07 October 2026
Who does this notice affect?
This notice affects anyone involved in or with an interest in the importation of live assistance animals (cats or dogs only) into Australia, including importers, pet transport agents and departmental officers who examine these animals and assess their documentation.
This notice may also affect:
- persons without a disability who have an interest in the movement of assistance animals
- assistance animal training organisations
- other Federal and State government agencies
- competent authorities and veterinarians preparing animals for export to Australia, and
- any other individuals, organisations and entities who would like to provide feedback on the importation of assistance animals into Australia.
What has changed?
The purpose of this notice is to advise stakeholders that the departments Have Your Say consultation on the import pathway for assistance animals (cats and dogs only) has opened on 7 October 2026 and will remain open until 4 November 2026.
We are reviewing how Australia manages the biosecurity risks of importing assistance animals (cats and dogs). We invite people involved in the movement of assistance animals into Australia to share their experiences.
We have prepared a discussion paper outlining current arrangements, the case for change, and key consultation questions.
Your feedback will help inform proposed reforms to import conditions and import permit application requirements which aim to:
- modernise our approach to supporting persons with a disability
- maintain Australia's protections against biosecurity risks
- improve stakeholder interactions with the department
- reduce administrative burden
- ensure import requirements are clear, consistent, and accessible.
You can submit your feedback by completing the survey on our Have Your Say Platform.
Feedback received will inform the development of a draft consultation document, which is anticipated to be developed in December 2026.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at AssistanceAnimalReform@aff.gov.au.
Why is this changing?
The survey aims to identify opportunities which will modernise our approach to supporting persons with a disability who are travelling with an assistance animal, while maintaining Australia's protections against biosecurity risks. The review is expected to deliver clearer processes, improve stakeholder interactions and reduce administrative burden.
The overall project will also look to support alignment with broader disability reforms across governments.
Further information
For further information or to provide any feedback please email: AssistanceAnimalReform@aff.gov.au