Restricted and Banned Pets in Australia: What You Can't Bring

Banned dog breeds

Australia bans the following dog breeds from import, and no waiver or exemption process exists:

- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier (or Pit Bull Terrier)
- Presa Canario (also called Perro de Presa Canario)
- Any documented cross (offspring) of the above breeds

If your dog matches any of these breeds or their mixes, it cannot be imported into Australia under any circumstances. These breeds were banned on public-safety grounds due to their risk profile. Check your dog's breed with the Australian Kennel Club or your veterinarian if you're unsure whether your dog falls into one of these categories. If there's any ambiguity, contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in writing and ask for a breed determination before making plans to move.

Bengal cats: banned from March 2026

As of 1 March 2026, Bengal cats can no longer be imported to Australia. In an earlier period, later-generation Bengal cats (those with very limited wild ancestry) had an exemption, but this exemption was revoked following a biosecurity review. If your cat is a Bengal or Bengal cross, it cannot be imported.

Domestic hybrids and wild-cat crosses

Australia does not allow the import of cat or dog hybrids that involve wild or non-domestic animals. Examples include:

- Wolf-dog crosses or wolf hybrids
- Savannah cats (domestic cat crossed with African serval)
- Other wild-cat hybrids
- Dingo crosses

These animals are treated as non-domestic and fall outside the standard import framework.

Other pets: separate rules (usually prohibitive)

The import process described in other guides applies only to domestic cats and dogs. If you want to bring any other type of pet—a bird, reptile, rabbit, rodent, fish, or exotic animal—you'll need to check separate DAFF rules for that species. Most other animals either cannot be imported at all or require permits and conditions so restrictive that import is impractical. For example:

- Birds: Require specific health certificates and are subject to strict quarantine rules. Many species cannot be imported due to conservation or disease concerns.
- Reptiles and amphibians: Often require permits and are restricted by species. Some may be banned entirely.
- Rabbits and small rodents: Cannot be imported for private ownership.
- Fish and aquatic animals: Have separate import rules, usually prohibitive.

If you have a pet that isn't a cat or dog, contact DAFF directly and ask whether your species can be imported. Be prepared for a "no."

How to verify your pet's eligibility

For dogs: Check your dog's breed against the banned breed list above. If your dog is a mixed breed and you suspect it might include one of the banned breeds, ask your vet for a breed assessment. If there's any doubt, email DAFF with a photo and detailed description, and ask them to confirm whether your dog can be imported.

For cats: If your cat is a Bengal or Bengal cross (any generation), it is banned. If your cat is a hybrid with wild ancestry (e.g., savannah cat), it cannot be imported. If your cat is a standard domestic cat of any recognised breed or crossbreed (without wild ancestry), it can be imported.

For any other pet: Contact DAFF and ask directly. Check the DAFF website for species-specific rules, and request written confirmation before investing time and money in preparing an import.

Update your plans if your pet is banned

If you've already moved to Australia or are planning to move and your pet is on the banned list, you have these options:

- Arrange for your pet to be cared for in your home country by a family member, friend, or professional caregiver.
- Work with a local animal rescue or rehoming organisation in your home country to find your pet a permanent home.
- Consider whether a different pet (a domestic cat or dog from an approved country) might suit your life in Australia.

These are not easy decisions, but Australia's biosecurity and public-safety rules are not negotiable.

Rules may change: verify before you commit

Australia's banned-breed list and import rules are reviewed periodically. The information in this guide was accurate as of June 2026, but rules can change. Before you make final plans to bring a pet, check the DAFF website or email DAFF directly to confirm your pet's current import eligibility. Biosecurity rules are strict for good reasons—do not assume a pet is allowed just because it was permitted in the past.

Can I get an exemption if my dog is a banned breed?

No. There is no exemption process for banned dog breeds. Australia's rules are absolute on this point.

What if my dog is part Bengal and part something else?

Bengal cats (as a breed, not individual ancestry) are banned. If your cat is described as a Bengal or has Bengal ancestry, do not attempt to import it. Contact DAFF if you need breed clarification.

Can I bring a retired racing dog (greyhound) or fighting dog?

Yes, if the dog is not one of the five banned breeds. Greyhounds and other dogs not on the banned list can be imported if they meet all the other requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit, quarantine if applicable). There is no blanket ban on dogs used in racing or sports, only on specific breeds considered high-risk.

What if I have a dog that's a mix and I'm not sure if it includes banned ancestry?

Have your vet assess your dog's breed composition. Take photos from multiple angles and ask your vet in writing whether your dog could be part dogo Argentino, fila Brasileiro, Japanese tosa, American pit bull terrier, or Presa Canario. If there's any uncertainty, email that assessment to DAFF and ask them for a definitive breed determination before you move.

Can I bring my pet as a support animal or service dog even if it's a banned breed?

No. Banned breeds cannot be imported under any circumstances, regardless of the animal's role or purpose.

If I'm moving to Australia temporarily, can I leave my banned-breed dog with a friend and bring it later once I have permanent residency?

No. Banned breeds cannot be imported at any point. Your residency status does not change the import rules. If you need to be separated from a banned-breed pet, permanent rehoming in your home country is the only option.