13 March 2026
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is for all airlines, freight forwarders, pet transport companies and importers of cats and dogs into Australia.
Current import requirements
The Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised Australians in conflict-affected areas of the Middle East to make plans to leave if possible and if it is safe to do so.
The Australian government understands the significant stress that people are under in trying to secure the safety of themselves and their pets in this uncertain environment in the Middle East.
People with pets currently impacted by the Middle East conflict are encouraged to contact the department for advice on import options for their specific situation, by phone on 1800 900 090 or +61 3 8318 6700, or via email at imports@aff.gov.au.
Individuals looking to travel to Australia should be aware that the current conflict in the Middle East does not change the existing biosecurity risks posed by diseases of biosecurity concern to Australia endemic in the Middle East that pose serious human and animal health risk, such as rabies and leptospirosis.
Australia's import requirements for cats and dogs from Middle Eastern countries have not changed. Cats and dogs arriving in Australia must arrive with a valid biosecurity import permit and meet all import requirements.
Any cats or dogs that arrive in Australia unannounced, without a valid import permit and that do not meet all import requirements will be considered non-compliant and may be required to be re-exported or destroyed on arrival in Australian territory.
Cat and dog import permits
The department is continuing to process import permit applications.
Anyone with questions regarding current import permits should contact the department for assistance.
Why can't biosecurity conditions for cats and dogs be waived?
Import conditions for cats and dogs are based on scientific risk assessment, to manage several diseases of biosecurity concern, including rabies, leptospirosis and diseases transmitted by certain parasites. Rabies causes 60,000 human deaths per year. Australia is currently rabies-free. The introduction of rabies to Australia would have a detrimental impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of Australians, our domestic cats and dogs and many of our unique species of native mammals.
Further information
More information around import requirements for companion cats and dogs can be found on the department's website and the Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system (cats and dogs).
Please contact the department on 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au if you have any questions.