How to Apply for a Permit to Import a Cat to Australia

If you are importing a Cat to Australia from the United States or Canada you will need to go through a lengthy requirement process, please see my article titled How to Import a Cat to Australia from the United States /Canada. One of the most critical elements of this process is applying for a Permit to Import your pet. You can not bring your Pet to Australia without this Permit. I successfully applied for and obtained a Permit to Import my two cats to Australia, and as such am sharing the process with you.

1. You will need to download the application form for a Permit to Import from http://www.daffa.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs. This website also provides other useful information regarding the Importation of your Cat, which you should take the time to read through.

2. On your application form you will need to provide contact details for an Importer and Exporter. In other words the Exporter will be the person who is sending the Cat to Australia. The Importer is the contact within Australia. There must be detailed contact information such as phone number and address for both the Importer and Exporter. The Exporter must have Australian Contact Information such as phone number and address.

3. The Animals Description on the application form must include Name your cat responds to, Microchip Number, Date of Birth / Age, Sex, Breed, and any Health Requirements.

4. Country of Export. The Cat must have been living in the Country of Export for at least 6 months prior to leaving the country.

5. Quarantine Station - Specify the desired Quarantine Station for your Cat to be housed in. Keep in mind that the Quarantine Stations do book up quickly and the sooner you receive your Permit to Import the sooner you can book a space at the desired Quarantine Station.

6. Multiple Animals - If you are exporting more than one cat you can have a maximum of two share a kennel together. You will need to specify this on the application form, and once you receive your Permit to Import you will need to let the Quarantine Station know that your animals will be sharing a kennel.

7. Permit Delivery - Specify whether you would like to receive your Permit to Import by Fax or Mail. You will need to provide a fax number or address. Fax is the faster method if you are dealing with any time constraints.

8. Payment will need to be made through Cheque or Credit Card. Costs will be provided on the application form.

9. Rabies Vaccination and Rabies Antibody Titre Test Declaration must be signed and stamped by an Official Veterinarian from the country of Export. This cannot be done by a Government Veterinarian.

10. The Rabies Antibody Titre Test laboratory report must be provided by a Government Approved Laboratory and will need to include the Microchip Number, which must match the number on the Rabies Declaration.
It is advisable that you apply for your Permit to Import as soon as you are able and have all the necessary requirements, as it can take up to a couple of weeks to receive an answer back. Your Official Veterinarian will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the necessary information and health requirements for your Cat.

References:

http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs/countries/cat4