BRINGING A DOG FROMSingapore to Australia
Dog · Moving
Bringing a cat instead?Quarantine: at least 10 days at a government quarantine station. Needs microchip, official microchip check, residence period, condition of the animal, import permit, quarantine booking, other vaccinations, disease test, parasite treatment, health certificate, transport rules, port of entry, arrival inspection and breed declaration.
Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.
Entry requirements
Official identity check at least 180 days before export, import permit, leptospirosis vaccine or test, Brucella canis (if entire) and Leishmania tests, supervised parasite treatments, endorsed certificate, manifested cargo direct to Melbourne and at least 10 days in government quarantine at Mickleham. No rabies vaccine or titer test.
ISO-compatible microchip before anything else (10 or 15 digits; numbers starting 999 and 9-digit AVID chips refused), scanned at every visit and before any blood sample. If it fails, a new chip means restarting all preparations including the identity check.
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ISO-compatible microchip before anything else (10 or 15 digits; numbers starting 999 and 9-digit AVID chips refused), scanned at every visit and before any blood sample. If it fails, a new chip means restarting all preparations including the identity check.
An official government veterinarian of the Group 2 country verifies the dog's identity and sends the identity declaration directly to DAFF, before any other preparation. The dog becomes eligible 180 days after this check. Declarations do not expire while the chip works and the dog stays in Group 1/2 countries.
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An official government veterinarian of the Group 2 country verifies the dog's identity and sends the identity declaration directly to DAFF, before any other preparation. The dog becomes eligible 180 days after this check. Declarations do not expire while the chip works and the dog stays in Group 1/2 countries.
Lived in a Group 1 or Group 2 country since birth, or since export directly from Australia, or for at least 180 days since the official identity check and immediately before export.
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Lived in a Group 1 or Group 2 country since birth, or since export directly from Australia, or for at least 180 days since the official identity check and immediately before export.
Not more than 30 days pregnant, not nursing puppies, not under quarantine restrictions at export.
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Not more than 30 days pregnant, not nursing puppies, not under quarantine restrictions at export.
Apply in BICON and pay in full on submission; most permits take 20–40 business days, up to 123; no expediting. Valid 12 months from grant and must be valid at export. Supporting evidence: the competent authority sends the identity verification directly to DAFF.
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Apply in BICON and pay in full on submission; most permits take 20–40 business days, up to 123; no expediting. Valid 12 months from grant and must be valid at export. Supporting evidence: the competent authority sends the identity verification directly to DAFF.
Book the Mickleham post-entry quarantine stay online (Post Entry Biosecurity System) only after the permit is granted; part of the fee is paid at booking. The airline then sends an "OK to Forward" request to DAFF, which must be approved before the pet departs.
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Book the Mickleham post-entry quarantine stay online (Post Entry Biosecurity System) only after the permit is granted; part of the fee is paid at booking. The airline then sends an "OK to Forward" request to DAFF, which must be approved before the pet departs.
Fully vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola: primary course (2 doses at the manufacturer's interval) completed at least 14 days before export, or annual booster between 12 months and 14 days before export. Vaccines given in Australia do not cover Canicola and are not compliant.
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Fully vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola: primary course (2 doses at the manufacturer's interval) completed at least 14 days before export, or annual booster between 12 months and 14 days before export. Vaccines given in Australia do not cover Canicola and are not compliant.
annual booster; a primary course only has to be completed at least 14 days before export
Negative Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola microscopic agglutination test (MAT) within 45 days before export. Do not mix pathways: a vaccinated dog should not be MAT-tested, and a positive MAT makes the dog ineligible.
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Negative Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola microscopic agglutination test (MAT) within 45 days before export. Do not mix pathways: a vaccinated dog should not be MAT-tested, and a positive MAT makes the dog ineligible.
Canine influenza virus (CIV) vaccination against the strain(s) circulating where the dog lived: primary course completed at least 14 days before export, or annual booster between 12 months and 14 days before export.
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Canine influenza virus (CIV) vaccination against the strain(s) circulating where the dog lived: primary course completed at least 14 days before export, or annual booster between 12 months and 14 days before export.
annual booster; a primary course only has to be completed at least 14 days before export
Only for dogs that are not desexed (ovariohysterectomy / bilateral ovariectomy / bilateral orchiectomy). Negative Brucella canis test (standard RSAT, TAT/SAT or IFAT) on blood collected within 45 days before export; no mating or insemination in the 21 days before sampling or after it. A positive result makes the dog ineligible.
