What animals are prohibited from import into Australia?
Your pet may not be welcome here
Many animals introduced into Australia have become serious pests. The import and keeping of some animals as pets is restricted by legislation, including the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Protecting Australia's and international fauna
Many species are banned from importing into Australia, either because they are protected under international agreements and banned from trading altogether, or because they may pose a threat to the native fauna and flora.
Many bird species, particularly those listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), are restricted or prohibited. Most species of reptiles and amphibians are prohibited from import. Certain species of rodents and ferrets may be restricted or prohibited. In general, live insects are not allowed for import.
Exotic animals not native to Australia might be prohibited or have stringent regulations.
What dog breeds are banned in Australia?
Australia has strict regulations regarding the importation of dogs to prevent the introduction of exotic diseases and to protect the country's unique ecosystem. As a result, certain dog breeds are prohibited or restricted from being imported into Australia. The specific regulations may vary depending on the state or territory within Australia that you are planning to travel to, so it's important to thoroughly research the requirements and restrictions before bringing a dog to Australia.
As of April 2023, the following dog breeds are generally prohibited from importation into Australia:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff)
- Presa Canario
- Rhodesian Ridgeback (restricted in some states)
- Brazilian Mastiff (Cao de Fila)
- Pit Bull Terrier breeds (including Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier)
Additionally, there are strict regulations and requirements for bringing any dog to Australia, including mandatory testing, vaccinations, and documentation, such as an import permit and an importation health certificate.
It's important to check the current regulations and requirements from the official government sources, such as the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, or consult with a qualified veterinarian or a professional pet transport service to ensure that you comply with all the necessary regulations when planning to bring a dog to Australia. Failure to comply with the importation requirements can result in serious consequences, including the denial of entry or euthanasia of the animal.
What cat breeds are banned in Australia?
Australia does not allow the entry of hybrids and crosses into the country. Hybrids cats that are banned in Australia may include:
- Savannah cat, domestic cat (Felis catus) crossed with serval cat (Felis serval)
- Bengal cat, domestic cat crossed with Asian leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
- Chausie, domestic cat crossed with Jungle cat (Felis chaus)
- Safari cat, domestic cat crossed with Geoffroy cat (Oncifelis geoffroyi)
Please note that these regulations can change over time, and it is essential to check the most up-to-date information on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website or consult with the relevant authorities before considering importing any pets into Australia. We recommend you get in touch with the relevant authorities to check the exact requirements.
