New Zealand
New Zealand has some of the world’s strictest biosecurity rules, on par with Australia. Requirements depend heavily on your origin country group, with mandatory quarantine on arrival. Start planning at least 6 months ahead for non-Australia origins.
At a Glance
Bringing a pet into New Zealand depends entirely on the origin country category: Australia (Category 1) faces the fewest requirements, rabies-free countries (Category 2) need 6 months’ residency, and rabies-controlled countries (Category 3) require a blood test and the longest preparation — but every pet, regardless of origin, must complete 10 days of quarantine on arrival.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
Category 3 only
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Import Permit
Not from Australia*
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Min. Age
8 weeks–9 months*
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Min. Prep Time
6+ months*
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Difficulty
Complex
Key Requirements
Origin Country Category
Requirements depend on which group your origin country falls into. Category 1 (Australia): min. age 8 weeks, no import permit, no destination agent required. Category 2 (rabies-free countries): min. age 12 weeks, 6 months’ residency required. Category 3 (rabies-controlled countries): min. age 9 months, rabies vaccination and blood test required.
Microchip + Vaccinations
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required, implanted before any rabies vaccination (Category 3). Core vaccines (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza for dogs; calicivirus, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis for cats) depend on the destination quarantine facility’s requirements.
Rabies Blood Test (Category 3 only)
FAVN or RFFIT test required, taken 3–24 months before shipment, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Additional tests may apply depending on origin: heartworm, Babesia gibsoni, Brucella canis, and leptospirosis (the last two not required from Australia).
Import Permit
Not required from Australia. Required for Category 2 and 3 origins, issued by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Processing takes around 30 working days and costs $268.24 NZD. Valid for up to 6 months.
Parasite Treatments
Two rounds of external and internal parasite treatment required before export, on a fixed schedule. Dogs also need a heartworm treatment within 4 days of export.
10-Day Quarantine — Approved Facilities
Mandatory for all pets on arrival. New Zealand has government-approved quarantine facilities; your import permit (where applicable) will specify which facility your pet must attend. Pre-booking and pre-payment are required before travel.
Health Certificate
Official Model Health Certificates A & B, completed by an official veterinarian and endorsed by the exporting country’s authority within 48 hours before export.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify your origin category and current rules with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
Shown below: Category 3 (rabies-controlled origins) — the longest path. Category 1 (Australia) and Category 2 (rabies-free) origins are significantly faster.
1
Microchip + Rabies Vaccination
~7 months before travel
2
Rabies Blood Test (FAVN/RFFIT)
~6 months before travel
3
Additional Tests (heartworm, Babesia, etc.)
16–30 days before export
4
Apply for Import Permit
~3 months before travel (allow 30 working days)
5
Book Quarantine Facility
After permit is issued
6
Parasite Treatments
30 days to 2 days before export
7
Health Certificate
48 hours before export
Frequently Asked Questions
Is quarantine mandatory for New Zealand?
Yes — all pets must complete a 10-day quarantine on arrival at a government-approved facility. There are no exceptions.
Does the process differ if my pet is coming from Australia?
Yes, significantly. Pets from Australia (Category 1) have a lower minimum age, no import permit requirement, and no destination agent requirement, and skip several tests required from other origins.
Are there breed restrictions for New Zealand?
Yes. Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, and American Pit Bull Terrier-type dogs are prohibited from import. Animal hybrids are also not eligible, except Bengal cats with 5 generations of documented domestic ancestry. A certified agent can confirm if your pet qualifies →
Is New Zealand easier than Australia?
Broadly similar in strictness — both use an origin-category system, mandatory quarantine, and conditional testing depending on where your pet is travelling from.
My pet is coming from a non-approved country — can we travel directly?
No. Pets from countries not on New Zealand’s approved list cannot travel directly. A staging country is required. Talk to a specialist about your options →
How much does it cost?
Get a free personalised quote →
Ready to start planning?
Every pet’s situation is different. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified pet relocation specialist.
⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.