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Only for dogs that are not desexed (ovariohysterectomy / bilateral ovariectomy / bilateral orchiectomy). Negative Brucella canis test (standard RSAT, TAT/SAT or IFAT) on blood collected within 45 days before export; no mating or insemination in the 21 days before sampling or after it. A positive result makes the dog ineligible.
- · Only for entire (not neutered) animals
Negative Leishmania infantum test (standard quantitative IFAT or ELISA; rapid/snap tests refused) within 45 days before export.
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Negative Leishmania infantum test (standard quantitative IFAT or ELISA; rapid/snap tests refused) within 45 days before export.
External parasites: a government approved vet applies a product that kills ticks and fleas on contact, starting at least 30 days before export and repeated per label so protection is continuous until export. If fleas or ticks are found, preparation restarts. Owners may not apply it. Isoxazolines (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio), selamectin and tick collars are not accepted.
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External parasites: a government approved vet applies a product that kills ticks and fleas on contact, starting at least 30 days before export and repeated per label so protection is continuous until export. If fleas or ticks are found, preparation restarts. Owners may not apply it. Isoxazolines (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio), selamectin and tick collars are not accepted.
Internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes), first of two treatments by a government approved vet: within 45 days before export, at least 14 days before the second.
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Internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes), first of two treatments by a government approved vet: within 45 days before export, at least 14 days before the second.
Internal parasites, second treatment within 5 days before export (can be at the final vet check).
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Internal parasites, second treatment within 5 days before export (can be at the final vet check).
Babesia canis rossi treatment: imidocarb dipropionate by subcutaneous injection (one dose 7.5 mg/kg or two doses 6.0 mg/kg 14 days apart) within 28 days before export.
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Babesia canis rossi treatment: imidocarb dipropionate by subcutaneous injection (one dose 7.5 mg/kg or two doses 6.0 mg/kg 14 days apart) within 28 days before export.
- · the dog has ever visited mainland Africa
Final clinical examination within 5 days before export by a government approved or official vet; country- specific veterinary health certificate (obtained from the competent authority — DAFF does not issue it) endorsed on every page by an official government veterinarian within 5 days before export, after the final check; lab reports endorsed too. Original travels with the dog; no correction fluid.
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Final clinical examination within 5 days before export by a government approved or official vet; country- specific veterinary health certificate (obtained from the competent authority — DAFF does not issue it) endorsed on every page by an official government veterinarian within 5 days before export, after the final check; lab reports endorsed too. Original travels with the dog; no correction fluid.
Manifested cargo (not cabin) in an IATA-standard crate sealed with the official vet's seal (number on the certificate); the seal must be intact on arrival. Transit (staying on board) anywhere; transhipment (change of aircraft) only in Group 1/2 countries or at Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, London, Dubai or Hong Kong.
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Manifested cargo (not cabin) in an IATA-standard crate sealed with the official vet's seal (number on the certificate); the seal must be intact on arrival. Transit (staying on board) anywhere; transhipment (change of aircraft) only in Group 1/2 countries or at Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, London, Dubai or Hong Kong.
Directly into Melbourne International Airport (MEL); no domestic transfers.
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Directly into Melbourne International Airport (MEL); no domestic transfers.
DAFF biosecurity officers collect the dog at Melbourne airport and take it to the Mickleham facility, where health and documents are checked. Accepted landing windows: Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun 05:00–14:30; Wed–Fri 05:00–21:00; weekend, public-holiday and after-14:30 arrivals pay out-of-hours fees.
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DAFF biosecurity officers collect the dog at Melbourne airport and take it to the Mickleham facility, where health and documents are checked. Accepted landing windows: Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun 05:00–14:30; Wed–Fri 05:00–21:00; weekend, public-holiday and after-14:30 arrivals pay out-of-hours fees.
State the dog's breed in the permit application and sign that it is not an ineligible breed.
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State the dog's breed in the permit application and sign that it is not an ineligible breed.
- Puppies — if the identity is verified and the permit lodged before the dog is 6 months old, the 180-day wait may not apply. — Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
- Returning Australian dogs coming back directly from the same Group 2 country they were exported to may be exempt from the identity declaration or the 180-day residence; their Australian export health certificate can serve as identity evidence. — Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
- Hawaii and Guam follow Group 2 conditions (US mainland is Group 3) — USDA APHIS confirms, and says pets from Hawaii and Guam must complete the identity check. — U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Some South Pacific islands have no permanent government approved vet — contact DAFF well ahead. — Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
- Distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and Bordetella vaccines are recommended, not required.
- Preparation time 26 weeks: microchip and identity check first, then 180 days (≈25.7 weeks); the permit (up to 123 business days) and tests run in parallel.
