Pets are an important part of many households and families. Whether they walk, squawk or squeak, they often play a big role in our wellbeing.  

Pets may need extra care when you’re posted to a new location. Defence provides a range of benefits to help with relocating your pets.

Living with your pets

You may be allowed to keep pets in a Service residence or in a rental property, depending on the accommodation agreement or lease.  

When you move to a new posting location, you will need to make sure the property is safe and suitable for your pets. This may include checking that fences are secure and high enough, and confirming that your pet is permitted in that state or territory.  

Did you know? 

Rabbits cannot be kept as pets in Queensland. Check your state or territory government website for animal and biosecurity restrictions before you move. 

In a Service residence

If you are posted to a new location and you already have a pet, you can use DHA homefind to search for Service residences that specifically allow your type of animal. You may reject a property if it doesn’t allow, or isn’t safe for, your pet.  

If you plan to buy or adopt a pet during your time in the Service residence, you will need to seek Defence Housing Australia (DHA) approval before finalising the sale or adoption. You can seek approval through the (DHA) website.  

If you do not get approval from DHA to keep the pet in the property before you buy or adopt one, you will have breached your tenancy agreement. You will have to move to another Service residence at your own expense.  

If your pet causes any damage to your Service residence, you may be responsible for the repair costs.

You may also need to request body corporate approval to have a pet in your Service residence. You can seek this approval through the DHA website.

In a rental property

You will need to get the consent of your landlord to house your pet before you move into the property. You can do this before agreeing to lease the property.  

If you plan to buy or adopt a pet while living in a rental property, contact your real estate agent to make sure the pet is allowed.  

You may also need to request body corporate approval to keep a pet. Speak with your real estate agent to obtain body corporate approval.  

If your pet causes any damage to your rental property, you may be responsible for the repair costs.

Relocating your pets

Within Australia

If you are posted to a new location within Australia, you may be provided assistance towards the cost of relocating your pet. This assistance may include:  

  • transport of your pet (including the costs of hiring pet container)
  • boarding or kennelling your pet if you need temporary accommodation before or after your move.  

Keep in mind, you may need to register your pet with your local council when you're posted to a new location. If you don’t register your pet, you may face fines or other penalties.

Overseas

Your Overseas Administration Team (OAT) Case Manager can talk you through the options for relocating your pet to your overseas posting location or to a location in Australia if you don’t want to take your pet with you.  

New pet relocation benefits

Defence regularly introduces new conditions to support you, your family and your pets.  

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with new changes as they are introduced.  

Find out more

To learn more about your pet benefits, visit: