Pet import requirements for New Zealand
What New Zealand asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2026-03-11 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2026-03-11. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work.
New Zealand at a glance
| Requirement | For New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Microchip Required | Each animal must be fitted with a microchip for identification |
| Rabies | Category 1, 2 and 3 countries No quarantine restrictions prior to import Animals must reside for at least six months in a country approved to export cats and dogs to New Zealand… |
| Rabies antibody test | Category 3 countries – rabies absent or well-controlled FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test not less than three months and not more than 24 months prior to… |
| Import permit Required | Category 1 (Australia): No import permit required |
| Quarantine | Qualified Pet Services 150 Airfield Road Takanini Auckland New Zealand Proprietor: Carol O’Neil Ph +64 9 299 9539 Fax +64 9 299 9539 E-mail: services@qualifiedpet.co.nz Website:… |
| Minimum age to travel | Category 1: Australia: Minimum 8 weeks Category 2: Rabies Free Countries: Minimum 12 weeks Category 3: Rabies Controlled Countries: Minimum 9 months |
| Customs clearance | It is recommended Owners/Importers engage a Customs Broker |
| Agent at destination | Not required |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
Qualified Pet Services 150 Airfield Road Takanini Auckland New Zealand Proprietor: Carol O’Neil Ph +64 9 299 9539 Fax +64 9 299 9539 E-mail: services@qualifiedpet.co.nz Website:…. New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and lies east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of the islands of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Arrival airports noted for this destination in clude AKL, CHC, WLG, PMR, DUD, BHE, and 2 other listed airports.
Import requirements
Category 1: Australia: Minimum 8 weeks
Category 2: Rabies Free Countries: Minimum 12 weeks
Category 3: Rabies Controlled Countries: Minimum 9 months
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List what are the specific requirements especial documents needed for each type of animal to enter? How many are allowed per owner/ importer? Are there different requirements for different countries? Please add any website links you may have.
• Import permit required for category 2 and 3 countries
• Animals must reside for at least six months in a country approved to export cats and dogs to New Zealand (category 1, 2 or 3)
• NNZCS 231 Bringing a Pet or Other Animal into New Zealand
• Copy of your photo ID
• Proof of purchase or Evidence of ownership (if available)
• Air Waybill
• Veterinary Certificates, vaccination records and laboratory reports (as required by MPI)
• Exempting Statutory Declaration (Dogs Only)
Any movement of a pet for personal reasons such as relocation. The above Import Requirements still apply.
• Must meet the import Health Standard Requirements
• Quarantine facility/agent can clear customs on behalf of client if they meet the concession requirements
- Must meet the import Health Standard Requirements
- Quarantine Facility/agent can clear customs on behalf of client if they meet the concession requirements
Any animal imported for commercial purposes in cluding having been purchased overseas, breeding, showing or sale. In these in stances, a Customs Broker is Required.
As mentioned in Treatments:
DOGS WHO HAVE TRAVELLED OR RESIDED IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Imidocarb in jection dipropionate at 7.5 mg/kg 16 days prior to export (treatment against Babesia Canis)
or test for Babesia canis (see tests)
Pets are only permitted by sea vessel to the North IslandAssistance Dog permits and home quarantine are permitted as long as eligibility is met
Identification and microchip
Each animal must be fitted with a microchip for identification. *International Standards Organisation (ISO) Standard *microchips meeting specifications 11784 or Annex A of ISO Standard 11785 are generally used (and are required for dog registration in New Zealand).
If the microchip does not meet these ISO Standards, it is the importer’s responsibility to ensure that the microchip can be read upon entry to New Zealand.
Rabies and vaccinations
Category 1, 2 and 3 countries
No quarantine restrictions prior to import
Animals must reside for at least six months in a country approved to export cats and dogs to New Zealand (category 1, 2 or 3). Animal must show no clinical signs of rabies at time of shipment.
Category 2: Rabies free
Animal must have been resident in a rabies free country (as defined in the OIE Code) since birth or for 6 months prior to shipment.
Category 3 – Rabies controlled. Rabies vaccination required. Acceptable rabies vaccination: Government approved in activated virus vaccine or recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein. Microchip number must be implanted prior to rabies vaccination(s) and recorded on the rabies vaccination certificate/record.
Timeline: a) Primary vaccination must be given not less than six months and not more than one year prior to the date of shipment, when the animal was at 12 weeks of age.
b) Booster vaccination must be given not more than 12 months prior to the date of shipment. Note: rabies vaccination must be kept up-to-date from the date of sample collection for the rabies titre test to the date of shipment.
Vaccinations are dependent on the quarantine facility the pets are using. Recommend you confirm with the quarantine facility which vaccinations they require.
