Some destinations ask you to slow down before you even pack. New Zealand is one of them, and quarantine sits at the heart of it. Tafoukt and I read that word and understood: this is a route you honour, not one you rush. We took our time, gathered every paper, and let the ritual of preparation become part of the trip itself.
Bringing a pet to New Zealand requires three documents in the right order: a microchip, a rabies vaccine within the destination's wait window, and a government-endorsed health certificate. The table below lays out exactly what's required, what's not, and where each rule comes from.
How New Zealand handles your pet Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
Cabin policy Advance booking notice 72 hours …form to ozdogsandcats@mpi.govt.nz Assistance dogs from approved countries You need to notify MPI at least 72 hours before the scheduled arrival time of your assistance dog. verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yese requirements of the new IHS, including an official ID check at least 6 months prior to export. Therefore, from 1 October 2026, the new ID checks will need to be implemented. Cats and Dogs 2026 – Import Health Standard… verified 2026-06-19 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yeshave a minimum of 10 days quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. A booking confirmation letter needs to accompany your application for a permit to import. Find approved quarantine facilities in New Zealand… verified 2026-07-25 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoHowever, pre-entry tests cannot be used for certification requirements of dogs to Australia. verified 2026-07-20 Cargo: Crate must have/be a carrier Some airlines require a pet exporter to book flights for animals because this Step-by-step guide to bringing cats and dogs to NZ | NZ Government Skip to main content For individuals Mā te takitahi For individuals Mā te… verified 2026-06-23 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yesare not required to have seals on crates. The applicable wording in veterinary certificate B should be struck out. If you have any questions, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz Resources To Help You We've developed… verified 2026-06-30 Health certificate validity 42 days ns Cats and dogs need to meet the minimum age specified on the applicable model veterinary certificate in the IHS and not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment. verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Type approved quarantine …breed or type note the restrictions around hybrids use a pet transporter (recommended) book an MPI-approved quarantine facility (if required) apply for a permit to import from MPI a minimum of 30 working days in advance of the… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Required ✓ Yescument ensure your dog isn't a prohibited breed or type note the restrictions around hybrids use a pet transporter (recommended) book an MPI-approved quarantine facility (if required) apply for a permit to import from… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Reducible ✓ Yesur cat or dog is not available for inspection during these times, or is not compliant with the requirements, it will be sent to an approved quarantine facility until veterinary inspection is completed on the next… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Duration 10 days …quarantine facility All cats and dogs except those from Australia are required to have a minimum of 10 days quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. A booking confirmation letter needs to accompany… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✓ Yeshecklists for cats and dogs check that your cat or dog is eligible for import into New Zealand – refer to the guidance document ensure your dog isn't a prohibited breed or type note the restrictions around hybrids use a… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Reduced duration 10 days Book an MPI-approved quarantine facility All cats and dogs except those from Australia are required to have a minimum of 10 days quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Approved facility required ✓ Yess for cats and dogs check that your cat or dog is eligible for import into New Zealand – refer to the guidance document ensure your dog isn't a prohibited breed or type note the restrictions around hybrids use a pet… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Minimum level iu ml 0.5 …and it had a rabies titre test no more than 18 months before leaving New Zealand with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. verified 2026-07-20 Import permit · Cost $233.25 …or dogs arriving on boats) Permit to import live animals (includes guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas) $233.25* $268 verified 2026-07-14 Import permit · Required ✓ YesYou can apply for an import permit through our online permit application system: Animal and plant import permits (APIPS) Declare pet medication, if needed You need to provide details if your cat or dog is receiving any… verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Lead time 42 days …the minimum age specified on the applicable model veterinary certificate in the IHS and not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment. Ensure your pet meets residency requirements Cats and dogs, except… verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Issuing authority MPI apply for a permit to import from MPI a minimum of 30 working days in advance of the date you require the permit (all cats and dogs except from Australia) verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Documents required to obtain A booking confirmation letter A booking confirmation letter needs to accompany your application for a permit to import. verified 2026-07-15 Flea treatment · Required ✓ YesIf there are non-compliant tests or treatments or if external parasites are detected, the dog may be directed to a quarantine facility for the required treatment, testing and/or inspections verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesMinimum age and pregnancy