Quarantine: at least 10 days at a government quarantine station
Timeline
Working out your dates…
Documents
One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 14 ready.
Official fees
Fees the authorities publish for this route, in their own currency. Vet and airline charges are not included.
- import permit, first animal in consignment
- AUD 626 per consignment
- import permit, each additional animal
- AUD 299 per animal
- PEQ reservation charge (non-refundable)
- AUD 282 per animal
- PEQ importation charge (non-refundable)
- AUD 1,132 per animal
- PEQ 10-day accommodation (AUD 56 per day)
- AUD 560 per animal
- PEQ inspection, per 30 minutes
- AUD 84 per animal
- PEQ document assessment, per 30 minutes
- AUD 84 per animal
- release appointment (airline terminal fee, minimum)
- AUD 170 per consignment
- out-of-hours collection, weekdayscollected out of hours on a weekday
- AUD 176 per animal
- out-of-hours collection, weekends and public holidayscollected out of hours on a weekend or public holiday
- AUD 186 per animal
- DAFF estimate, total government cost with 10 days quarantine
- AUD 3,114 per animal
Entry points
Where a pet may enter Australia, per the rules.
- Airports: MELList as of 2026-09-24Applies to Group 2 and Group 3 origins (post-entry quarantine at Mickleham is the only facility).Only Mickleham (Melbourne) offers post-entry quarantine for cats and dogs.
Breed bans
Add the breed to your link (Edit route) and the checklist refuses a banned type.
- IMPORT BANdogo Argentino, fila Brasileiro, Japanese tosa, American pit bull terrier or pit bull terrier, Perro de Presa Canario or Presa CanarioCustoms regulation 3(1) makes the Schedule 1 goods an absolute import prohibition.Mixed-breed dogs, including mixes of these breeds, are not restricted by this ban (DAFF FAQ).Ownership restrictions on these breeds inside Australia are set by states and territories — not researched.
- IMPORT BANCzechoslovakian wolfdog (Czechoslovakian Vlcak), Saarloos wolfdog, Lupo Italiano (Italian wolfdog), Kunming wolfdog — and crossesAny domestic × wild hybrid (e.g. dog–wolf) is excluded under the EPBC Act; the list is 'not limited to' these breeds. Ask DCCEEW (exotic.species@dcceew.gov.au).
Airlines
Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines
- Lufthansa LHCabinYesHoldYesSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- Emirates EKCabinNoHoldYesSnub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
- Qantas QFCabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedNot stated
- CabinYesHoldNoSnub-nosedHold, cargo: no
- KLM KLCabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no
- Air France AFCabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cmHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldCargo onlySnub-nosedCargo: restricted
- CabinNoHoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crateSnub-nosedHold: restricted
Announced changes
- DATE NOT ANNOUNCEDDAFF is reforming the import pathway for assistance animals to include cats (no date given).
Return trip to Singapore
Moderate for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 3 weeks of preparation. No quarantine when the paperwork is in order.
- Residence period — 6+ months before departure: Continuously resident in the country of export or another Schedule I country for at least 6 months before export, or since birth, or since being imported directly from Singapore. A pet that spent less than 6 months in a Schedule I country after living elsewhere is treated as coming from the earlier country.
- Import permit — within 90 days before arrival: AVS "Licence to Import/Export/Transship Non-Food Animals, Birds, Eggs and Biologics (personal)" via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal. S$50 (issued 2 working days after a complete application) or S$100 express (1 working day). Valid 90 days from issue, no extension. Mixed/cross-breed dogs: attach a colour photo of face and body. Must be obtained before shipment and shown at check-in.
- Advance notice to the authority — 5+ working days before arrival: Book the arrival inspection on AVS eServices (avs-eservices.nparks.gov.sg) with the import licence number and flight details — at least 5 working days before arrival per the Veterinary Conditions (the web pages say 5 days). Without a booking the inspection costs S$133 per hour.
Source:National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) (opens official site: Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule I (DOGCAT 83-1))· checked 04 Oct 2026+1 more
Full checklist for a dog from Australia to Singapore
Leaving Australia with the pet
- A pet leaving Australia loses its Australian health status immediately; plan the return before departure.
- To keep a quick return possible from Group 3 or non-approved countries, vaccinate against rabies and do an RNATT at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP, ≥0.5 IU/ml) before leaving, then keep both valid overseas.
- Short trips (under 45 days) may qualify for adjusted "short-stay" conditions — say so in the permit application.
- Australian export requirements (export certificate, DAFF export permit) were not researched.