Cats:
*Vaccines required may in clude:*
- *feline calicivirus*
- *feline panleukopenia (enteritis)*
- *feline rhinotracheitis*
Dogs:
*Vaccines required may in clude:*
- canine distemper
- in fectious canine hepatitis
- canine parvovirus
- canine parainfluenza
- kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica)
- canine in fluenza (required from some countries)
Tests and treatments
Category 3 countries – rabies absent or well-controlled
FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test 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/ml
Category 2 and 3 countries – rabies free
Heartworm: Heartworm antigen ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test with a negative result in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment.
Babesia gibsoni: IFA (in direct fluorescent antibody) test or ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test for Babesia gibsoni with a negative result in the 16 days prior to the date of shipment
OR
Two PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests for Babesia species or Babesia gibsoni with negative results on samples collected 30 to 37 days apart, with the second sample collected in the 16 days prior to the date of shipment.
Brucella canis (not required from Australia): RSAT (rapid slide agglutination test) OR TAT (tube agglutination test) OR CPAg-AGID (cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test) in the 16 days prior to shipment with negative results.
If a suspicious result from RSAT or TAT emerges, a second CPAg-AGID test may be run with a negative result in the 16 days prior to shipment.
Leptospirosis (not required from Australia): If not following the doxycycline or dihydrostreptomycin treatment option, (MAT) microscopic agglutination test for Leptospira in terrogans serovar canicola with a negative result in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment. If a positive MAT occurs,
a second MAT for L. canicola is required at least 14 days after the first test showing no in crease above the tire of the first test.
Dogs that have been in South Africa Only – Babesia Canis testing
If not following the imidocarb dipropionate treatment option, IFA or ELISA test with a negative result in the 16 days prior to shipment.
Category 1 countries
As above - but treatment or test for leptospirosis and test for Brucella canis not required.
*The 10 day extension for tests and treatments is being applied to all import permits. This means for example, that a test required in the 16 days prior to shipment can be done in the 26 days prior to shipment. The veterinary examination must still be completed in the 2 days prior to shipment.*
Cats:
External parasites: (2 treatments effective against ticks and fleas)
- 1st treatment within 30 days prior to export and at least 2 weeks apart from the 2nd treatment
- 2nd treatment: within 2 days prior to export
Internal Parasite (2 treatments effective against nematodes and cestodes)
- 1st treatment within 30 days prior to export and at least 2 weeks apart from the 2nd treatment
- 2nd treatment: within 4 days prior to export
Dogs:
External parasites: (2 treatments effective against ticks and fleas)
- 1st treatment within 30 days prior to export and at least 2 weeks apart from the 2nd treatment
- 2nd treatment: within 2 days prior to export
Internal parasite (2 treatments effective against nematodes and cestodes)
- 1st treatment within 30 days prior to export and at least 2 weeks apart from the 2nd treatment
- 2nd treatment: within 4 days prior to export
- Heartworm treatment: must be treated within 4 days of export (ivermectin, milbemycin, selamectin or moxidectin)
Dogs who have travelled or resided in South Africa:
Imidocarb in jection dipropionate at 7.5mg/kg 16 days prior to export for treatment against *Babesia canis* if testing option not followed.
*The 10 day extension for tests and treatments is being applied to all import permits. This means for example, that a test required in the 16 days prior to shipment can be done in the 26 days prior to shipment. The veterinary examination must still be completed in the 2 days prior to shipment.*
Health certificate and permits
Model Health Certificates A & B to be completed by an Official Veterinarian in the country of export within 48 prior to export. Each page must be completed in full and stamped by the exporting country’s endorsing authority.
Multiple pets can be placed on the one certificate.
Category 1 (Australia): No import permit required.
Category 2 (rabies free) and category 3 (rabies controlled): An MPI-issued import permit is required. MPI requires 30 working days excluding public holidays to process the permit. Cost: $268.24 NZD. The permit is valid for up to 6 months or until the rabies requirements are no longer valid, whichever comes first. If entry date changes and the new date is still within the validity of the permit period, a new permit is not required, nor do MPI need to be notified. Contact the quarantine facility to ensure they still have space for the pet/s.
The permit in cludes a special condition allowing a 10-day extension of tests and treatments. Tests will need to be repeated if the delay exceeds 10 days.
The permit in cludes a special condition allowing the 6-month residency to occur across any approved countries that are certified to export cats and dogs to New Zealand and are of at least equal health status.
