Attention: The following information should be used as a general guideline. Requirements for each country can change frequently so make sure to contact the proper authorities before you travel to New Zealand with a pet.
Pet Relocation to New Zealand
Moving pets and other animals to New Zealand requires certain conditions be met prior to arrival. These requirements are dependent upon where you are shipping your pet from and what type of animal your pet is.
There are some animals and breeds of pets which are not allowed into New Zealand at all. These include birds, reptiles and snakes, rats, ferrets and some others.
The following dogs and associated breeds are also not allowed to be imported: American pit bull terrier, Brazilian Fila and Japanese Tosa.
There are a few others but there is a great online resource provided by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand that will let you select your type of animal and your country, then give you the requirements which apply to your situation.
You have to provide MAF Biosecurity New Zealand with the exact flight/ship number and the time your pet will be arriving a minimum of 72 hours before hand.
Prior to Moving
For your animal to be eligible to enter New Zealand tests must be completed and a few general rules must be met.
Your animal must have resided in your country for more than six months prior to being shipped and cannot be more than 42 days pregnant.
You have to provide MAF Biosecurity New Zealand with the exact flight/ship number and the time your pet will be arriving a minimum of 72 hours before hand.
Additionally, your animal must have a country microchip implanted and this microchip will be used to confirm treatments and tests are done.
For dogs and cats, tests are mainly for external parasites, internal parasites and rabies.
Documents you will need:
- Permit to import
- Original veterinary certificates
- Proof of test results (either a copy or original)
- Importer dog breed declaration
Transporting Your Pet
New Zealand requires that your dog or cat is transported in an IATA approved container. There are no exceptions so do not try and get around this by purchasing a cheaper one.
They must be shipped as cargo and cannot be checked as carry on. The only exception is for assistance animals.
Arriving with your Pet in New Zealand
Your pet will also be inspected immediately upon arrival by a veterinary officer and you must have the documents showing that the biosecurity requirements were met.
Once in New Zealand, you’ll have to register your dog each year.