restrictions Cats and dogs need to meet the minimum age specified on the applicable model veterinary certificate in the IHS and not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment. verified 2026-07-28 Other vaccinations · Canine influenza ✓ YesYou can download model certificates to complete from: Forms and templates when importing pets Make a canine influenza declaration, if required Since 2018, the IHS and model veterinary certificates for cats and dogs… verified 2026-06-19 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ Yesats and dogs from: Category 1: Australia (including Norfolk Island) Category 2: Rabies-free Category 3: Rabies-absent or well controlled You can find out what countries or territories are in categories 2 and 3 in… verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination 180 days (And dogs cannot be sent to Australia until they have lived in New Zealand for more than 180 days). verified 2026-07-20 Tapeworm treatment · Window min hours before arrival 24 …the completed documentation (including laboratory reports) is sent to the contact details below at least 24 hours before arrival. Contact us if you have questions Auckland arrivals: Phone: +64 9 909 2706 Email:… verified 2026-06-19 Health certificate required · Health certificate required ✓ YesMinimum age and pregnancy restrictions Cats and dogs need to meet the minimum age specified on the applicable model veterinary certificate in the IHS and not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment. verified 2026-06-19 Other rules Dangerous breeds banned ✗ YesMore details about the requirements are in Step 2: What you need to do Prohibited dog breeds or types The Dog Control Act 1996 prohibits the import into New Zealand of any dog that belongs entirely or predominantly to… verified 2026-07-15 Restricted breeds list American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Presa Canario More details about the requirements are in Step 2: What you need to do Prohibited dog breeds or types The Dog Control Act 1996 prohibits the import into New Zealand of any dog that belongs entirely or predominantly to… verified 2026-07-15 Breed restrictions apply ✗ YesMore details about the requirements are in Step 2: What you need to do Prohibited dog breeds or types The Dog Control Act 1996 prohibits the import into New Zealand of any dog that belongs entirely or predominantly to… verified 2026-07-15 Service & assistance animals Fee waived ✓ Yeserritories where rabies is absent or well controlled (category 3) [PDF, 1.6 MB] Assistance Dog Support document [PDF, 2.1 MB] For cats and dogs arriving on a vessel: cats and dogs on yachts support document plus… verified 2026-06-30 Advance notice hours 72 hours …form to ozdogsandcats@mpi.govt.nz Assistance dogs from approved countries You need to notify MPI at least 72 hours before the scheduled arrival time of your assistance dog. The notification shou verified 2026-07-15 Documentation required ✓ YesWe've developed guides for cats and dogs from category 1, 2, or 3 countries or territories. verified 2026-07-15 Cabin policy Advance booking notice 72 hours …form to ozdogsandcats@mpi.govt.nz Assistance dogs from approved countries You need to notify MPI at least 72 hours before the scheduled arrival time of your assistance dog. verified 2026-07-15 Advance booking required ✓ YesYou should also refer to the import health standard and guidance document Cats and dogs: Import Health Standard [PDF, 295 KB] Cats and dogs: Import health standard guidance document [PDF, 521 KB] Summary of requirements… verified 2026-06-30 Booking method website …for Bengal cats. Related import processes Import processes related to cats and dogs are elsewhere on the website. Refer to importing: an assistance or guide dog pets like chinchillas, rabbits, verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Advance booking notice 72 hours …complete the declaration form below before shipping your cat or dog send your completed form at least 72 hours prior to arrival in New Zealand to one of the email addresses below. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Advance booking required ✓ Yese requirements of the new IHS, including an official ID check at least 6 months prior to export. Therefore, from 1 October 2026, the new ID checks will need to be implemented. Cats and Dogs 2026 – Import Health Standard… verified 2026-06-19 Hold: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoIf ticks or fleas are found on arrival Your cat or dog cannot be given clearance to enter New Zealand if ticks or fleas are detected on arriv Step-by-step guide to bringing cats and dogs to NZ | NZ Government Skip to… verified 2026-06-19 Cargo: Advance booking notice 72 hours …complete the declaration form below before shipping your cat or dog send your completed form at least 72 hours prior to arrival in New Zealand to one of the email addresses below. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yese requirements of the new IHS, including an official ID check at least 6 months prior to export. Therefore, from 1 October 2026, the new ID checks will need to be implemented. Cats and Dogs 2026 – Import Health Standard… verified 2026-06-30 Cargo: Pregnant animals accepted ✗ NoIf ticks or fleas are found on arrival Your cat or dog cannot be given clearance to enter New Zealand if ticks or fleas are detected on arriv Step-by-step guide to bringing cats and dogs to NZ | NZ Government Skip to… verified 2026-06-19 Cargo: Crate must have/be live-animal label From 1 April 2027, all cats and dogs entering New Zealand must meet the requirements of the new IHS, including an official ID check at least 6 Requirement documents for bringing pets to NZ | NZ Government Skip to main… verified 2026-07-03 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ Yeswere cats or dogs showing clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease the cat or dog showed no clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease. If your veterinary certificate does not yet include the canine… verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate validity 42 days ns Cats