Canada to Australia Pet Relocation: What’s Different From the U.S. Route

TLDR: Canada is a Group 3 country, the same classification as the United States. This means Australia's import requirements are identical: microchip before any testing, 180-day wait after RNATT, 10 or 30-day quarantine at Mickleham, same disease testing, same parasite treatments, same banned breeds. The key differences are on the export side,Canadian pets go through CFIA rather than USDA, identity verification is completed through CFIA rather than VEHCS, and CIV vaccine is not available in Canada.

Canada and the United States are both classified as Group 3 countries by Australia. This means the Australia-side import requirements are identical for pets coming from either country.

If you have read guides written for U.S. pets moving to Australia, the same rules apply to Canadian pets: the same microchip requirement, the same RNATT process, the same 180-day wait, the same quarantine, the same disease testing, and the same parasite treatment protocols.

The differences are on the export side. Canadian pets go through CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) rather than USDA for health certificate endorsement, and there are specific considerations for identity verification and Canine Influenza vaccination.

What Requirements Are the Same?

All of Australia's import requirements apply equally to Canadian pets.

Microchip

An ISO-compliant microchip (10 or 15 digit) must be implanted and scanned before any tests, treatments, or vaccines are administered. The exact microchip number must appear on every lab report, vaccination record, and health certificate. A single incorrect digit will halt the import.

Rabies and RNATT

Pets must be vaccinated for rabies (minimum 3 months old at time of vaccination). The RNATT must be conducted 3-4 weeks after vaccination using FAVN or RFFIT method, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.

The RNATT is valid for 12 months (365 days) from the date of blood draw. Australia mandates a 180-day waiting period after the RNATT sample arrives at the laboratory. This leaves a functional travel window of roughly 185 days.

Quarantine

All pets must complete quarantine at Mickleham, near Melbourne. Quarantine is 10 days if identity verification was completed before the RNATT blood draw. Quarantine is 30 days if identity verification was not completed.

Disease Testing (Dogs)

Brucella canis testing is required for intact dogs within 45 days of shipment. Australia accepts RSAT, TAT, and IFAT. Australia rejects AGID.

Leishmaniasis testing is required for all dogs within 45 days of shipment. Australia accepts IFAT or ELISA. Rapid and SNAP versions are rejected -- tests must be standard, quantitative, and performed at an approved laboratory.

Leptospirosis: dogs must be vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola (booster between 12 months and 14 days before export) OR pass a negative MAT test within 45 days of export. If the vaccination series has lapsed, the dog must restart with a primary dose and booster. Vaccination is recommended due to false positive risk with the blood test.

Parasite Treatments

Internal parasites require two treatments covering nematodes AND cestodes (tapeworms). Treatment 1 within 45 days of shipment, Treatment 2 within 5 days of shipment, spaced at least 14 days apart.

Many popular combination treatments do NOT cover cestodes despite covering other internal parasites. Non-compliant examples include Bravecto Plus, Revolution Plus, Simparica Trio, and Nexgard Spectra. If a vet uses one of these products, a separate cestocidal product containing Praziquantel or Fenbendazole must also be given and documented. Missing this means the pet fails inspection.

External parasite treatment must start at least 30 days before shipment and not lapse.

Banned Breeds and Hybrids

Banned dog breeds: Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier.

All domestic/non-domestic hybrids are banned, including Savannah cats and Wolfdogs. As of March 1, 2026, Bengal cats are no longer permitted to enter Australia.

Comfort Items

Australia will confiscate and destroy any unauthorized items found in or attached to the crate upon arrival as biosecurity waste, with no reimbursement. This includes toys, blankets, non-compliant bedding, and items of personal or monetary value.

What Is Different?

The differences between the Canada and U.S. routes are on the export side, not the Australia side.

Health Certificate Endorsement

U.S. pets go through USDA for health certificate endorsement.

Canadian pets go through CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) for health certificate endorsement.

Identity Verification

U.S. pets complete identity verification through the VEHCS system, which requires visits to two different USDA-accredited veterinarians at two different clinics.

Canadian pets complete identity verification through CFIA. This can be self-service or partner-managed. CFIA appointments are typically 3-4 weeks out, though BC offices can have wait times up to 2 months. Some CFIA offices offer virtual appointments.

Canine Influenza (CIV)

CIV vaccination is required for all dogs traveling to Australia from Canada.

The CIV vaccine is not available in Canada. Canadian dog owners must either travel to the United States to have the vaccine administered, or complete CIV testing within 7 days of departure.

Moving a pet from Canada to Australia? PetRelocation can help you navigate the CFIA export process, identity verification, and CIV requirements. Get in touch to start planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Canada a Group 3 country?

Yes. Canada and the United States are both classified as Group 3 countries by Australia. The import requirements are the same.

Do Canadian pets need a microchip?

Yes. An ISO-compliant microchip must be implanted before any tests, treatments, or vaccines. The microchip number must appear on every document.

Do Canadian pets need the same RNATT and 180-day wait?

Yes. The RNATT process and 180-day waiting period apply to all Group 3 countries, including Canada.

Do Canadian pets go through USDA?

No. Canadian pets go through CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) for health certificate endorsement, not USDA.

How does identity verification work for Canadian pets?

Identity verification is completed through CFIA rather than VEHCS. Appointments are typically 3-4 weeks out, though BC offices can have wait times up to 2 months. Some CFIA offices offer virtual appointments.

Is CIV vaccination required for Canadian dogs?

Yes. CIV vaccination is required for all dogs traveling to Australia from Canada. The vaccine is not available in Canada, so owners must either travel to the United States for administration or complete CIV testing within 7 days of departure.

Is quarantine the same for Canadian pets?

Yes. All pets from Group 3 countries complete quarantine at Mickleham, near Melbourne. The duration is 10 or 30 days depending on whether identity verification was completed.

Are the disease testing requirements the same?

Yes. Brucella canis, Leishmaniasis, and Leptospirosis requirements are the same for Canadian and U.S. pets.