Do I have to declare pets (companion animals) at Australia customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare pets (companion animals) in Australia?

If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act 1901, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under Customs Act 1901, if it is treated as smuggling: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship pets (companion animals) to Australia instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take pets (companion animals) out of Australia?

Australia publishes no separate rule for taking pets (companion animals) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Australia limit for pets (companion animals) apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Australian Border Force (ABF) states it in Passenger and mail enquiry. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You can bring your pets to Australia if you meet certain conditions. You need to prepare well in advance.”

How does Australia compare with other countries on pets (companion animals)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit pets (companion animals), 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Pets (companion animals) can I bring into Australia?

Restricted

You can bring Pets (companion animals) into Australia only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Passenger and mail enquiry Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Travelling to Australia Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Questions about Pets (companion animals) in Australia

Do I have to declare pets (companion animals) at Australia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Australia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare pets (companion animals) in Australia?: If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act 1901, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under Customs Act 1901, if it is treated as smuggling: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship pets (companion animals) to Australia instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take pets (companion animals) out of Australia?: Australia publishes no separate rule for taking pets (companion animals) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Australia limit for pets (companion animals) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Australian Border Force (ABF) states it in Passenger and mail enquiry. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You can bring your pets to Australia if you meet certain conditions. You need to prepare well in advance.”
How does Australia compare with other countries on pets (companion animals)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit pets (companion animals), 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Australia is among the ones that set a limit.

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