New Zealand Pet Travel Requirements

Published on May 9, 2025

Last updated: September 14, 2026

Pet import requirements can change with little notice. Confirm current rules with WorldCare Pet before booking your move.

WorldCare Pet works with a network of professional partners to guide you through every step of the process, from microchipping through delivery.

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.

Update: New Zealand’s Import Requirements Are Changing

MPI’s revised Import Health Standard for cats and dogs came into force on July 1, 2026, and is being phased in through a 9-month transition period. Pets can currently be imported under either the 2021 or 2026 standard, but from October 1, 2026, the new pre-export identification check requirement begins, and by April 1, 2027, all pets must meet the full 2026 standard. Requirements in this guide are being reviewed against the updated standard. For the current official requirements, visit MPI: Bringing Cats and Dogs to NZ.

What Are New Zealand’s Pet Import Country Categories?

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

Does My Pet Need a Microchip to Enter New Zealand?

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.

What Are the Rabies Vaccine Requirements for New Zealand?

• 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.

Does My Pet Need a Rabies Titre Test for New Zealand?

• 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.

New to rabies titre tests? See our full guide to Rabies Titre Testing for Cats & Dogs.

What Vaccinations Does My Dog or Cat Need for New Zealand?

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, using a product registered for tick and flea control in the country of export.
• Common accepted options include Frontline Plus and K9 Advantix II, but requirements vary by product and country. WorldCare Pet will confirm the correct treatment for your pet’s origin.

Internal Parasite Treatments

• Must be administered twice before export by a Government-Accredited Veterinarian, using a product registered for the control of nematodes and cestodes.
• Drontal is a commonly used option, but other registered dewormers may also meet the requirement. WorldCare Pet will provide you with a detailed treatment schedule.

What Blood Tests Does My Dog Need Before Entering New Zealand?

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
  

New Zealand’s biosecurity rules are strict about disease-free entry, so these blood tests confirm your dog isn’t carrying anything that could affect local animal health.

Do I Need an Import Permit for My Pet to Enter New Zealand?

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). Because it takes 1–2 months to process, this is one of the first steps to start once you’ve confirmed your travel timeline.

What Health Certificate Does My Pet Need Before Flying to New Zealand?

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

Does My Pet Have to Quarantine in New Zealand?

All cats and dogs entering from Category 3 countries must undergo 10 days of quarantine at an MPI-approved facility. Quarantine facilities are located in Auckland and Christchurch, and MPI will confirm which facility applies to your pet’s arrival. 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

Feeling overwhelmed by the requirements?

WorldCare Pet manages microchip verification, titre testing, permit applications, and quarantine bookings for New Zealand moves from start to finish. Get a free quote to find out what your pet’s specific timeline looks like.

Which Dog Breeds Are Banned in New Zealand?

The following breeds cannot be imported:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Perro de 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.