Bringing Your Pet from Canada to Australia
Moving a dog or cat from Canada to Australia requires careful planning. Jetfast Pet Express can coordinate veterinary preparation, documentation, the Australian import permit, travel arrangements and arrival support. Rebecca Moriconi, our Australian Branch Manager, can help plan a suitable route and timeline for your pet.
Departures from Across Canada
We can help plan departures from Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal and other Canadian locations, subject to suitable pet cargo services. Collection and ground transport to a departure airport may be needed. The route depends on your pet’s size and needs, airline availability, the travel crate and the confirmed Australian quarantine arrival date. Transit arrangements must also meet Australia’s import conditions.
Allow Around 6–8 Months
Canada is an approved Group 3 country for cat and dog imports to Australia. Allow around 6–8 months to prepare. The precise timing depends on rabies vaccination history, test results, veterinary appointments, the import permit and available quarantine space. The mandatory 180-day period begins when the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) sample reaches the testing laboratory. Your pet must meet the applicable approved-country residence and preparation conditions throughout the process.
How the Relocation Works
1. Tell us about your pet and choose a package
Share your pet’s age, breed, weight, measurements, medical conditions, dietary needs, Canadian collection postcode, Australian destination and preferred travel date. We can then prepare a quotation and discuss your preferred level of support:
- Silver / DIY: You manage the earlier veterinary appointments using our timeline and guidance.
- Gold / Premium: We coordinate veterinary appointments, collection and other relocation arrangements.
Both packages include the final veterinary work, including required final parasite treatments and the official health certificate.
2. Plan the veterinary timeline
We review the microchip, rabies vaccination history and existing records with your Canadian veterinary team. If you wish to seek eligibility for the minimum 10-day quarantine stay, a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) official must verify your pet’s identity and complete the identification declaration before RNATT blood collection. Contact your local CFIA Animal Health Office early. After a satisfactory RNATT, the CFIA also completes the RNATT declaration.
3. Arrange the permit and travel
We can coordinate document review, the Australian import permit, a booking at the Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility in Mickleham near Melbourne, an IATA-compliant crate and suitable flights. Dogs may have additional tests, vaccinations or treatments. Near departure, a licensed veterinarian completes the country-specific health certificate, which a CFIA official veterinarian reviews and endorses. Final examinations, treatments and certification must fit the flight date.
4. Arrive in Melbourne and travel home
Under the standard Group 3 process, pets arrive at Melbourne International Airport as manifested cargo for transfer to PEQ. After quarantine and release, we can help arrange onward transport within Australia.
Australia’s Group 3 Entry Requirements
Preparation includes a compliant microchip, current rabies vaccination, RNATT, Australian import permit, required veterinary checks and certificates, and PEQ. Requirements differ for cats and dogs. Your import permit and current official guidance determine the exact steps.
An important note for cats
The CFIA advises that external parasite treatments on Australia’s approved list for cats are unavailable in Canada. A cat importer must seek an Australian import permit variation for this issue. We will review the current position before setting the final veterinary schedule.
Read the Australian Government’s current Group 3 dog guide or Group 3 cat guide, together with the CFIA’s Canada to Australia export guidance, before starting.
Why Work With Jetfast Pet Express?
We bring the veterinary timeline, CFIA documentation and transport together in one plan. Our team can coordinate Canadian collection, crate arrangements, flights, the Australian import permit, PEQ booking and onward travel. Rebecca manages the Australian side and can explain the steps and costs for your move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you collect my pet outside a major Canadian airport?
Yes. Tell us your collection location and we can assess ground transport to a suitable departure airport.
How long should I allow?
Plan around 6–8 months. The RNATT laboratory arrival date starts the mandatory 180-day period; other preparations, permits and bookings also take time.
How long is PEQ in Australia?
For an eligible pet with the required identity declarations completed before RNATT, the minimum may be 10 days. Otherwise it is generally 30 days, subject to any applicable Australian-origin pathway. Australian authorities determine the stay and may extend it if conditions are not met.
Can my pet fly directly to another Australian city?
Under the standard Group 3 process, your pet must arrive at Melbourne International Airport for PEQ. We can arrange onward domestic travel after release, including collection from PEQ.
Let’s Plan Your Pet’s Journey
Tell us your pet’s breed, Canadian collection postcode, Australian destination, preferred travel date and whether you prefer Silver or Gold support. Contact Rebecca Moriconi, Australian Branch Manager, at Rebecca@jetfastpetexpress.com, or request a quotation.
This page provides general guidance. Import conditions, airline services and quarantine availability may change. Your pet’s import permit and current official instructions determine the applicable requirements.