Published on January 7, 2026
Moving to New Zealand with a pet in 2026?
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This guide is written to help pet parents understand the process of moving your pet to New Zealand, so you can plan early, avoid delays, and get help fast when it matters.
To move a dog or cat to New Zealand, you’ll generally need to: confirm your pet is eligible and your origin country is approved, book an MPI-approved quarantine facility (if required), apply for an import permit (most cats/dogs except those from Australia), complete required vet tests/treatments using MPI’s model certificates, and arrange approved routing into Auckland or Christchurch.
Step 1: Confirm your pet (and origin country) is eligible
New Zealand groups origin countries into three categories based on rabies status (Category 1: Australia (including Norfolk Island); Category 2: rabies-free; Category 3: rabies absent/well controlled). Cats and dogs can only be imported from approved countries listed in MPI guidance.
Also note:
- Some dog breeds/types may be prohibited (Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, and American Pit Bull Terrier)
- Hybrids aren’t eligible (Bengal cats are a limited exception with documentation).
- There are age and pregnancy restrictions (for example, not more than 42 days pregnant at shipment)
Step 2: Use the official MPI step-by-step as your roadmap
MPI publishes a step-by-step process and points pet parents to the Import Health Standard (IHS), guidance documents, and checklists that define required tests, treatments, and veterinary certificates.
Step 3: Book quarantine early (when required)
New Zealand uses MPI-approved quarantine facilities, and MPI lists the registered facilities. All cats and dogs must have a minimum of 10 days in quarantine unless your pet is coming from Australia. MPI also notes that cats and dogs can arrive only at Auckland and Christchurch ports.
If quarantine space is limited for your dates, it can delay everything else, including flights, permit timing, and the final vet appointment. Start the process as early as possible.
Step 4: Apply for the import permit (don’t leave this late)
MPI advises applying for a permit to import a minimum of 30 working days in advance for “all cats and dogs except from Australia.”
The New Zealand Government also states that pets must meet specific health standards, and using a pet exporter is recommended (and often required by airlines). Our team at WorldCare Pet is always happy to help with relocations to New Zealand.
Step 5: Complete vet tests, treatments, and certificates exactly as required
MPI’s IHS/guidance will specify what’s needed and which model veterinary certificates must be completed.
If you’re moving from the United States, USDA APHIS outlines typical documentation, including:
- MPI import permit
- Health Certificate A (USDA-accredited vet and APHIS endorsement) and Health Certificate B (APHIS issued/endorsed)
- Lab reports endorsed by APHIS, vaccination records (depending on category), and other declarations
Note: If your pet is on medication and will need it during travel, you’ll need a copy of your veterinarian’s prescription, and the Declaration of Medicines form must be completed.
Step 6: Plan arrival routing and inspection
Your pet will be inspected by New Zealand officials, and you’ll need to contact MPI ahead of travel (at least 72 hours) to arrange inspection timing, plus quarantine is expected on arrival for at least 10 days.
How long does it take to move a pet to New Zealand?
New Zealand’s government guidance warns the process can be expensive and may take several months, depending on origin country and requirements.
A practical planning range many pet parents use:
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Best case: several months (when quarantine, documents, and flights align)
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Plan for flexibility: scheduling and document reviews can shift, especially if your pet needs multiple vet visits or lab work
FAQ: Moving a Pet to New Zealand
Do dogs and cats need quarantine in New Zealand?
Many do, and MPI maintains a list of registered quarantine facilities; arrivals are limited to Auckland and Christchurch ports.
Can my pet fly directly into any New Zealand airport?
No. MPI states cats and dogs (requiring quarantine services) can arrive only at Auckland or Christchurch ports.
What documents do I need to bring my pet to New Zealand?
At a high level: import permit (most cases), veterinary certificates, required tests/treatments, and supporting lab/vaccination records. MPI provides the IHS and model certificates; U.S. exporters follow APHIS health certificate steps.
When should I apply for the New Zealand import permit?
MPI recommends applying at six weeks prior to travel. They need at least 30 working days before the date you need the permit (except in Australia, which is at least 5 working days).
What’s the biggest reason pet moves to New Zealand get delayed?
Quarantine reservations and document deadlines are the most common sources of delays. Missing or missteps with any export or import requirement can also push a move back.
For step-by-step guidance on relocating your pet to New Zealand, visit our New Zealand pet travel requirements page here.
Valerie Neyra is the Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and a proud cat mom to Lucky. She is dedicated to creating resources that simplify domestic & international pet transport. Valerie understands how important pets are to our lives and works to help pet parents feel supported and confident every step of the way during their global moves.