Shipping your pet to New Zealand
New Zealand has some of the strictest pet import regulations in the world. We handle every requirement from start to finish to ensure your pet arrives safely, compliantly, and on schedule.
New Zealand Import Permit — Quick Facts
Required for pets entering New Zealand from Category 2 & 3 countries
- Issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
- Apply as soon as the Official Veterinary Declaration (OVD) is endorsed
- Processing time: minimum 30 working days
- Late-year applications may be delayed due to holiday closures
- Applications are submitted and paid for online
- Required documents:
- Official Veterinary Declaration (OVD)
- Rabies vaccination records
- RNATT lab results (if applicable)
- Quarantine booking confirmation
6-8 Months before travel:
- Microchip your pet with an ISO-compliant microchip.
- Administer Rabies Vaccination.
3-4 Weeks later:
- Perform RNATT / Rabies Titer Test.
- Wait for the mandatory 3-month period after the blood is drawn.
3 Months after Titer Test:
- Apply for the New Zealand Import Permit.
- Book the mandatory quarantine facility in Auckland or Christchurch.
16-30 Days before travel:
- Administer general vaccinations (DAPP/FVRCP).
- Perform additional required blood tests (e.g., Heartworm, Brucella Canis).
2-4 Days before travel:
- Administer internal and external parasite treatments.
- Complete the final vet examination for health certification.
Within 10 Days of travel:
- Obtain the Official Veterinary Declaration (OVD).
- Get all documents endorsed by the USDA.
Arrival:
- Your pet travels to New Zealand.
- Complete the mandatory 10-day quarantine at the approved facility.
- Final vet exam and release.
Quarantine Information
Pets entering New Zealand from Category 2 and 3 countries must complete aminimum 10-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility upon arrival. This step is mandatory and carefully regulated to ensure every pet meets New Zealand's strict biosecurity standards.
Quarantine facilities are located in Auckland and Christchurch, the primary entry points for international pet arrivals. Facilities are professionally managed, secure, and designed for comfort, with individual accommodations and supervised exercise areas. Your pet is examined by anMPI-appointed veterinarian at both intake and release.
In rare cases, quarantine may be extended due to health findings, documentation issues, or inspections occurring outside standard business hours. Proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of delays.
Quarantine space is limited and must be reserved in advance. A confirmed booking is required as part of the import permit application, making early planning essential.
What Pets Can Travel to New Zealand
New Zealand permits the import of dogs and cats only, provided all eligibility criteria are met.
- Pets must meet minimum age and health requirements
- Certain dog breeds and hybrids are prohibited or restricted
- Pets must not be pregnant or nursing at the time of export
- Airline-specific breed, crate, and temperature restrictions apply
We confirm eligibility early to avoid delays or denied entry.
Certain pets and specific breeds are prohibited from entering New Zealand. The following dog breeds are banned:
- Brazilian Fila (Fila Brasileiro)
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier
In addition, hybrids—or cats and dogs crossed with another species—are not allowed, with the exception of Bengal cats. Bengal cats must have documented proof showing at least five generations of domestic ancestry. If your pet comes from a registered breeder, include the breeder's health and lineage records as part of your import documentation.
Pets must be at least 12 weeks old and not more than 42 days pregnant before traveling to New Zealand. Dogs with a history of Brucella canis, the bacterium that causes brucellosis, are not eligible for import.
What Nelligan Pet Transport Can Do for You
Navigating airline requirements and New Zealand's strict import regulations can be complex. Nelligan Pet provides experienced guidance and structured planning to ensure every aspect of your pet's relocation is handled correctly.
As specialists in New Zealand pet transport, we manage the process from start to finish—including documentation, airline coordination, quarantine arrangements, and arrival logistics. Our team remains available throughout the journey, providing clear communication and dependable support so your pet arrives safely, compliantly, and without unnecessary delays.
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