Questions about Australia
Answered in plain words from the authorities' own pages, each linked to its source.
01How much does it cost to bring a cat or dog to Australia?
The department estimates about AUD 3,114 for one cat or dog that spends the minimum 10 days in quarantine. For one that spends the minimum 30 days, the estimate is AUD 4,234.
02How long will my pet have to stay in quarantine in Australia?
Every cat and dog spends at least 10 - 30 days, and up to 180 days, at the Mickleham post entry quarantine facility in Melbourne. The stay can be longer if problems come up that raise the biosecurity risk.
03Can my cat or dog fly to Australia in the cabin with me?
No. Cats and dogs have to fly to Australia as manifest cargo, which means the animal can be traced.
04Which Australian airport does my pet have to arrive at?
Your pet has to fly directly into Melbourne International Airport, where the department takes it to the quarantine facility. It cannot land at a different Australian airport and then continue to Melbourne on a domestic flight.
05Which dog breeds are banned from entering Australia?
Australia bars pure-bred dogs of these breeds: Japanese Tosa, dogo Argentino, Presa Canario (Perro de Presa Canario), fila Brasileiro, and pit bull terrier, including the American pit bull terrier. Mixed-breed dogs can still be imported, even when they are crosses of these breeds.
06How early should I start preparing my pet for the move to Australia?
The department recommends starting at least 7 months before export if you are exporting from a category 3 country. From a category 2 country, where no rabies preparations are needed, it recommends starting at least 6 months ahead.
07What kind of microchip does my pet need for Australia?
The microchip must be readable by an ISO compatible reader, and its number should be 10 or 15 digits long. Chip numbers that start with 999 are not accepted, and neither are 9-digit AVID chips.
08Can I bring my pet to Australia from a country that isn't on the approved list?
Possibly. Your pet must first live without a break in an approved Group 1, 2 or 3 country for 180 days or more right before export. It must also fully meet all other import conditions for that approved country.
09What does my pet need to qualify for the shortest (10-day) quarantine?
To qualify for the minimum 10-day quarantine, the competent authority of the export country must check your pet's identity before blood is drawn for the RNAT (rabies antibody) test.
10Which flea and tick treatments are accepted for Australia?
The product has to kill fleas and ticks on contact. Tablets like NexGard or Bravecto don't count, because they only work after the parasite has bitten. Tick collars are also refused, because they can come off and some weather makes them less effective.
11My pet is returning to Australia — can it skip the 180-day waiting period?
An exemption may be considered in only one case. The pet must have had an RNATT result of 0.5IU/ml or higher before it left Australia. It must also be coming back from an approved country within 12 months of that test's blood sample date. No other circumstances qualify.
What they actually checked at the border
Reports from people who made this trip, read by a person before publishing.
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Share your tripSources
Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 25 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.
- How to bring your dog to Australia from a Group 2 country (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) · used for: microchip, official microchip check, residence period, condition of the animal, import permit, other vaccinations, disease test, parasite treatment, health certificate, transport rules, port of entry, quarantine, notes, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-08-06
- Our facility — Post-Entry Quarantine Facility, Mickleham (booking, arrival windows, medication, release) (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) · used for: quarantine booking, arrival inspection, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-08-31
- Cats and dogs frequently asked questions (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) · used for: breed declaration, official fees, entry points, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-07-01
- Glossary of terms for import of cats and dogs to Australia (Group 1/2/3 lists, definitions) (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) · used for: which origins the rule covers, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-07-22
- Import permits for cats and dogs coming to Australia (application, documents, fees, validity) (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) · used for: official fees, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-07-01
- Fees and charges — post-entry quarantine for cats and dogs (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) · used for: official fees, this route · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-07-01
- Cats and dogs returning to Australia (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) · used for: notes, this route, announced changes, leaving with the pet · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-04-21
- Pet Travel From the United States to Australia (exporting-country authority; corroboration only) (opens official site)U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) · used for: notes, this route · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-07-27
- Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, reg 3(1) and Schedule 1 item 26 (opens official site)Federal Register of Legislation · used for: breed bans · checked 24 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-07-13
- How to bring your cat or dog to Australia from Norfolk Island (Group 1 country) (opens official site)Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) · used for: breed bans · checked 25 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-06-11
- Veterinary Conditions for the Importation of Dogs/Cats for Countries/Regions under Schedule I (DOGCAT 83-1) (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · used for: return trip · checked 04 Oct 2026 · document dated 2026-04-01
- Importing dogs and cats (opens official site)National Parks Board — Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) · used for: return trip · checked 24 Sep 2026 · document dated 2026-09-21
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