New Zealand Pet Import Requirements

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What is a Pet Passport?

We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that address New Zealand pet import requirements for dogs or cats entering the country. This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter New Zealand will include proof of a microchip, current rabies vaccinations, rabies titer and other test results, parasite treatments, import permit, and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.

Animals Eligible for These Import Regulations

These rules apply to the transport of domestic dogs and cats, including assistance and service animals. Wolf hybrids and Savannah and Bengal cats, unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, cannot be imported under these regulations.

Find a Licensed Veterinarian

Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. Your veterinarian should work for or is licensed by the agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals.

Quarantine for Pets Entering New Zealand

There will be 10 days of quarantine imposed on your pet when entering New Zealand, even if the pet import requirements detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be either returned to the origination country or euthanized. The importer will bear all the costs involved.

All steps required to conform to New Zealand pet import requirements must be completed in the origination country. Complete steps 1-6 in the order given.

Step 1: Country Classifications

Your pet must have resided in a country that New Zealand classifies as Category 1 or Category 2 country for a minimum of 6 months prior to import. If your pet is a puppy or kitten, it must have been born in New Zealand and not left the country prior to export.

Category 1 Countries

Countries that New Zealand considers to be rabies-free: Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawaii, Iceland, Japan, Mauritius, New Caledonia, Singapore and Vanuatu. The Pacific Islands of American Samoa, Christmas Island, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Norfolk Island, Pitcairn Island, Saipan, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna and
Western Samoa.

Category 2 Countries

United States & Canada, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Austria, Argentina, Bahamas, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Isle of Man, Israel, Jamaica, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia (Peninsular, Sabah & Sarawak only), Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Netherland Antilles, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay and US Virgin Islands.

Note: If your pet has not maintained residency in one of the above countries for a period of at least six months (except Australia), it will not be permitted to enter New Zealand. Pets can enter New Zealand after completing requirements to enter Australia. Your pet can either reside in an approved country for at least 6 months or submit a request for inclusion by submitting information from the government veterinary authority regarding rabies status and control measures and programs in place to control rabies. Requests will be prioritized and considered quarterly.

Pet owners should identify the classification of their country of origin before reviewing import requirements for New Zealand.

Step 2: Pet Microchip

The first step to importing a dog or cat (or horse) to New Zealand is to have your pet identified with a non-encrypted, 15-digit pet microchip that is compliant with ISO 11784 or Annex A of ISO 11785. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO-compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner.

A veterinarian licensed by the agency in the country of origin that is responsible for the import and export of live animals should implant the microchip. You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet’s information in the manufacturers or government database in your country.

The microchip number must be recorded on all required import documents.

Step 3: Vaccinations

Unless your dog or cat is entering New Zealand from a Category 1 Country, your pet must have proof of a current rabies vaccination that was administered after microchip was implanted. Your pet must be at least three months old prior to being vaccinated for rabies. If this is your cat or dog’s first rabies vaccination or its previous vaccination had expired at the time of the booster, it must be administered no less than six months and no more than 12 months prior to travel.

If your pet is receiving a booster and the previous rabies vaccination was administered within the previous year and is not expired, then the six-month rule does not apply. Proof of prior vaccinations must be provided.

Other tests and treatments

Within 16 days of travel, your dog must be tested for Babesia gibsoni and, if ever traveled to or lived in South Africa, it must be tested for Babesia canis. Dogs entering New Zealand from all countries except Australia must be tested for Brucella canis and also be tested or treated for Leptospirosis.

Dogs must be tested and treated for leptospirosis within 30 days of travel.

Other tests for dogs include Brucella Canis which must be administered at least 16 days before travel. If testing positive,
your dog will not be permitted import to New Zealand.

If your dog is originating from an area that is known for outbreaks of canine influenza like the United States or Canada,
your dog must be vaccinated against the virus. Ask your vet about a vaccination if you are traveling with a cat.

Step 4: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test

A rabies titer test measures the level of rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. It must be administered more than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) tests are recommended, as they are accepted by every country that requires this test.

Unless your pet is entering New Zealand from a Category One Country (see Step 1), your pet will need a rabies titer test administered by a veterinarian licensed or accredited by the government agency responsible for the import and export of live animals. The test should be administered no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories.

Step 5: Parasite Treatments

All dogs must have two treatments against internal and external parasites within 30 days of entering New Zealand and the second treatment must be at least two weeks after the first treatment and within 4 days of travel for internal parasites and within 48 hours of travel for external parasites.

Step 6: Health Certificate

Every country worldwide requires a health certificate in their pet import regulations, and New Zealand is no exception. The health certificate must clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number, species, and physical characteristics.