Permit applications should be submitted through the on line system:
IMPORT
EXPORT
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/take-or-send-from-nz/pets-leaving-nz/all-pets-leaving-nz-except-cats-and-dogs-to-australia/forms-and-templates-for-exporting-pets
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/take-or-send-from-nz/pets-leaving-nz/sending-cats-and-dogs-to-australia/forms-and-templates-for-exporting-cats-and-dogs-to-australia
Quarantine
Qualified Pet Services 150 Airfield Road Takanini Auckland
New Zealand Proprietor: Carol O’Neil
Ph +64 9 299 9539 Fax +64 9 299 9539 E-mail: services@qualifiedpet.co.nz
Website: www.qualifiedpet.co.nz
Pethaven Quarantine Services 71a Homestead Road RD 1 Pokeno Auckland New Zealand Proprietor: Alan Gilder
Ph +64 9 233 6301
Fax +64 9 233 6302 E-mail: info@pethaven.nz Website: www.pethavenkennels.co.nz
Canterbury Quarantine Services Highfield Road Aylesbury
Christchurch New Zealand
Proprietors: Karen and Mark Bayliss
Ph +64 3 318 1279
Fax +64 3 318 1289 Email: info@canterburyquarantine.co.nz
Website: www.canterburyquarantine.co.nz
All Quarantine Stations in New Zealand are privately operated, each has its own criteria that must be met prior to arrival in New Zealand. Shippers must contact the Quarantine Facility they are in tending to use to ensure pets meet the requirements. Operating hours, time for visits, MPI Inspection and Release dates differ between each Quarantine provider.
Restrictions and banned breeds
Breed restrictions: As listed in Section 4 of the Dog Control Act, the following breeds & type of dogs are prohibited from import:
Breeds:
• Brazilian Fila
• Dogo Argentino
• Japanese Tosa
• Perro de Presa Canario ii) Type:
Type:
• American Pit Bull Terrier
Hybrids
No hybrids (of fspring of dogs or cats crossed with another species) are eligible for importation, with the exception of Bengal cats. Documentation showing 5 generations of domestic ancestry must be provided for Bengal cats.
Customs, agents, and airports
It is recommended Owners/Importers engage a Customs Broker.
Agent is Not required if importing from Australia. Quarantine facility required for all other origin countries and Agent is needed.
Airports:
- Auckland, AKL (ph: +64 9 275 0789 or 0800 247 767)
- Christchurch, CHC (ph: +64 3 353 7777)
- Wellington, WLG (ph: +64 4 385 5100)
Water Port:
- Westhaven, Auckland (ph: +64 9 360 5870)
- Opua, (ph: +64 9 402 7124)
Pets can be exported from Wellington. Pets cannot be imported to Wellington.
If the destination is Christchurch quarantine, shippers can import into AKL with a bonded flight arranged through quarantine destine for CHC that day or the following day.
Airports listed on this destination file: AKL, CHC, WLG, PMR, DUD, BHE, ZQN, NSN.
Customs Broker/Destination Agent Requirements: Owners/Importers can import pets without a broker if the movement is non-commercial. It is recommended Owners/Importers engage a Customs Broker. Agent is Not required if importing from Australia. Quarantine facility required for all other origin countries and Agent is needed.
- Import Permit Required
- Animal must have been resident in a Rabies Free Country as defined in the OIE Code since birth or for 6 months prior to shipment.
- NZCS 231 Bringing a Pet or Other Animal into New Zealand
- Copy of your photo ID
- Proof of purchase or Evidence of ownership (if available)
- Air Waybill
- Veterinary Certificates (as required by MPI)
- Exempting Statutory Declaration (Dogs Only)
Qualifies for Customs Concession (doesn’t have to pay GST):
- New Zealand or Australian passport
- Current NZ residence visa or permit
- Current permanent residence visa (in cluding resident return visa) issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia
- Current work visa valid for a year or more
- Current work visa or permit, issued under the Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) policy or the Long-Term Business Visa/Permit category
- Current visitors’ visa or permit valid for three years or more
- Have been living outside for NZ for more than 21 months
- Owned and used all the goods before importing them here with you
GST and Duty is payable if:
- Holds a work visa that is valid for less than a year
- Holds a student or visitor’s visa valid for less than 3 years
- Purchased the pets for commercial use (i.e. breeding or showing)
- Pets are a gift
Export notes
- Animals may be exported from:
Auckland
Wellington
Christchurch
- Australia:
An IATA compliant crate must be used.
An Export Certificate from an MPI Approved Veterinarian is required and must be issued not more than 5 days prior to Export
Dependent on the import requirements of the destination country
[OMARs (Overseas Market Access Requirement) are available for most countries as are export certificates. Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC) is required before departure in New Zealand](https://www.mpi.govt.nz/export/animals/live-animals-in cluding-livestock/requirement-documents-for-exporting-live-animals/)
Vaccination Recording Specifics:
“Microchip scanned and verified prior to vaccination as (Pet chip number) must be present on any vaccination being used for export purposes. Vaccinations must in clude: the above microchip phrase, the Vet’s Signature, Name, Clinic Name/Address, the Vet’s qualifications, date of vaccination, vaccination label and next vaccine due date. Vaccinations schedules / timings should refer to the Manufacturer’s recommendations. MPI will not recognize any vaccinations completed in other countries for the purpose of export from New Zealand to another country unless that vaccination was endorsed by the origin country’s endorsing authority.
