Pet travel from the United States to Australia

Last Modified: March 26, 2024
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Welcome! This page will guide you through the rules and requirements for traveling internationally with your pet.

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Before You Start the Process

Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

With help from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, you can learn more about your destination country's entry requirements for pets, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments. We recommend creating a schedule to make sure you meet all requirements within the specified timeframe.

Gather This Information for Your USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

  • The type of pet traveling
  • The destination country
  • If applicable, countries where your pet will stop (for customs clearance or upon leaving the airport or seaport) on the way to the destination country
  • The date of departure from the United States
  • Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
  • Note: If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1.41 MB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read These Resources

Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type

  • This page provides the most current entry requirements and can change without notice.
  • It is the veterinarian's responsibility to ensure the pet has met all the health requirements of the destination country before issuing a health certificate.
  • Failure to meet the requirements may result in problems gaining certificate endorsement or difficulties upon arrival in the destination country.
  • Health certificates must be legible, accurate, and complete.
  • READ Pet Travel Guidance for Pets Traveling to Another Country from the United States

NOTE: For dogs and cats traveling from other countries via the United States to Australia, please read this guidance (108.46 KB) first.

Please read and follow Australia's step-by-step guide for dogs and cats:

NOTE: The veterinarian(s) who prepares the pet for export to Australia (includes scanning the microchip, drawing blood, completing the laboratory submission forms, etc.) MUST be a USDA Accredited Veterinarian in the state where they perform work.

Identity Declaration

For Optional Step 4: Have your pet's identity verified by the competent authority in the country of export in Australia's step-by-step guide for dogs or cats. 

Please follow the instructions below (1-12) to have your pet's identity verified.

There are multiple fees for this service, as noted below.

Part 1

  1. Take your pet to a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and have them complete the identity declaration (324.71 KB).
  2. The accredited veterinarian MUST take a color photo(s) of the pet and the microchip scanner with the microchip number visible.
    • At least one photo should have both the scanner, with the microchip number visible, and at least a significant portion of the pet, together in the same photo.
  3. The accredited veterinarian MUST use VEHCS to submit the identity declaration and photo(s) to USDA for endorsement.
    • A $38.00 user fee to USDA is required for the endorsement of the declaration.
    • In VEHCS, click New Certificate, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select “Commodity not listed.” Click the Next button, then for Commodity Type, select “Dogs and cats - Identity Declaration for Australia.” On the Upload PDF screen, upload the completed identity declaration. On the Attachments screen, upload the photo(s).
  4. After the accredited veterinarian submits the identity declaration and photo(s) in VEHCS, USDA will review and endorse. The accredited veterinarian MUST provide the endorsed certificate number to you (the pet owner/exporter).

Part 2

  1. After completing steps 1-4 in Part 1, you must take your pet to a different USDA Accredited Veterinarian at a different veterinary clinic** and have them complete a new identity declaration (324.71 KB).

    **Australia prefers that the two accredited veterinarians work at different clinics. However, if this is not possible, it is acceptable for the two accredited veterinarians to work at the same clinic. Additional verification may be required by Australia.
     
  2. The second accredited veterinarian MUST take a color photo(s) of the pet and the microchip scanner with the microchip number visible.
    • At least one photo should have both the scanner, with the microchip number visible, and at least a significant portion of the pet, together in the same photo.
  3. The second accredited veterinarian MUST use VEHCS to submit the identity declaration and photo(s) to USDA for endorsement.
    • A $38.00 user fee to USDA is required for the endorsement of the declaration.
      1.  
    • In VEHCS, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select “Commodity not listed.” Click the Next button, then for Commodity Type, select “Dogs and cats - Identity Declaration for Australia.” On the Upload PDF screen, upload the completed identity declaration. On the Attachments screen, upload the photo(s).
  4. After the accredited veterinarian submits the identity declaration and photo(s) in VEHCS, USDA will review and endorse. The accredited veterinarian MUST provide the endorsed certificate number to you (the pet owner/exporter).

    Blood cannot be drawn for the rabies neutralizing antibody titer test (RNATT) until after the date of the second microchip scanning (can be done on same day). Part 3 below MUST still be completed by the accredited veterinarian.

Part 3

  1. One of the accredited veterinarians MUST then logon to VEHCS and submit a request for completion of the USDA identity declaration (required by Australia), by uploading a completed request form (126.07 KB). The exporter MUST provide the veterinarian with the VEHCS endorsed certificate number for both accredited veterinarian declarations that were completed.
    • A $38.00 user fee to USDA is required for the endorsement of the declaration.
    • In VEHCS, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select “Commodity not listed.” Click the Next button, then for Commodity Type, select “Dogs & cats: Request ID Declaration for Australia.” On the Upload PDF screen, upload the completed request form.
  2. After the request is submitted, USDA will complete a separate identity declaration, based on the information provided by the two accredited veterinarians in the first and second accredited veterinarian identity declarations. USDA will upload the endorsed USDA identity declaration in VEHCS and email it directly to Australia.
  3. Once the USDA identity declaration certificate is marked Completed in VEHCS, you/exporter may then proceed to the next step in Australia’s step-by-step guide for dogs or cats.
  4. You MUST retain a copy of the endorsed USDA identity declaration to attach to the export health certificate that must accompany the pet during travel to Australia.


