Australia is extremely pet-friendly and is known to have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. Pets are welcome in most public areas including parks, beaches and restaurants. To protect the safety of the public there are several dog and cat breeds that are prohibited in the country.

If you are planning to relocate to Australia with your pet dog or cat, check if your pet is on the prohibited breeds list. Only breeds that are not on the list will be allowed to enter the country.

Prohibited dog breeds

Australia has a ban on aggressive dog breeds that were specifically bred for fighting. Importing these breeds to Australia is not permitted by law. This ban is in place to safeguard the public and other animals. Dog breeds that are banned in Australia are:

• Pit Bull Terrier breeds, including American Pit Bull Terrier
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario

The ban also extends to mix breeds of these breeds and to dogs that display any visible characteristics of the breeds mentioned above.

Australian law also does not allow the entry of domestic and non-domestic dog hybrids (such as wolf crosses) into the country. The following hybrids are not permitted to enter Australia:

• Czechoslovakian wolfdog or Czechoslovakian Vlcak
• Lupo Italiano or Italian wolfdog
• Kunming wolfdog or Kunming dog
• Saarloos wolfdog or Saarloos wolfhound

While importing your pet dog to Australia, the pet owner must state the breed of the dog and sign a declaration stating that your dog is not an ineligible breed.

Banned cat breeds in Australia

Australia does not allow the entry of domestic and non-domestic hybrids and crosses into the country. Hybrids cats that are banned in Australia are:

• 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)

While applying for an import permit into Australia, the pet parent has to furnish a declaration stating the breed of the cat and that it is not an ineligible breed.

Moving to Australia?

Bringing a pet to Australia is complicated because of the strict biosecurity and import regulations. Every single import requirement has to be fulfilled satisfactorily for your pet to enter the country. These import regulations are complex and can be confusing too. It is best to enlist the services of an experienced pet relocation company to help with the relocation. If you are planning to move to Australia with your pet dog or cat, reach out to us at Petraveller for a pet travel proposal.