Pet import requirements for the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands at a glance

The detail

Most flights fly into Rarotonga International Airport. The Cook Islands is a nation in the South Pacific, with political links to New Zealand and part of the Oceania continent. Will be more than 9 months of age at the date of shipment or more than 4 months if born in Australia or New Zealand.

Import requirements

Will be more than 9 months of age at the date of shipment or more than 4 months if born in Australia or New Zealand.

Cook Islands

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The animal must be consigned to the Cook Islands only by air as manifested cargo. The actual date of embarkation and the Airline / Flight Number or yacht must be advised to the Animal Quarantine Supervisor or Senior Animal Quarantine Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Cook Islands (+682 28711 / fax - +682 21881) at least one working day before shipping.

Animal must be transported in accordance with IATA standards.

At the present time pets (cats and dogs only) can only be imported from Australia and New Zealand Cats and dogs are not allowed to enter the Cook Islands from any other country. Follow guidelines with export allowed from Australia or New Zealand. You will want to make sure your pet first qualifies for import into one of these islands if not originally residing there.

The following are Police Department requirements in regard to the importation of dogs into the Cook Islands as required by Dogs Registrations Amendments Act 1991. All Dogs imported into the Cook Islands also required a Permit from the Police. The importation of the following breeds of dogs are prohibited: Doberman Pitt Bull Terrier Bull Dogs Rottweiler, or any other breed of dog that the Police may specify from time to time.

All dog imported into the Cook Islands must be neutered or spayed.

Dogs must be registered with the Police on arrival.

Cook Island Requirements Overview:

Dogs and cats exported from an approved island / country to the Cook Islands must comply with the import requirements of the Cook Islands listed in this notice as follows:

An import permit is required to export dogs and cats to the Cook Islands.

The owner/exporter of the animal must declare that:

During the 30 day period immediately preceding the date of export the animal has been free of symptoms of disease and has not been in contact with any animal displaying symptoms of disease.

The animal has resided in the country of embarkment for at least 6 months prior to the scheduled date of export, or since birth if less than 6 months of age

The animal will be at least four months of age on the date of export. Older if coming from a rabies country first.

An of ficial veterinarian of Australia or New Zealand must certify the following:

They have no reason to doubt the owner’s/agent’s declaration

Country has been of ficially free from rabies and *Ehrlichia canis* for the past 5 years.

The animal was treated for ectoparasites using an effective in secticide against fleas and ticks within 3 days of the scheduled date of export. Dates of treatment, active in gredient.

In the case of dogs, the animal was:

Vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus in fections at least 1 month and not more than 3 months prior to export. Date of vaccination.

At least 17 weeks of age at the time of the parvovirus vaccination

Treated for Hydatid tapeworm with praziquantel at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg within 3 days before the scheduled date of export. Date of treatment.

Treated with an anthelmintic effective against roundworms and whipworms within 3 days of scheduled date of export. Date of treatment.

In the case of cats, the animal was:

Vaccinated against feline enteritis (panleucopaenia) virus at least 1 month and not more than 12 months prior to export. Date of vaccination.

Vaccinated against feline rhinotracheitis virus and feline calicivirus at least 1 month and not more than 3 months prior to export. Date of vaccination.

At least 3 months of age at the time of the above vaccinations.

Treated with an anthelmintic effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms within 3 days of the scheduled date of export.

The animal was examined by an of ficial veterinarian within 3 days of export and found to be free of clinical signs of disease and free of all ectoparasites (especially ticks).

No bedding of cereal or animal origin is accompanying the animal.

Advance notification has been given prior to arrival.

Follow guidelines with export allowed from Australia or New Zealand. You will want to make sure your pet first qualifies for import into one of these islands if not from there.

Please contact the Agriculture Department for specific in formation.

At the present time pets (cats and dogs only) can only be imported from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji (confirm with Cook Islands Bisecurity Division prior to export). Cats and dogs are not allowed to enter the Cook Islands from any other country.

All dogs imported into the Cook Islands must be neutered or spayed.

The actual date of embarkation and the Airline/Flight Number must be advised to a Biosecurity Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Cook Islands telephone +(682) 28710 or email biosecurity@cookislands.gov.ck the earliest opportunity and at least one working day before shipping.

No bedding of cereal or animal origin is accompanying the shipment.

