Is a Rabbit Legal in Australia? Can You Import One?
Rabbits cannot be imported into Australia as pets. They are classified as a noxious pest species and are completely banned from import under Australian biosecurity law.
Domestic rabbits are legal in most countries but face strict biosecurity restrictions in Australia and New Zealand, where they are classified as pest species. In most of Europe, rabbits are treated as standard companion animals with straightforward import rules.
- ✅ CITES status: Not listed
- ✅ EU travel: Standard pet health certificate
- ❌ Banned in: Australia, New Zealand (biosecurity pest classification)
- ✅ USA, Canada, UK, EU: Legal with health documentation
Australia's Rules Explained
Australia: Rabbit Legal Status
❌ BANNED — cannot be imported. Rabbits are classified as a noxious pest species in Australia. Their import for any purpose, including as pets, is completely prohibited under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
- No exemptions exist for domestic or pet rabbits — the ban is absolute.
- Domestic rabbits can be owned in most Australian states (except QLD where they are banned even to keep), but they cannot be imported.
- Penalty for attempting to smuggle a rabbit: up to 10 years imprisonment and fines over AUD $200,000.
Relocating to Australia with a rabbit? You will need to rehome your rabbit before departure — there is no legal pathway for import.
Official sources
- Australian Department of Agriculture — Prohibited imports ↗
- Biosecurity Act 2015 — prohibited animals ↗
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FAQ
Can I bring my pet rabbit to Australia?
No. Rabbits are a prohibited import in Australia due to their classification as a pest species. There are no exceptions for domestic or pet rabbits.
Are rabbits legal to own in Australia?
In most Australian states yes — but only if the rabbit is already in the country. Queensland bans rabbit ownership entirely. In other states, domestic rabbits can be kept but cannot be imported.
Why can't rabbits be imported into Australia?
Feral rabbits are one of Australia's most damaging invasive species, responsible for massive agricultural and ecological damage. The import ban is a strict biosecurity measure.
I'm moving to Australia with a rabbit — what do I do?
You must rehome your rabbit before leaving. There is absolutely no legal pathway to import a rabbit into Australia, including through quarantine.