All other nations:
An Export Certificate and/or an Animal Welfare Export Certificate will be required from an Official Veterinarian (MPI Vet) Ask a New Zealand MPI Approved pet transport agent to supply you with an [OMAR for relevant country requirements](https://www.mpi.govt.nz/export/animals/live-animals-in cluding-livestock/requirement-documents-for-exporting-live-animals/) or search for a specific OMAR: Further in formation on Certifications An Appointment at the Official MPI Offices is required, an MPI registered Pet Transport agent is recommended A Supporting Declaration for MPI is required, document valid for 30 days. The Veterinarian’s Declaration for MPI must be an original. The Supporting Declaration can be supplied by MPI or your MPI approved New Zealand pet transport agent. MPI does not accept copies of any documents pertaining to Export All Veterinary documents must be originals Correction fluid is not accepted. Any changes to documents must be signed and dated by the issuing Veterinarian
List of MPI Approved Veterinarians
The Owner must complete the Owner Declaration portion of the Certificate in person, or if not available, provide an Owner Statutory Declaration that has been witnessed by a Justice of the Peace, Solicitor or other person able to witness a legal document. The pet must be treated for in ternal and external parasites by the certifying vet within 5 days of export Review the Australian OMAR for additional requirements:
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
Other than cats and dogs, you can only import 3 species of animals as pets to New Zealand, and they have to be from approved countries. They are:
- chinchillas from Great Britain
- rabbits from Australia
- guinea pigs from Australia.
Regulations and the animal welfare system
Learn more about animal welfare laws and the amended Act
Depending upon which country the dogs and cats originate will depend upon the health requirements. Different Rabies Category for different countries.
September-2016 - IPATA Conference 2016
Provided by JetPets
Official contacts
GOVERNMENT:Animal Approvals and Advice (Animal Imports)
Biosecurity New Zealand
Ministry for Primary Industries
Tel: +64 4 830 1574 or 0800 00 83 33 if in New Zealand
Ministry for Primary Industries
Post: PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Phone: +800 00 83 33 / +64 4 830-1574 (calling from outside of NZ)
Email: Animal.Imports@mpi.govt.nz
Email:info@mpi.govt.nz
QUARANTINE Facilities:Pethaven Quarantine Services
71a Homestead Road, RD 1, Pokeno
Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 233-6301
Fax: +64 9 233-6302
Email: info@pethaven.nz
https://www.pethavenquarantine.co.nz/
Qualified Pet Services
150 Airfield Road
Takanini
Auckland
New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 299-9539
Fax: +64 9 299-9539
Email: services@qualifiedpet.co.nz
https://www.qualifiedpet.co.nz/
CHRISTCHURCHCanterbury Quarantine Services Ltd
Highfield Road
Aylesbury
PO Box 23158
Christchurch
New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 318-1279
Fax: +64 3 318-1289
Email: info@canterburyquarantine.co.nz
https://www.canterburyquarantine.co.nz/
Current as of December 2025
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 2026-03-11.
Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.
Other destinations: American Samoa · Australia · Cook Islands · all destinations
Official sources for New Zealand
- mpi.govt.nz mpi.govt.nz
- MPI Online Permit animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz
- mpi.govt.nz mpi.govt.nz
- IATA compliant crate iata.org
- Dependent on the import requirements of the destination country mpi.govt.nz
- OMARs (Overseas Market Access Requirement) are available for most countries as are export certificates. Animal mpi.govt.nz
- Further information on Certifications mpi.govt.nz
- List of MPI Approved Veterinarians mpi.govt.nz
Questions about moving a pet to New Zealand
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for New Zealand?
Each animal must be fitted with a microchip for identification
From the country profile, last verified 2026-03-11.
What rabies vaccination does New Zealand require?
Category 1, 2 and 3 countries No quarantine restrictions prior to import Animals must reside for at least six months in a country approved to export cats and dogs to New Zealand…
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for New Zealand?
Category 3 countries – rabies absent or well-controlled FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test not less than three months and not more than 24 months prior to…
A titer test is the single most common reason a move takes months rather than weeks, because the waiting period runs from the blood draw.
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into New Zealand?
Category 1 (Australia): No import permit required
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in New Zealand?
Qualified Pet Services 150 Airfield Road Takanini Auckland New Zealand Proprietor: Carol O’Neil Ph +64 9 299 9539 Fax +64 9 299 9539 E-mail: services@qualifiedpet.co.nz Website:…