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

This information is provided to assist with the importation into Canada from Australia of all live birds, including live poultry, day old chicks and hatching eggs for private or commercial purposes.

An import permit is required.

Information about the process required to import animals into Canada can be found on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website.

Email

cfia.nisc-csni.acia@canada.ca

For import purposes, the expression "pet bird" means a personally owned and cared for bird, and applies only to species commonly known as "caged" birds such as psittacines (birds in the parrot family), songbirds, toucans, canaries, finches and cardinals. The expression does not apply to pigeons, doves, species of wild or domesticated fowl, or game birds. There is a separate Micor entry for Pigeons to Canada.

If you are importing live birds from Australia into Canada, you should check the specific Import Measures for Live Birds for the latest information regarding Australia’s eligibility to export live birds to Canada. You should also consult the additional requirements for pet birds imported from countries other than the United States.

Refer to these and the Department’s websites for current information about exporting animals (including any suspensions).

Note

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

As required by the importing country.

The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) provides guidance on the current import requirements for CFIA regulated commodities based on applicable animal health policies. 

Permission to move birds out of Australia

You may need permission under wildlife trade laws to move birds out of Australia. Refer to the Department's International wildlife trade requirements. There is specific guidance for non-commercial wildlife trade for public exhibition, scientific research, conservation breeding and personal use.

Email

wildlifetrade@dcceew.gov.au

Transport requirements

The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.

Pre and post arrival quarantine requirements

The importing country may have specific pre and post arrival quarantine requirements and you should check this.

Based on importing country website and information.

Entry last reviewed 1 June 2021.