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza virus (CIV).Use any CIV vaccine registered in the exporting country for use in dogs.Use a vaccine that is effective against the particular CIV virus strain(s) prevalent in the area in which the dog has been living.Vaccinations must be given between 12 months and 14 days before export.Previously unvaccinated animals must receive a primary course in accordance with manufacturer instructions.Canada and Republic of Korea: Dogs exported on or after 2 December 2019 from Canada and Republic of Korea must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza virus (CIV).Use any CIV vaccine registered in the exporting country for use in dogs.Use a vaccine that is effective against the particular CIV virus strain(s) prevalent in the area in which the dog has been living.Vaccinations must be given between 12 months and 14 days before export.Previously unvaccinated animals must receive a primary course in accordance with manufacturer instructions.Step 10: External parasite treatmentsTimeframe: Start at least 21 days before the date of blood sampling for Ehrlichia canis (Step 11)A government approved veterinarian must treat the dog with a product that kills ticks and fleas on contact at least 21 days before blood collection for Ehrlichia canis antibody testing. Continuous protection from external parasites must be maintained until the time of export and treatments may need to be repeated by the veterinarian in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions.To calculate 21 days after initial external parasite treatment, count the day the treatment is applied as day 0. For example, if treatment is given 1 January then the blood sample cannot be collected until 22 January.At each subsequent veterinary visit, the Government approved veterinarian should thoroughly check the dog for external parasites. If fleas or ticks are found they must be removed, the treatment restarted and the dog tested for Ehrlichia canis antibodies 21 days later.See the department’s webpage for further information on acceptable treatments.Step 11: Testing for Ehrlichia canisTimeframe: Within 45 days before the date of exportA government approved veterinarian must scan and verify the animal’s microchip and collect a blood sample at least 21 days after external parasite treatment starts (Step 10) and within 45 days before export. The sample must be tested for Ehrlichia canis infection by an Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT) for the detection of IgG antibodies. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests or an IFAT for the detection of IgM antibodies are not accepted.​The test must produce a negative result at a dilution of 1:40.If external parasite treatments do not provide continuous protection from at least 21 days before the date of blood sampling for the Ehrlichia canis testing until export, the test result will be invalidated and steps 10 and 11 must be repeated.Step 12: Testing for Brucella canis (Brucellosis)Timeframe: Within 45 days before the date of exportIf the dog is desexed it doesn’t need testing for Brucellosis (evidence of desexing may be requested by the competent authority in the exporting country or the department).ORIf the dog is not desexed, a government approved veterinarian must scan and verify the animal’s microchip and collect a blood sample to be tested for Brucella canis using a rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT), a tube agglutination test (TAT) or an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) within 45 days before the date of export.The test must produce a negative result.If the result is positive or inconclusive contact the department for further advice.The dog must not be mated or artificially inseminated from 14 days before blood sampling until export.Step 13: Testing for Leishmania infantum (Leishmaniosis)Timeframe: Within 45 days before the date of exportA government approved veterinarian must scan and verify the animal’s microchip and collect a blood sample to be tested for Leishmania infantum using either an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) or an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) within 45 days before the date of export.The test must produce a negative result.Step 14: Testing for Leptospira canicola (Leptospirosis)Timeframe: Within 45 days before the date of exportThis step only applies if the dog has not been vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola as per Step 9.A government approved veterinarian must scan and verify the animal’s microchip and collect a blood sample to be tested for Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) within 45 days before the date of export.The test must produce a negative result (less than 50% agglutination) at a serum dilution of 1:100.Step 15: (only if the dog has ever visited mainland Africa): Babesia canis treatmentTimeframe: Within 28 days before the date of exportIf your dog has ever visited mainland Africa, a government approved veterinarian must treat it with a single dose of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 7.5mg/kg body weight, or two doses at a rate of 6.0 mg/kg body weight given at least 14 days apart. Treatments must be by subcutaneous injection and given within 28 days before export.Step 16: Internal parasite treatmentsTimeframe: Two treatments at least 14 days apart, with the second treatment given within 5 days before exportA government approved veterinarian must treat the dog twice with an internal parasite treatment effective against internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes). The two treatments must be administered at least 14 days apart and within 45 days before export. The second treatment must be given within five (5) days before export.​​ See the department’s webpage for further information on acceptable treatments.Step 17: Pre export clinical examinationTimeframe: Within 5 days before the date of exportThe dog must be examined by a government approved veterinarian or an official government veterinarian and found to be free from external parasites and clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease within five (5) days before export. You must bring all documents to this examination.Step 18: Completion of veterinary health certificate (Appendix 1)Timeframe: Within 5 days before the date of exportThe veterinary health certificate is Appendix 1 of your import permit.A valid import permit, with a veterinary health certificate completed by an official government veterinarian in the country of export must accompany the dog on arrival in Australia.An official government veterinarian must complete, sign and stamp all pages of the veterinary health certificateAny corrections made to the veterinary health certificate must be struck through, remain legible and be signed and stamped by the official government veterinarian (correction fluid must not be used).An official government veterinarian must also sign and stamp every page of the: Ehrlichia canis laboratory report. Leishmania infantum laboratory report. Brucella canis laboratory report (if not desexed). Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola laboratory report (if not vaccinated). RNATT declaration RNATT laboratory report.Copies can be used, but they must bear the original signature of the official government veterinarian and stamp of the competent authority on every page.It is recommended that you also keep a copy of every document.For further guidance for official government veterinarians preparing dogs and cats to Australia:Guidance for official government veterinarians preparing dogs and cats for export to Australia PDF[364 KB, 1 page]Guidance for official government veterinarians preparing dogs and cats for export to Australia DOCX[37 KB, 1 page]Step 19: Travel to AustraliaThe dog must travel in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved crate for dogs (see Step 8).Do not place any items, including toys, medication or items of value, in the crate as they will be destroyed after arrival in Australia as biosecurity waste.In most cases the dog will be checked in at the freight terminal, not the passenger terminal.The dog must arrive in Australia before the import permit expires.Step 20: On arrival in AustraliaDepartmental staff will collect your dog on arrival for transport directly to the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility.Dogs must stay at Mickleham for a minimum of 10 days. Any issues that increase biosecurity risk may result in a longer stay.Where a biosecurity officer deems necessary, diagnostic samples may be collected from animals in PEQ, including to verify that the import conditions continue to manage the biosecurity risks associated with the import of animals to Australia.Subscribe to alertsSubscribe to receive information on:departmental policies that affect cat and dog importers and their agents.emergency situations i.e. overseas cat and dog disease outbreaks affecting imports.We recommend you check our website regularly for up‐to‐date information as import conditions can and may change without notice.Call 1800 900 090 Make a general inquiry Report a biosecurity concern Contact the media team Last reviewed: 16 February 2021

Cats and dogs can be imported to Australia under strict conditions designed​ to manage biosecurity risks. For the import conditions applicableNew Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) conditions for dogs from Canada and the Republic of KoreaDogs exported on or after 2 December 2019 from Canada and the Republic of Korea are required to be fully vaccinated against CIV at least 14 days prior to export. Import permits will be granted with the new conditions from mid-September; however, if your dog will be exported prior to 2 December, the CIV condition will not apply. Please see the step by step guides for further details.If you intend to import cats, dogs or frozen canine semen into Australia you will need to ensure you comply with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources import conditions.Please refer to the below step-by-step guides to help you understand the requirements relating to the different categories of approved countries. The material below is provided as a guide only; the import permit will contain the definitive import conditions. This page also has a guide to importing dogs and cats from non-approved countries.Your dog must be vaccinated with an inactivated rabies virus vaccine that:was given when the dog was at least 90 days oldis valid, in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions, at the time of exportRabies vaccinations with a three (3) year validity are acceptable if given in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.Verify existing microchip or implant a new microchipDogs must be identified by a microchip that can be read by an Avid, Trovan, Destron or other ISO compatible reader.The microchip must be scanned at each veterinary visit. The scanned microchip number must be correctly recorded on all documentation.If the microchip cannot be read or is recorded incorrectly across the dog's documentation, it will not be eligible for import to Australia.Microchip numbers starting with 999 are not acceptable because they are not unique.It is acceptable to draw blood in one country and test it in a different country.The RNAT test must be a fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) test or a rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT).The laboratory report must:be in Englishbe completed on the testing laboratory’s letterheadinclude:the dog’s microchip numberthe date the blood sample arrived at the laboratorythe signature of the person issuing the laboratory reportthe country where the blood sample was collectedthe test type and test result.A result of 0.5 IU/ml or more is acceptable. A result of less than 0.5 IU/ml is not acceptable and in this circumstance you must re-vaccinate and repeat the testing process.The RNAT test is valid for 24 months from the date of blood sampling. If the RNAT test is more than 24 months old at the time of export it is not valid and you cannot export the dog to Australia. You must have your dog retested.The dog is not eligible for export to Australia until at least one hundred and eighty (180) days after the blood sample arrives at the lab for this RNAT test (with a satisfactory result). There is no requirement for the dog to stay in an approved country during this period.A second, confirmation RNAT test must also be performed, with satisfactory results, in the approved country of export (see steps 7 and 8).Note: In instances where an RNATT is conducted on blood collected after the initial blood sample, and this new RNATT records a result of less than 0.5 IU/mL, the entire rabies vaccination and testing procedure must start again.Submit your import permit application, including full payment and all supporting documentation online through our (BICON).Supporting documentation (original documents are not required) must include:RNAT test laboratory report.A from your veterinarian for animals with ongoing medical condition(s).Include a note in your permit application that your dog is originating in a non-approved country.Additional charges may apply if information is missing, incorrect or if an application is put on hold.Please allow at least 20 working days for the department to process your application.Import permits are valid for up to twelve (12) months from the date of issue.