At a glance
Australia uses country-group and animal-specific import pathways. For Group 3 dogs, plan the required preparation, permit, arrival and quarantine together; do not assume every dog qualifies for a ten-day quarantine stay.
- Choose the correct country-group and species guide first.
- Confirm the dog’s eligibility and preparation before booking.
- Include quarantine release and onward transport in the arrival plan.
Who this guide is for: Dogs from Group 3 countries. Cats and pets from other country groups need their own DAFF guide.
Start with the official pathway for your dog
Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry publishes separate import guides by animal and country group. Use the Group 3 dog guide only when that is the correct pathway. The department also lists eligibility restrictions and required preparation.
Share where the dog has lived, its breed, age and records at intake. If you are moving both a dog and a cat, maintain separate preparation checklists and consult the cat guide rather than applying the dog’s schedule to both.
Build one calendar for preparation and travel
The Group 3 guide involves preparation in an approved country before export and quarantine after arrival. These are different periods. Follow the official sequence for identification, testing, treatments, certification and permits.
Ask the veterinarian and coordinator to identify which steps are already supported by your records, what still needs to happen and which dates depend on a result or approval. Keep a flexible target window until those dependencies are understood.
Check the applicable quarantine stay
DAFF states that Group 3 dogs must stay at Mickleham for a minimum of 30 days unless eligible for the minimum ten-day stay. Issues that increase biosecurity risk can lead to a longer stay.
Have the applicable eligibility checked for your dog rather than budgeting or booking around the shortest possible stay. Keep the release date separate from the flight arrival date in your move plan.
Plan what happens after release
Identify who will receive the dog after quarantine and where it needs to go next. Include any onward ground or air transport in the planning discussion. Give the receiving person contact details and a clear responsibility for each handoff.
When comparing quotes, ask which preparation, travel and arrival items are included, which are paid separately and which remain dependent on a confirmed plan. A useful comparison covers the full journey, not only the flight segment.
What to share when you contact the team
Our team reviews suitable transport arrangements for the individual pet and route. Use DAFF’s species-specific guidance with your veterinarian throughout preparation.
- Current country, recent country history and planned destination in Australia.
- Breed, age, weight, identification and veterinary records.
- Any existing permit or laboratory reports.
- Preferred timing, flexibility and arrangements after quarantine.
Official sources & current requirements
Sources checked October 8, 2026. This is a planning overview, not a completed import approval. Confirm the current official rules, veterinary preparation and airline acceptance for the actual pet, dates and route.
- Australia DAFF: importing dogs from Group 3 countries
- Australia DAFF: choose the correct cat or dog import guide
Have a question about your journey? Read the FAQs or request a personal quote.