Thinking of relocating to New Zealand with your beloved pet? Whether you’re planning a permanent move or a long-term stay, importing pets to New Zealand is a complex process that requires precise timing, paperwork, and veterinary care.
New Zealand has a fragile, protected ecosystem, and its strict biosecurity laws are designed to safeguard local wildlife. Fortunately, with early preparation and the right support, bringing your dog or cat to New Zealand is absolutely achievable.
This guide walks you through every essential step—from vaccinations and blood tests to quarantine and documentation—so you can plan your pet’s move with confidence.
🇳🇿 Why New Zealand Pet Import Rules Are So Strict
As an island nation with a unique biodiversity, New Zealand takes biosecurity very seriously. Only dogs and cats are allowed for import, and they must meet a long list of health, vaccination, and testing requirements to qualify for entry.
Failure to follow any step may result in:
- Extended quarantine (up to 180 days)
- Denied entry and return to country of origin
- Financial penalties
But don’t worry—we’ve helped hundreds of families move their pets to New Zealand successfully. Here’s how you can, too.
🗓️ Timeline Overview: Prepare at Least 6 Months in Advance
| Step | Time Before Departure |
| Microchip & First Rabies Vaccine | 6+ months |
| Second Rabies Vaccine & Titer Test | 5+ months |
| Import Documentation & MPI Permit | 2 months |
| Quarantine Booking | After permit approval |
| Final Vet Visit & USDA Endorsement | 1 week |
| Travel & Quarantine in NZ | 10-day stay |
🐶 Step 1: Microchip & Rabies Vaccination
Start at least 6 months before departure.
All pets must be microchipped before receiving the rabies vaccine. The microchip must be ISO-compliant (15-digit, non-encrypted). If your pet’s chip is non-compliant, they may need a second chip implanted.
Rabies Vaccine Requirements:
- Use an inactivated rabies vaccine
- Pet must be at least 90 days old at first vaccination
- Obtain original rabies certificates with vaccine details
- Second rabies vaccination needed for titer testing and entry
💡 We coordinate all veterinary visits and provide sample documents to ensure accuracy and reduce repeat appointments.
🧪 Step 2: Rabies Titer Test (RNAT)
Performed 3–4 weeks after the second rabies vaccine.
The Rabies Antibody Titer Test is mandatory and must:
- Be performed by a USDA-accredited vet
- Be tested at a New Zealand-approved lab
- Show sufficient antibody levels to qualify for entry
The blood draw date must be at least 3 months and no more than 24 months before entry, in order to meet New Zealand’s 10-day quarantine requirement.
⚠️ Missing this window may result in extended quarantine or denied entry.
🩺 Step 3: Required Tests & Treatments for Dogs and Cats
To protect local animal populations, New Zealand requires additional testing—especially for dogs.
For Dogs:
- Ehrlichiosis (IFA Test) – Negative result required; tick treatment within 24 hours of draw
- Brucellosis (Agglutination Test) – Must test negative; no mating post-test
- Leptospirosis – Either test OR 14-day doxycycline treatment
- Heartworm – Negative result required (can be combined with other tests)
For Cats:
- Fewer tests are required, but FVRCP vaccine is strongly recommended
💊 Internal & External Parasite Treatments
All dogs and cats must receive treatment for intestinal parasites (nematodes and cestodes) and external parasites (fleas and ticks) before travel.
Requirements:
- Treatment must occur within a specific window prior to departure
- Only topical treatments that prevent bites (not just kill parasites) are accepted
- Treatment details (product name, active ingredient, dosage, and date) must be recorded on official forms
❌ Oral treatments and collars are not accepted. Consult your vet or relocation coordinator for approved options.
👨⚕️ Step 4: Veterinary Credentials & Final Endorsements
To apply for an Official Veterinary Declaration (OVD) and complete the final export process, your vet must:
- Be USDA-accredited
- Review the rabies vaccination record and titer results
- Complete, sign, and stamp the RNAT test declaration
We’ll help coordinate your final vet appointment within 7 days of departure, complete all required forms, and obtain USDA endorsement on your behalf.
🐾 We work only with experienced vets who specialize in international travel, minimizing delays and ensuring full compliance.
📄 Step 5: Import Documentation & MPI Permit
Start this process 6–8 weeks before travel.
You must obtain an import permit from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). This permit is mandatory and must be issued before quarantine can be booked.
Required documents include:
- Proof of microchipping
- Rabies vaccine records
- Rabies antibody test results
- Supporting test reports (for dogs)
- Quarantine facility confirmation
📝 Permit processing can take up to 20 working days. Start early to avoid travel delays.
🏨 Step 6: Quarantine in New Zealand
All pets entering New Zealand are required to complete a 10-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility.
How Quarantine Works:
- Quarantine begins immediately upon arrival
- Facilities are privately run and must be booked in advance
- Pets are monitored, fed, and cared for by trained staff
- Special diets and medications can be accommodated
Booking Process:
- Choose your facility before applying for the import permit
- Obtain a booking confirmation letter for your application
- We handle the booking, paperwork, and logistics for you
🏠 After quarantine, we can arrange home delivery or forwarding flights within New Zealand.
⛔ Restricted Countries & Banned Breeds
Only certain countries are approved for direct pet import into New Zealand. If you’re moving from a non-approved or unlisted country, you’ll need to route through an approved country and meet additional requirements.
Banned Dog Breeds:
- Brazilian Fila
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario
- American Pit Bull Terrier
Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni or Brucella canis are also not eligible for import—even with treatment.
❗ Not sure if your pet is eligible? Consult us early—we can advise based on your country and breed.
📑 Final Checklist: What You’ll Need for Pet Import to New Zealand
✅ ISO-compliant microchip
✅ Two rabies vaccines (with dates and certificates)
✅ Rabies antibody titer test (90+ days before travel)
✅ All additional blood tests (dogs only)
✅ USDA-accredited vet sign-off
✅ Official Veterinary Declaration (OVD)
✅ Import permit from MPI
✅ Quarantine facility booking confirmation
✅ Internal & external parasite treatment
✅ Flight & crate arrangements
✅ Final health check within 7 days of travel
✈️ Why Use a Pet Relocation Specialist?
With so many steps, overlapping timelines, and strict documentation requirements, it’s easy to miss a crucial detail—which can lead to denied entry or months in quarantine.
We manage:
- Vet scheduling
- Titer test timing
- USDA and MPI paperwork
- Quarantine coordination
- International flights & post-arrival delivery
Our team has successfully relocated pets from the U.S. to New Zealand for over a decade, including large dogs, senior cats, and even entire pet families.
🐕 Real Stories: Successful Pet Moves to New Zealand
- Apollo – Golden Retriever from the U.S. to New Zealand (2019)
- Willow – Cross-country move with a challenging test schedule (2016)
- Argyle – Family cat moved safely with all vet steps coordinated (2018)
- Poppy – Post-quarantine delivery arranged to Christchurch (2018)
Every pet deserves a safe, happy journey—and we’re here to make that happen.
Ready to Bring Your Pet to New Zealand?
Let’s plan a stress-free relocation together.
📋 Request your customized relocation plan
📞 Speak with an expert for country-specific advice
🛫 Relax while we handle the rest
Helpful searches to get started:
- “New Zealand pet import requirements 2025”
- “MPI approved pet quarantine facilities”
- “How to pass the RNAT test for dogs”
- “USDA accredited vet near me for pet travel”