NOTE Regarding Quarantine: Pets that complete this identity check will be eligible for 10 days in post-entry quarantine upon arrival into Australia. If you cannot fully meet this identity check process as outlined, the pet will need to spend 30 days in post-entry quarantine upon arrival in Australia.

Rabies Neutralizing Antibody Titer Test (RNATT) Declaration

Please follow Steps 6 and 7 in Australia’s step-by-step guide for dogs or cats to complete the rabies neutralizing antibody titer test (RNATT) and RNATT Declaration (270.64 KB).

A USDA Accredited Veterinarian must scan the pet's microchip (dogs and cats) and collect the blood sample for the RNATT. The USDA Accredited Veterinarian that drew the blood must complete the laboratory submission form, including the animal's microchip number and the blood sampling date.

Once you receive the RNATT laboratory report, you need to obtain an endorsed RNATT Declaration (270.64 KB) from USDA. We strongly recommend that the pet’s USDA Accredited Veterinarian use VEHCS to request the RNATT Declaration. You MUST retain a copy of the endorsed RNATT Declaration to attach to the export health certificate that must accompany the pet during travel to Australia.

  • In VEHCS, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select “Commodity not listed.” Click the Next button, then for Commodity Type, select “Dogs and cats - RNATT Declaration for Australia.” On the Upload PDF screen, upload a blank RNATT declaration for USDA to complete. On the Attachments screen, upload the RNATT laboratory report and rabies vaccination certificate.

6-Month Waiting Period: The dog or cat is only eligible for export to Australia at least 180 days after the blood sample arrives at the laboratory for the RNATT. You can find additional information about the waiting period on your import permit issued by Australia.

Health Certificate Information

We strongly recommend that USDA Accredited Veterinarians use VEHCS to complete the export health certificate for submission to USDA. USDA MUST endorse the export health certificate. Find a USDA Endorsement Office.

  • When creating the certificate in VEHCS, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select either “Dog (not Hawaii), permit dated after March 1, 2023” or “Cat (not Hawaii), permit dated after March 1, 2023.”
  • The USDA Accredited Veterinarian must use the health certificate available in VEHCS. or the applicable health certificate listed below. The health certificate provided in the Australian-issued import permit is not specific for pets from the United States.
  • Leptospirosis vaccination section on new model health certificate:
    • If the pet received a primary course (2 vaccinations) before export, the accredited veterinarian must record the details of both vaccinations on the health certificate.
    • If the pet received an annual booster before export, the accredited veterinarian must record the details of that vaccination and the details of the last vaccination given prior to the booster.
The following completed documents must accompany your pet for travel to Australia: USDA Identity Declaration (if this option was chosen), RNATT Declaration, Laboratory Reports, and the Export Health Certificate.

Please read and follow Australia's step-by-step guide for dogs and cats:

NOTE: The veterinarian(s) who prepares the pet for export to Australia (includes scanning the microchip, drawing blood, completing the laboratory submission forms, etc.) MUST be a USDA Accredited Veterinarian in the state where they perform work.

Identity Declaration

For Required Step 4: Have your pet's identity verified by the competent authority in the country of export in Australia's step-by-step guide for dogs or cats. 

Please follow the instructions below (1-12) to have your pet's identity verified.

There are multiple fees for this service, as noted below.
 Part 1

  1. Take your pet to a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and have them complete the identity declaration.
  2. The accredited veterinarian MUST take a color photo(s) of the pet and the microchip scanner with the microchip number visible.
    • At least one photo should have both the scanner, with the microchip number visible, and at least a significant portion of the pet, together in the same photo. 
  3. The accredited veterinarian MUST use VEHCS to submit the identity declaration and photo(s) to USDA for endorsement.
    • A $38.00 user fee to USDA is required for the endorsement of the declaration.
    • In VEHCS, click New Certificate, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select “Commodity not listed.” Click the Next button, then for Commodity Type, select “Dogs and cats - Identity Declaration for Australia.” On the Upload PDF screen, upload the completed identity declaration. On the Attachments screen, upload the photo(s).
  4. After the accredited veterinarian submits the identity declaration and photo(s) in VEHCS, USDA will review and endorse. The accredited veterinarian MUST provide the endorsed certificate number to you (the pet owner/exporter).

