The Short Answer
No seller can promise that an imported pet medication will be allowed in. Whether a shipment clears is decided by US authorities, case by case. Here's how the rules work and what can happen to an order from Australia.
Why Australian-Labelled Products Are Treated Differently
In the US, flea and tick chews and heartworm preventives such as NexGard, Simparica Trio, Bravecto, Revolution Plus, and Heartgard Plus are prescription-only and approved for sale in their US-labelled form. A pack labelled for the Australian market carries a different label, so US regulators treat it as not approved for US sale, even though the active ingredient is the same.
What the Personal Importation Policy Is, and Isn't
US regulators have a policy describing limited situations where they may choose not to stop a small personal shipment. It is discretionary, not a right, and the same criteria apply to pet medicines as to human medicines. The situations it describes generally involve treatments that are not available in the US, which doesn't describe widely sold flea, tick and heartworm products.
What Can Happen to a Shipment
A shipment may be delivered normally, held for inspection or paperwork, or refused and returned or destroyed. If a shipment is refused and returned to us, we will refund the cost of the products.
Canada
Veterinary drugs in Canada are regulated by Health Canada. Personal importation is restricted for food-producing animals, including horses: only drugs on Health Canada's List B may be imported for them. Check current Health Canada guidance before ordering.
Check Before You Order
Ask US Customs and Border Protection or a licensed customs broker how the rules apply to your order, and talk to your vet about the right product and dose for your pet. For tips on choosing a supplier, see how to buy pet medications from Australia.
Buying From Smartway
Smartway Pet Supplies is a registered Australian business (ACN 677 143 190) selling genuine, manufacturer-sealed, Australian-registered stock with accurate labelling and customs documentation. Confirming that a product can be imported where you live is the buyer's responsibility.
Smartway Pet Supplies
Pet Care Specialist — Smartway Pet Supplies
A member of the Smartway team, writing practical guides to help US and Canadian pet owners choose the right parasite prevention products for their pets.
About Smartway Pet Supplies →