In the period of five years preceding export, Australia or New Zealand has been free from: Rabies and Ehrlichia canis

Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni are not eligible.

A permit to import must be obtained from the Secretary of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Cook Islands and the Cook Islands Police prior to actual importation. All dogs imported into the Cook Islands also require a permit from the Police.

A separate certificate must accompany each in dividual animal and all pages must be endorsed with an of ficial stamp.

The animal must be consigned to the Cook Islands only by air as manifested cargo.

In addition to the conditions set out by the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture the following are requirements with respect to the importation of dogs only into the Cook Islands, as required by the Police Department as per the Cook Islands Dogs Registration Amendment Act 1991:

The importation into the Cook Islands of Bulldogs, Dobermans, Pit bull terriers, Rottweilers (or any other breed of dog that the Police may specify from time to time) is prohibited.

All dogs imported into the Cook Islands must be neutered or spayed.

Dogs must be registered with the Police upon arrival in the Cook Islands.

Please note: Importers are to consult the Police regarding the importation of dogs; as the Cook Islands Ministry of Agriculture will not be liable for any errors made by the importer in regard to these requirements.

The actual date of embarkation and the Airline/Flight Number must be advised to the Animal Quarantine Supervisor or Senior Animal Quarantine Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Cook Islands (Ph: + 682 28711, Fax: + 682 21881) at the earliest opportunity and as least one working day before shipping.

The animal must be transported in accordance with the recommendations for the transport of live animals of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations as appropriate.

The animal will be in spected and treated as necessary on arrival in the Cook Islands by a Senior Animal Quarantine Officer or Quarantine Officer and may not leave the Quarantine area of the port of entry until a Permit to Land has been issued.

Identification and microchip

Unique microchip identification for each animal, consistent with the health certificate. Microchips that meet International Standards Organisation (ISO) specifications 1784 or Annex A of 11785 are generally used. If the microchip does not meet ISO standard specifications, you will need to check the microchip can be read.

Keep the documentation. You will need proof of when the microchip was implanted or the date it was verified by the veterinarian. The microchip number must be recorded on all documents.

Rabies and vaccinations

Pet must be vaccinated against rabies. Also, in the period of five years preceding export, rabies has not been diagnosed in the country of export. Must be imported from either Australia, Fiji, or New Zealand.

Dogs: Be vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus in fections. NOTE: This must be at least one month and not more than three months prior to export. Be at least seventeen weeks of age at the time of the parvovirus vaccination.

• Cats: Be vaccinated against feline enteritis (panleucopaenia) virus.This date must be at least one month and not more than twelve month prior to export. Also be vaccinated against feline rhinotracheitis virus and feline calicivirus.

Tests and treatments

FAVN - The cat or dog has been subjected to a FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralizing antibody titration test (as prescribed in the OIE Terrestrial Manual) on a sample collected not less than three months and not more than 24 months prior to the date of shipment, with a result of at least 0.5 IU

Conduct (ELISA) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. If six months or older when flying, your dog must have a heartworm test in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment. All dogs must be treated with a product registered for the prevention of heartworm four days prior to flying and be up-to-date with a sustained-release in jection registered for heartworm prevention (ivermectin, milbemycin, selamectin or moxidect)

Leptospirosis (Leptospira in terrogans serovar canicola) Your dog must be treated with a the rapeutic dose of doxycycline i.e. 5–10 mg/kg for at least 14 consecutive days OR have a (MAT) microscopic agglutination test with a negative result in the 30 days prior to travel.

Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni -Conduct (IFAT) immunofluorescence antibody test or (ELISA) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. Your dog must have a negative result in the 16 days prior to travel. If using PCR test, your dog must have negative results on two samples collected 30–37 days apart, with the second sample collected in the 16 days prior to flying to travel. Babesia canis test is only required if your dog has ever travelled to or resided in South Africa. Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni are not eligible for entry.

Brucella canis -Conduct (RSAT) rapid slide agglutination test, (TAT) tube agglutination test or (CPAg-AGID) cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test. Your dog must have a negative test result in the 16 days prior to travel / arrival.

Dogs: Treatment for Hydadid tapeworm with praziquantel (Droncit) at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg within three days of departure; treated with an anthelmintic effective against roundworms and whipworms within three days of departure; washed twice with an effective in secticides solution at a seven day in terval, the last being within three days of departure; examined within three days of departure and found to be free of clinical signs of disease and free of all ectoparasites (especially ticks).

The animal was treated for ectoparasites using an effective in secticide against fleas and ticks within 3 days of the scheduled date of export. Dates of treatment, active in gredient.

Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) - Entire dogs are subjected to an examination of the external genitalia by a veterinarian in the 2 days prior to flying.

Cats: at least three months of age at the time of the above vaccinations; treated with an anthelmintic effective against roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms within three days of departure; treated twice with an effective in secticide solution at a seven day in terval, the last being within three days of departure; examined within three days of departure and found to be free of clinical signs of disease and free of all ectoparasites (especially ticks)

Health certificate and permits

Must have a travel health certificate and all pages are to be endorsed with the organization’s / government’s of ficial stamp. Country of departure will advise on validity.

A permit to import is required from the Director for Biosecurity Service for live animal importation into the Cook Islands. Animals permitted entry will be only from the list specified in section A1-6 of the import specification which can be located on the download below. Before any export of live animals, they must undergo a pre animal health treatment specified on the import health standard that will be attached to the import permit. All live animals to be imported will only be landed in Rarotonga.

Click here to download - https://agriculture.gov.ck/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Application-Form-for-Live-Animal.pdf

Expected processing time for this type of permit is 2–5 days upon receipt of completed application.

Import Permit - https://agriculture.gov.ck/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Application-Form-for-Live-Animal.pdf

Download which form pertains to your shipment:

New Zealand

New Zealand Conditions for Day old Chicks

New Zealand Condition for Dog

New Zealand Conditions for Cat

Australia

Australia Condition for Day old Chicks

Australia Condition for Dog

Australia Condition for Cat

Please review this link - https://agriculture.gov.ck/biosecurity/register-forms

Quarantine

There is no quarantine facility but only a quarantine area of the port of entry until a Permit to Land has been issued. The animal will be in spected and treated as necessary on arrival in the Cook Islands by a Senior Animal Quarantine Officer or Quarantine Officer and may not leave the Quarantine area of the port of entry until a Permit to Land has been issued.

Restrictions and banned breeds

The importation of the following breeds of dogs are prohibited: Doberman Pitt Bull Terrier Bull Dogs Rottweiler, or any other breed of dog that the Police may specify from time to time. In addition the following breeds are also prohibited below.

Dogs: Brazilian Fila, Dog Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier (any type), hybrid species (any type)

Cats: Hybrid species, except for Bengal cats with documentation showing 5 generations of domestic ancestry.

Please note if you are looking to have your pet first transit through New Zealand for export. Your dog cannot come to New Zealand if it is a hybrid (i.e. of fspring of dogs crossed with another species e.g. wolf) or more than 42 days pregnant on the date of travel to New Zealand..

The animal must be consigned to the Cook Islands only by air as manifested cargo.

Pet only Imported from Australia / New Zealand or Fiji. Declare that: (a) during the 30 days period immediately preceding the date export of the dog has been free from symptoms of disease and has not been in contact with any animal displaying symptoms of disease; (b) the dog has resided in the country of embarkment for at least six months prior to export, or since birth if less than six months of age.

A South Africa origin is more restrictive.

Customs, agents, and airports

Highly recommended. For import procedure visit Cook Islands Trade Portal. Choice is either at Rarotonga International Airport or Avatiu Seaport.

Either pet owner or customs broker will need to be the designated importer.

Most flights fly into Rarotonga International Airport.

Airport code is RAR and more in formation found HERE Private yacht travel is also available and arrival into one of the ports.

Non-stop flights available via Auckland, Pape'ete, Honolulu and Sydney. All live animals to be imported will only be landed in Rarotonga. The animal must be consigned to the Cook Islands as manifested cargo.

For further in formation regarding Biosecurity formalities for private yacht contact the following:

Email: Director for Biosecurity Service; ngatoko@cookislands.gov.ck

Or Biosecurity Service: biosecurity@cookislands.gov.ck

Phone: (682) 28711/28710

Politcaly Linked to New Zealand.