Part 2

  1. After completing steps 1-4 in Part 1, you must take your pet to a different USDA Accredited Veterinarian at a different veterinary clinic** and have them complete a new identity declaration.

    **Australia prefers that the two accredited veterinarians work at different clinics. However, if this is not possible, it is acceptable for the two accredited veterinarians to work at the same clinic. Additional verification may be required by Australia.
     
  2. The second accredited veterinarian MUST take a color photo(s) of the pet and the microchip scanner with the microchip number visible.
    • At least one photo should have both the scanner, with the microchip number visible, and at least a significant portion of the pet, together in the same photo.
       
  3. The second accredited veterinarian MUST use VEHCS to submit the identity declaration and photo(s) to USDA for endorsement.
    • A $38.00 user fee to USDA is required for the endorsement of the declaration.
    • In VEHCS, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select “Commodity not listed.” Click the Next button, then for Commodity Type, select “Dogs and cats - Identity Declaration for Australia.” On the Upload PDF screen, upload the completed identity declaration. On the Attachments screen, upload the photo(s).
  4. After the accredited veterinarian submits the identity declaration and photo(s) in VEHCS, USDA will review and endorse. The accredited veterinarian MUST provide the endorsed certificate number to you (the pet owner/exporter).

    Part 3 below MUST still be completed by the accredited veterinarian.

Part 3

  1. One of the accredited veterinarians MUST then logon to VEHCS and submit a request for completion of the USDA identity declaration (required by Australia), by uploading a completed request form. The exporter MUST provide the veterinarian with the VEHCS endorsed certificate number for both accredited veterinarian declarations that were completed.
    • A $38.00 user fee to USDA is required for the endorsement of the declaration.
    • In VEHCS, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select “Commodity not listed.” Click the Next button, then for Commodity Type, select “Dogs & cats: Request ID Declaration for Australia.” On the Upload PDF screen, upload the completed request form.
  2. After the request is submitted, USDA will complete a separate identity declaration, based on the information provided by the two accredited veterinarians in the first and second accredited veterinarian identity declarations. USDA will upload the endorsed USDA identity declaration in VEHCS and email it directly to Australia.
  3. Once the USDA identity declaration certificate is marked Completed in VEHCS, you/exporter may then proceed to the next step in Australia’s step-by-step guide for dogs or cats.
  4. You MUST retain a copy of the endorsed USDA identity declaration to attach to the export health certificate that must accompany the pet during travel to Australia.

NOTE: Pets from Hawaii and Guam MUST fully complete the identity check process to export to Australia under the Category 2 import conditions. If you cannot complete the identity check process, contact Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry at imports@agriculture.gov.au for advice before proceeding with any other steps.

Health Certificate Information

Regarding Crate Seal: Before submitting the health certificate to USDA for endorsement, the pet's veterinarian must contact the USDA Endorsement Office to obtain an official seal, which must be placed on the pet's crate on the day of departure. The pet's veterinarian must record the seal number on the health certificate before submitting it to USDA.

We strongly recommend that USDA Accredited Veterinarians use VEHCS to complete the export health certificate for submission to USDA. USDA MUST endorse the export health certificate. Find a USDA Endorsement Office.

  • When creating the certificate in VEHCS, for Destination Country, select “Australia” and for Commodity Type, select either “Dog from Hawaii, permit dated after March 1, 2023” or “Cat from Hawaii, permit dated after March 1, 2023.”
  • The Accredited Veterinarian must use the health certificate available in VEHCS or the applicable health certificate listed below. The health certificate provided in the Australian-issued import permit is not specific for pets from the United States. 
  • Leptospirosis vaccination section on new model health certificate:
    • If the pet received a primary course (2 vaccinations) before export, the accredited veterinarian must record the details of both vaccinations on the health certificate.
    • If the pet received an annual booster before export, the accredited veterinarian must record the details of that vaccination and the details of the last vaccination given prior to the booster.
The following completed documents must accompany your pet for travel to Australia: USDA Identity Declaration, Laboratory Reports, and the Export Health Certificate.

For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommend that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Country of Destination Contact Information

World Organisation for Animal Health: Members

U.S. Department of State: Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Important Travel Considerations

If you are transiting (passing through) the European Union:

If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under “Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type” to determine which health certificate should be used. View a list of EU countries.

Considerations for airline travel:

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what requirements they may have.

View additional information for pet owners, airlines, and others about APHIS endorsement of international health certificates.


Will you be returning to the United States with your pet?

View the Requirements

ALERT: Read the CDC Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the United States From Countries Classified as High Risk for Dog Rabies.

 

Information for Accredited Veterinarians

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For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Digital endorsement ACCEPTED

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Save Time and Money With VEHCS!

USDA-accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for electronic signature through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System).