Bringing Your Dog or Cat to New Zealand
If you are planning to move with your pet in the near future, it’s essential to get a head start. Thorough preparation and research are key to avoiding surprises or unexpected travel delays.
This guide outlines the key steps for bringing your pet to New Zealand from Category 3 countries, including requirements for microchipping, vaccinations, health certificates, and breed restrictions.
For more information on how to move your pet to New Zealand, click here.
What is a Category 3 Country?
New Zealand classifies countries into three categories for pet imports:
- Category 1: Australia (including Norfolk Island)
- Category 2: Rabies-free countries
- Category 3: Rabies-absent or well-controlled countries
To find out which category your country of origin falls into, consult New Zealand’s official IHS guidance document.
Key Requirements for Bringing Pets to New Zealand
Microchip Identification
Your pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before receiving their rabies vaccinations. Accepted microchip brands include Trovan and Destron.
Note: Microchips starting with 999 are not valid, as they are not unique.
Have your vet scan your pet’s microchip at every visit to confirm it matches health documents. Incorrect microchip documentation can cause travel delays.
Rabies Vaccination
- Must be greater than 30 days old and valid within 12 months at the time of the next step for entry.
- Only vaccines administered by a Government-Accredited Veterinarian are accepted.
- Pets must be at least 90 days old at the time of vaccination.
- New Zealand does not accept 3-year rabies vaccines older than 12 months.
Rabies Antibody Titre Test
- Blood draw must occur at least 3–4 weeks after the rabies vaccine and no more than 24 months before travel.
- Must be conducted by a Government-Accredited Veterinarian and sent to an approved laboratory.
- A mandatory 90-day wait from the lab receipt date is required before entry.
- If your pet fails the test, a new rabies vaccine must be administered, and you must wait 3–4 weeks before re-testing. Results may take 4–6 weeks or more.
General Vaccinations
All core vaccines must be:
- Greater than 30 days old at the time of travel and valid within 12 months at the time of travel
- Given as a full course (primary + booster 2–4 weeks apart)
Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
Dogs: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), Leptospirosis, Bordetella (within last 6 months), and Canine Influenza (required from certain countries only).
External Parasite Treatments
- Must be administered twice before export by a Government-Accredited Veterinarian.
- Cats: Frontline Plus only
- Dogs: Frontline or K9 Advantix II
WorldCare Pet will provide you with a detailed treatment schedule.
Internal Parasite Treatments
- Must be administered twice before export by a Government-Accredited Veterinarian.
- Drontal by Bayer is the only accepted dewormer.
Blood Tests (Dogs Only)
The following tests are required for canine entry into New Zealand:
- Brucella canis: Negative RSAT/TAT/CPAg-AGID within 16 days of export
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis): Negative ELISA within 30 days of export
- Babesia canis & gibsoni: Negative IFAT/ELISA within 16 days of export
- Leptospirosis: Negative MAT within 30 days of export or 14 days of antibiotic treatment
Import Permit
An Import Permit is mandatory and takes 1–2 months to process. It is valid for 12 months, or until the rabies titre test expires (whichever comes first).
New Zealand Health Certificate
Within 2 days before the date of export, a Government-Accredited Veterinarian must:
- Examine your pet for signs of illness or parasites
- Certify your pet is free of infectious disease
Quarantine
All cats and dogs entering from Category 3 countries must undergo 10 days of quarantine at an MPI-approved facility in Auckland. WorldCare Pet can manage this booking on your behalf.
Final Checklist
- Microchip: ISO-compliant; implanted before rabies vaccine; avoid codes starting with 999
- Rabies Vaccine: Valid for 12 months; greater than 30 days before titre test
- Rabies Titre Test: Drawn at least 3–4 weeks after rabies vaccine; 90-day wait required
- Vaccinations:
- Cats: FVRCP
- Dogs: DHPP, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Canine Influenza (if applicable)
- Parasite Treatments:
- External: 2 doses by accredited vet
- Internal: 2 doses of Drontal by accredited vet
- Blood Tests (Dogs Only): All must be negative within required timeframes
- Import Permit: Apply early; valid for 12 months
- Health Certificate: Must be issued within 2 days of export
- Quarantine: 10 days in Auckland
Restricted Dog Breeds in New Zealand
The following breeds cannot be imported:
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Presa Canario
Additional Travel Considerations
Carry Original Documents:
These act as your pet’s “passport” and must be presented at customs and quarantine.
Check Airline Requirements:
Every airline has its own pet travel policies. Confirm crate size, seasonal restrictions, and paperwork requirements before booking.
Customer Experience: Moving a Pet to New Zealand
Our furry friends, Jax and Lola, made the journey from North Carolina to New Zealand! Here’s what their family had to say:
“The team made the whole process of transporting my fur babies Jax and Lola from North Carolina to Auckland New Zealand very easy. They walked me through every step of the process and when I had a questions they responded immediately. Their professionalism and knowledge is outstanding. I highly recommend World Care Pet Transporting to take care of all your pet needs..”
— Orbell Family, USA to New Zealand
Final Thoughts
Bringing your dog or cat to New Zealand involves strict regulations and planning. But with the right guidance and enough lead time, the process can go smoothly.
If you need help, WorldCare Pet is here to assist every step of the way. Start by filling out our free quote request form to begin your pet’s relocation journey.