Non-stop flights available via Auckland, Pape'ete, Honolulu and Sydney. All live animals to be imported will only be landed in Rarotonga. The animal must be consigned to the Cook Islands as manifested cargo.

For further in formation regarding Biosecurity formalities for private yacht contact the following:

Email: Director for Biosecurity Service; ngatoko@cookislands.gov.ck

Or Biosecurity Service: biosecurity@cookislands.gov.ck

Phone: (682) 28711/28710

Yacht arrival – If you have any animal such as a dog, cat or birds aboard you will not be able to land it ashore anywhere in the Cook Islands. All animal(s) are required to be kept secured aboard the yacht, ship, boat and may be required to be bonded for the duration of your stay in the Cook Islands. This is fully refundable provided the conditions of bond have not been breached.

Check the on line website www.agriculture.gov.ck for in formation on importation of live animals.

The animal will be in spected and treated as necessary on arrival in the Cook Islands by a Senior Animal Quarantine Officer or Quarantine Officer and may not leave the Quarantine area of the port of entry until a Permit to Land has been issued.

In order to access your imported goods, it is a requirement of Cook Islands Customs to ensure all goods have been declared.

If you have any animal such as a dog, cat or birds aboard you will not be able to land it ashore anywhere in the Cook Islands. All animal(s) are required to be kept secured aboard the yacht, ship, boat and may be required to be bonded for the duration of your stay in the Cook Islands. This is fully refundable provided the conditions of bond have not been breached. Check our on line website www.agriculture.gov.ck for in formation on importation of live animals.

For customs assistance - https://www.kauvaicustomsagency.com

Export notes

It is advised to work with a local customs broker. Your pet will need to meet all documentation and health requirements for destination country.

Please contact the local vet clinic - https://www.tearemanu.com on the Cook Islands.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

Not a member but comply with CITES agreement. A CITES permit is required from the Cook Islands National Environment Services (NES) before taking any shells or corals out of the country. Contact No. (682) 21256 or Email: resources@cookislands.gov.ck

The expected processing time for this type of permit is 2–5 days upon receipt of completed application.

The importation of the following breeds of dogs are prohibited: Doberman Pitt Bull Terrier Bull Dogs Rottweiler, or any other breed of dog that the Police may specify from time to time. All dogs imported into the Cook Islands must be neutered or spayed.

Dog owners are required by law to register their dogs at the *Cook Islands Police* Headquarters in Avarua.

Click here to register - https://www.animalregistration.co.ck/

If arriving by sea - https://agriculture.gov.ck/biosecurity/sailing-to-the-cook-islands/ As well as getting your Biosecurity and Customs (in cluding Immigration) clearance you will need a Health Clearance. On arrival you will need to fill in or present a Master’s Certificate pertaining to any meat, fruit and vegetables, live plants and live animals on board to a Biosecurity Officer. If you have any animal such as a dog, cat or birds aboard you will not be able to land it ashore anywhere in the Cook Islands. All animal(s) are required to be kept secure aboard the yacht, ship, boat and may be required to be bonded for the duration of your stay in the Cook Islands. This is fully refundable provided the conditions of bond have not been breached. Check our on line website www.agriculture.gov.ck for in formation on the importation of live animals.

A customs broker can aid in facilitating export clearance documents for clients wanting to export goods overseas. Similar to the process for importing goods, Cook Islands Customs also require customs documentation to be completed before goods can leave the country.

Please visit the local vet clinic - https://www.tearemanu.com for live animal export requirements and documentation.

Official contacts

Ministry of Agriculture / Biosecurity Service

P.O. Box 96, Rarotonga

Phone: +682-28710

Email: biosecurity@cookislands.gov.ck

https://www.animalregistration.co.ck/ - DR-ACC is lead by Cook Islands Police Services in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture

Director for Biosecurity Service: ngatoko@cookislands.gov.ck

Or Biosecurity Service: biosecurity@cookislands.gov.ck

Phone: (682) 28711/28710

Ministry of Agriculture

Mr. Teariki Matairagi Purea

Ara Tapu, Arorangi District,

Cook Islands

P.O. Box 96, Rarotonga

COOK ISLANDS

Tel: +682 28 711

Fax: +682 21 881

Email mat.purea@agriculture.gov.ck

Email: moa.support@cookislands.gov.ck

Website

Current as of November 2024

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2026-03-30.

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