At Ferndale, we’ve helped hundreds of families bring their pets to Australia—even from countries not on the official list. If this is your journey, we’re here to walk it with you.

At Ferndale, we’re more than just pet relocation experts—we’re on a mission building the safest and most trusted pet travel service in Asia, dedicated to helping pet parents navigate complex journeys with empathy, clarity, and care. Australia’s strict biosecurity rules may seem overwhelming, especially when you’re coming from a “non-approved” country, but we’re here to break it down.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about relocating your dog or cat to Australia from a country not on the DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) list of approved countries. Let’s help your pet get there safely.

🧭 What is a “Non-Approved” Country?

Australia maintains a list of approved countries with animal health systems considered equivalent to its own. These countries typically have strong veterinary infrastructure and low disease risk.

“Non-approved” countries are those not listed in Group 1, 2 or 3 under Australia’s import regulations. This includes much of Asia, Africa, parts of the Middle East, and South America.

Examples of non-approved countries:

• India
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Thailand
• China
• Brazil
• Kenya

If your pet is residing in a non-approved country, direct import into Australia is not possible.

🛬 Can I Still Bring My Pet to Australia?

Yes—but only by following a two-step process:

1. Relocate your pet to an “approved” Group 2 or Group 3 country (e.g. Singapore, Hong Kong, the UK) for a minimum residency period.
2. Apply for import from that approved country into Australia, following all health and documentation requirements.

This is often called “stepping through an approved country.”

⏳ How Long Must My Pet Stay in the Approved Country?

Your pet must stay in the approved country for a minimum of 6 months, with proper documentation and veterinary supervision throughout.

Some owners try to shorten this period by having their pets live in the approved country longer before applying. However, Australian authorities are strict about ensuring that the animal has been continuously resident there.

Wherever you choose for the 6-month stay, keep in mind that if you don’t have family or friends in that country, your pet will likely need to board at a kennel or cattery for the full duration.

For Asia-based pet owners, Singapore is often the most practical choice due to its proximity, strong veterinary system, and relatively easy access for owners to visit during the process. We have offices here! If you have trusted contacts or relatives in the UK or EU, those can also be great options for the 6-month stay.

📋 What are the Key Requirements?

Once in the approved country, your pet must meet Australia’s standard import requirements, which include:

• Microchipping (ISO-compatible)
• Rabies vaccination (must be valid and administered after microchip)
• Rabies titre test (RNATT) at an approved lab — note: this is not required for pets coming from rabies-free countries such as the UK or Singapore
• Waiting period of at least 180 days after successful RNATT (if applicable)
• Other vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus, etc.)
• Tick/flea treatments and parasite protocols
• Government veterinary health certificate

Your pet will also be required to complete 10 days of quarantine on arrival in Australia, at the Mickleham Post Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne.

💡 Tips from a Pet Travel Expert

• Plan 12 months in advance. From finding a temporary home in the approved country to completing tests and waiting periods, this is not a fast process.
• Choose a pet relocation company familiar with stepping through. Not all agents understand the regulations deeply, and a single paperwork error can set you back months.
• Keep continuous vet records. Australia may reject applications if there’s doubt about the pet’s continuous stay or vaccination timelines.
• Expect higher costs. Boarding, medical prep, and relocation through a second country can add up.

We have offices in both Singapore and Hong Kong that can assist with the entire process. However, we strongly recommend Singapore for pets stepping through from non-approved countries, as Hong Kong currently has a long quarantine waiting time for pets entering from those countries, which may cause delays.

❗Common Pitfalls

• Trying to import directly from a non-approved country – this will be denied.
• Choosing the wrong stepping country – not all approved countries are logistically or administratively suitable.
• Last-minute planning – leads to rushed vaccinations or missed paperwork. 

🐾 Final Word

At Ferndale, we believe that pets are family—and that no one should have to leave a furry friend behind just because the process is complex.

Yes, you can relocate your dog or cat to Australia from a non-approved country, but it requires time, paperwork, and expert guidance. We’re here to help you navigate it smoothly, every step of the way.

Let us help you make it happen—because every pet deserves a loving home, wherever that may be.

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