After the vaccinations and titer test are completed, a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin must then complete the export pet health certificate within ten days of traveling. Another veterinary inspection must occur within two days of departure.

After issuance, the certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in the country of origin responsible for the import and export of live animals. Another inspection of the pet must occur within 48 hours of travel.

For pets entering from Scheduled Countries (Step 1), health certificates must contain a statement that there have been no incidents of rabies among un-quarantined animals in the country of origin for the past 24 months.

Step 7: Import Permit

Permit to Import applied for at least 6 weeks in advance is required for all countries except Australia. The permit will be valid for 6 months or until the expiration of the rabies vaccination, whichever is sooner.

Note that permit applications will not be accepted from November 8, 2024. All applications issued after this date will be processed on February 28, 2025.

Other Information

Importing Puppies and Kittens to New Zealand

Unvaccinated puppies and kittens less than three months old may not enter New Zealand.

More information on transporting a puppy.

Breeds Banned for Import to New Zealand

The following breeds are banned from import to New Zealand: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario and any type of American Pit Bull Terrier.

Quarantine in New Zealand

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to New Zealand. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

Your pet will be subject to quarantine for a minimum of 10 days, even if the regulations of New Zealand Government are followed. No quarantine is required if entering from Australia or Norfolk Island.

Keep in mind that it takes four to six months to get all the endorsements necessary, so plan ahead.

Flying Your Pet to New Zealand

Flights to New Zealand should be direct or transit through a listed third country or another EU Member State if possible*. If your pet transits through a high-rabies country, then a Transit Declaration will be required. The declaration must state that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport.

*Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.

Entering New Zealand with a Pet

Entering New Zealand by Air

Pets must enter New Zealand as air cargo at international airports located in Auckland and Christchurch and may only transit through approved countries listed in step 1.

Assistance dogs may enter New Zealand in the cabin only if they are licensed by a nationally/internationally recognized organization that is a member of Assistance Dogs International (or the International Guide Dog Federation – for guide dogs). Emotional assistance dogs are not usually able to meet these criteria.

If your cat or dog is changing aircraft in New Zealand or will be in transit for more than 6 hours, it will need a transit permit, a microchip, flea and tick prevention, rabies prevention (unless from a Category 1 Country). Dogs will need proof of heartworm prevention. Note that dogs and cats cannot transit New Zealand if they are originating from a non-approved country.

Longer layovers will mean your pet will need a reservation at an approved quarantine facility. Layovers cannot be more than 48 hours.

Importers must notify an official veterinarian in New Zealand at least 5 working days before arrival for cats and dogs from Australia, and at least 72 hours before arrival for cats and dogs from all other approved countries.

Entering New Zealand by Sea

Cats and dogs arriving onboard private yachts, boats or commercial vessels must meet requirements as stated above.
They must be secured onboard while docked at an approved port until they are given clearance.

If your cat or dog does not meet the requirements or is ineligible to enter New Zealand, your pet must remain secured onboard the boat while the vessel is docked, and your animal will not be allowed to stay in New Zealand longer than 6 months.

Importing Other Pet Animals to New Zealand

The following animals may not be imported to New Zealand: birds, reptiles, mice, rats and ferrets. Rabbits and guinea pigs may be imported with an Import Permit only from Australia. Chinchillas may be imported from the UK only.

Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the country of destination.

Exporting Pets from New Zealand

All dogs and cats leaving New Zealand must depart from Auckland, Wellington or Christ Church Airports, if flying. All pets, except cats and dogs headed for Australia, must be microchipped and have all required documentation for their destination country.

Also, pets on flights over 6 hours in duration must have an animal welfare export certificate from an MPI official veterinarian. An export certificate must also be issued by an MIP Veterinarian. Note that the format of this certificate may not be the same as the health certificate required by the importing country.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat, and it is even more important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate in and enforce CITES regulations.

Related: Search the CITES database

Related: Learn more about CITES

Need More Detailed Pet Import Requirements and Forms for New Zealand?

Pet owners can obtain further details on permits, costs, tests and pet import regulations for New Zealand at minimal cost. They all contribute to the New Zealand pet passport. Unlimited email support for you and your veterinarian are included.

Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to New Zealand?

Have a question about importing a pet to New Zealand? Post it below and be published! You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.

Please note that the accuracy of comments made by Facebook users other than Pet Travel has not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

Current Information

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to:

Make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense or
Return your pet to the country of origin at your expense or
Euthanize your pet.

We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following New Zealand pet import requirements.

New Zealand Pet Import Requirements

What is a Pet Passport?

Animals Eligible for These Import Regulations

Find a Licensed Veterinarian