It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.

Contact the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH)​  for information about the process required to import animals into Sri Lanka from Australia.

Email

vraanim@gmail.com

Note​

Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.

In January 2026, the department received advice from DAPH that a ‘pre-clearance for importation’ document is sufficient for the importation of cats from Australia and a separate import permit is not required, provided that all conditions stated in the pre-clearance document are fully complied with.​

As importing country requirements may change without advice to the Department you should check any import permit issued and/or the country website carefully at the time of preparation for export.

Health certificate

The following information was sourced from the Veterinary Health Requirements for the Importation of Cats into Sri Lanka ​ on the DAPH website:

1. Age of the Animal
   
   
   1. 1.1 The cat must be over one and a half (1.5) months of age at the time of importation.
   
   
2. Identification
   
   
   1. 2.1 All cats must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip.
      
      
   2. 2.2 The microchip number must be clearly stated in all relevant documents, including vaccination records and blood test reports.
   
   
3. Vaccination Requirements
   
   
   1. 3.1 Each cat must be fully vaccinated and up to date against the following diseases:
      
      
      • Rabies
        
        
      • Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
        
        
      • Feline Herpesvirus Type 1 (FHV)
        
        
      • Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPLV
      
      
   2. 3.2 In the case of cats under three (3) months of age, the dam (mother) must be fully vaccinated against the above-mentioned diseases.
      
      
   3. 3.3 Valid vaccination records must be submitted at the time of application for importation.
      

5. Parasitic Treatment
   
   
   1. 5.1 Cats must be treated for both ectoparasites and endoparasites within fourteen (14) days prior to departure.
      
      
   2. 5.2 Such treatment must be certified in writing by a registered veterinarian.
   
   
6. International Veterinary Health Certificate
   
   
   1. ​6.1 An International Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued by the competent veterinary authority of the exporting country within ten (10) days prior to export. This certificate must be submitted at the time of application; however, if it is not available at that stage, it shall be presented upon arrival in Sri Lanka.
      
      
   2. 6.2 The certificate must confirm that the cat:
      
      
      1. (a) ​Is clinically healthy and fit for travel.
         
         
      2. (b) Has a valid ISO-compliant microchip.
         
         
      3. (c) Has been duly vaccinated as per Section 3.
         

Port-of-entry and quarantine requirements

The following information was sourced from a ‘pre-clearance for importation’ document issued in January 2026.

1. Required documents for quarantine inspection​
   
   The following original documents, along with the animal, must be presented at the time of quarantine inspection:
   
   
   1. International Veterinary Health Certificate
      
      
   2. Complete Vaccination Records
      
      
   3. Records of External and Internal Parasitic Treatments
      
      
   4. Importer's National Identity Card or Passport, as mentioned in this document, to verify the animal's ownership.
   
   
2. Non-compliance consequences
   
   Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the cat being returned, placed under extended quarantine or, in extreme cases, euthanized.
   
   
3. Quarantine Requirement
   
   The cat must undergo a 30-day home quarantine period.
   
   During this period, any signs of illness must be reported to the quarantine officers immediately.
   
   Quarantine officers reserve the right to inspect the animal at your designated location at any time.
   
   
4. Prior Notification to Quarantine Office
   
   To minimize delays, the quarantine office must be informed before departure by contacting aqokatunayakeegmail.com.​

If your animal is returning to Australia, you should make yourself familiar with the Department’s requirements for importing live animals into Australia. This is important as your animal may have been exposed to diseases that do not occur in Australia.

Based on importing country website and information.

Entry last reviewed 22 January 2026.