and dogs need to meet the minimum age specified on the applicable model veterinary certificate in the IHS and not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment. verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Type home quarantine Assistance dogs that are not given biosecurity clearance will be directed to home quarantine by a MPI inspector/veterinarian until inspected by a MPI veterinarian. verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Required ✓ Yesaying at an Auckland quarantine facility (Auckland Quarantine/Pethaven/Qualified Pet Services): liveanimalsauckland@mpi.govt.nz staying at Canterbury Quarantine Services: liveanimalschristchurch@mpi.govt.nz Remember,… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Duration 10 days …quarantine facility All cats and dogs except those from Australia are required to have a minimum of 10 days quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. A booking confirmation letter needs to accompany… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✓ YesAll cats and dogs except those from Australia are required to have a minimum of 10 days quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. A booking confirmation letter needs to accompany your application for a permit… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Reduced duration 10 days Book an MPI-approved quarantine facility All cats and dogs except those from Australia are required to have a minimum of 10 days quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Approved facility required ✓ YesAll cats and dogs except those from Australia are required to have a minimum of 10 days quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Minimum level iu ml 0.5 …and it had a rabies titre test no more than 18 months before leaving New Zealand with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Test validity months 18 months …before leaving New Zealand when it was at least 3 months of age, and it had a rabies titre test no more than 18 months before leaving New Zealand with a result of at least 0.5 verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Cost $233.25 …or dogs arriving on boats) Permit to import live animals (includes guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas) $233.25* $268 verified 2026-07-14 Import permit · Required ✓ YesYou can apply for an import permit through our online permit application system: Animal and plant import permits (APIPS) Declare pet medication, if needed You need to provide details if your cat or dog is receiving any… verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Issuing authority MPI apply for a permit to import from MPI a minimum of 30 working days in advance of the date you require the permit (all cats and dogs except from Australia) verified 2026-07-15 Import permit · Documents required to obtain A booking confirmation letter A booking confirmation letter needs to accompany your application for a permit to import. verified 2026-07-15 Flea treatment · Required ✓ YesIf there are non-compliant tests or treatments or if external parasites are detected, the dog may be directed to a quarantine facility for the required treatment, testing and/or inspections verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesMinimum age and pregnancy restrictions Cats and dogs need to meet the minimum age specified on the applicable model veterinary certificate in the IHS and not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment. verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Validity days 42 days dogs need to meet the minimum age specified on the applicable model veterinary certificate in the IHS and not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment. verified 2026-07-15 Other vaccinations · Canine influenza ✓ YesYou can download model certificates to complete from: Forms and templates when importing pets Make a canine influenza declaration, if required Since 2018, the IHS and model veterinary certificates for cats and dogs… verified 2026-06-19 Tapeworm treatment · Window min hours before arrival 72 …complete the declaration form below before shipping your cat or dog send your completed form at least 72 hours prior to arrival in New Zealand to one of the email addresses below verified 2026-07-15
Timing chain
Day -180 rabies vaccine deadline · Day 0 arrive at customs
Breed restrictions
Banned breeds: Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Presa Canario verified 2026-07-15
Restricted breeds: Presa Canario verified 2026-07-15
Ports of entry
AucklandChristchurch airportverified 2026-07-15
Tapeworm treatment must be given at least 24 hours before arrival in New Zealand. Time the dose so it falls inside that window, not earlier. Download the declaration of medicines form and complete it. Provide a copy of the veterinarian's prescription to MPI before or when the dog arrives. Keep both documents together with the travel paperwork.
The Dog Control Act 1996 prohibits importing certain dogs entirely. Banned breeds are the Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, and Presa Canario. Confirm the dog belongs to none of these types before booking travel. A dog belonging entirely or partly to a prohibited breed cannot enter. Verify breed classification with documentation and cross-check against the Step 2 requirements first.
Frequently asked
What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The import permit carries a $233.25 fee, GST included. Budget this exact amount as a fixed line before travel. The permit applies to cats and dogs from category 2 countries where rabies is absent or far controlled. Pay the fee when applying for the permit. Treat it as a required cost, separate from any other charge along the route.
New Zealand rewards those who prepare early and travel calmly. Every permit, treatment, and certificate has its moment, and the whole thing feels lighter once the pieces line up. When you are ready to map your own route, let Pawgo build you a personalized plan for your dog and your dates. We took our time here, and your plan can help you take yours.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
