Taking a dog abroad: entry rules by country

Australia bans the listed pure dog breeds and non-domestic/wolf-dog hybrids, including the named wolfdog breeds and hybrid descendants. Current DAFF guidance allows mixed-breed dogs if they meet all other import conditions; suspected prohibited or hybrid breeds can be investigated by ABF or DCCEEW.

France bans category 1 attack dogs: dogs that look like an American Staffordshire Terrier (pit bull), a Mastiff (boerbull) or a Tosa but aren't registered in a pedigree book France recognises (LOF or FCI).

Germany bans bringing in pit bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers and their mixes — from outside the EU and from other EU countries. Customs or the police can seize and hold the dog or order it sent straight back; the owner can be fined or jailed up to 2 years.

Non-domestic dogs and cats and their hybrids, such as wolves, wolf crosses, dingoes, Bengal and Savannah cats, are prohibited in Hawaii.

Ireland has banned importing, breeding, selling and rehoming XL Bully-type dogs since 1 October 2024. Only dogs that lived in Ireland before that date and are returning with their owner can be considered case by case.

New Zealand prohibits dogs wholly or predominantly belonging to Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Presa Canario or American Pit Bull Terrier type, subject only to legally evidenced exceptions. Under the 2021 route other wild hybrids are ineligible and Bengal cats require five generations of domestic ancestry evidence. Under the 2026 route Bengals are eligible; other hybrid cats/dogs may be new organisms and require EPA approval before import.

Great Britain bans Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully type dogs. You can’t bring one in unless it already has a valid Certificate of Exemption.