Whether you are migrating to NZ on a Work visa or travelling to NZ on a visitor visa, everyone wants to accompany their pet; you must know the rules when you bring your pet to NZ.
In this guide, we will cover in detail
- Can you carry your pet or not?
- Prohibited Animals & Pets
- Approved Countries for Pet Entry
- Prohibited Dog Breeds and Eligibility
- Eligibility Criteria for Pet
- Required Vaccinations, Tests, and Treatments
- Fees and Charges
- Bringing Pets from Australia to New Zealand
- Airport for Pet Arrival in New Zealand
- Steps to Import Your Pet into New Zealand
When bringing pets to New Zealand, there are strict rules and requirements set by both Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Both Customs and Biosecurity must clear your pet upon arrival. Here’s what you need to know:
- Strict Import Rules
New Zealand has stringent regulations for bringing live animals into the country. You must follow these rules closely. For detailed biosecurity requirements, refer to the MPI website. - Airports for Pet Arrival
International airlines only transport animals to two airports in New Zealand: Auckland and Christchurch.
Commercial Import
If you’re bringing an animal for commercial purposes (e.g., breeding, showing, or racing), you must contact a customs broker to handle the process.
Prohibited Animals and Pets
Certain animals are not allowed into New Zealand, including:
- Live birds
- Ferrets
- Guinea pigs (except from Australia)
- Mice and rats (except for laboratory animals)
- Snakes and other reptiles (except for zoos)
If you’re unsure whether your pet can be imported, check the MPI guidance for pets travelling to New Zealand.
Approved Countries for Pet Entry
New Zealand only allows pets from countries classified as rabies-free or with controlled rabies conditions. These countries are categorised into three groups:
- Category 1: Pets from these countries do not require an import permit. However, they must undergo a post-arrival inspection but will not be quarantined if all conditions are met. Countries include Australia and Norfolk Island.
- Category 2: Pets from these countries need an import permit and must be quarantined for a minimum of 10 days upon arrival. Countries include Japan, Singapore, Fiji, and Bahrain.
- Category 3: Pets from these countries also require an import permit and quarantine for at least 10 days. This category includes the USA, UK, Canada, and many European nations.
Pets from countries not on these lists must first reside in an approved country for at least six months and meet that country’s import requirements before being eligible for New Zealand.
Prohibited Breeds and Eligibility
New Zealand has breed-specific regulations prohibiting certain aggressive dog breeds from entering the country. The following dog breeds are not allowed:
- Brazilian Fila
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario
- American Pit Bull Terrier
Additionally, hybrids such as wolf-dog or cat-wild animal hybrids are prohibited, except for Bengal cats that are at least five generations removed from wild ancestry.
Exceptions:
Dogs registered under the Dog Control Act 1996 or certified assistance dogs may be allowed. If your dog falls under the restricted breeds, you must provide proof of its assistance dog certification.
Vaccinations, Tests, and Treatments
Vaccinations
Depending on their country of origin, pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly against rabies and other diseases common to cats and dogs.
- Category 1 countries: Pets do not need a rabies vaccination.
- Category 2 countries: Dogs must be vaccinated against canine distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, kennel cough, and canine influenza. Cats must be vaccinated against feline calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis.
- Category 3 countries: Pets must receive a rabies vaccination along with routine quarantine vaccinations. Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and kennel cough. Cats must be vaccinated against rabies, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis.
Health Tests for Dogs
Dogs from Category 2 and 3 countries must be tested for several diseases before travel:
- Canine heartworm: Requires an ELISA test at least 30 days before departure.
- Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni: New Zealand mandates tests for Babesia via ELISA, IFAT, or PCR. Dogs with a positive test for Babesia gibsoni are not eligible to enter.
- Leptospirosis: Dogs must either test negative for Leptospirosis or undergo a doxycycline treatment for 14 days before travel.
- Brucella canis: Dogs must produce a negative test for Brucellosis. Dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.
Internal and External Parasite Treatments
Pets must be treated for internal and external parasites twice before travel. Internal treatments must be administered 30 days and again four days before travel, while external treatments for fleas and ticks should be given 30 days and two days before travel.
Rabies Vaccination and Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)
For pets from Category 3 countries, a rabies vaccination is mandatory. Pets must also pass an RNATT to ensure the vaccine’s effectiveness. The RNATT must be performed at least three months before travel in an approved laboratory, and the results must show an antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml or higher. If the test shows lower levels, your pet will need to be revaccinated and retested.
Model Veterinary Certificates A and B
Once your pet has completed all tests and treatments, your vet will prepare the required model veterinary certificates. These must be signed by an official government vet and submitted with your pet’s travel documents.
Fees and Charges
Import Permit Fees
- Permit for pets from rabies-free countries: NZD 268.24 (including GST).
- Additional processing fees: NZD 117.61 per hour if the application exceeds 1.5 hours.
Border Clearance Fees
All pets undergo border inspection upon arrival:
- No veterinary inspection required: NZD 57.05
- Veterinary inspection required: NZD 214.25
For recent Fees, check – https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/fees-and-charges-when-bringing-pets-to-nz/
Quarantine Fees
Pets from Category 2 and 3 countries must spend at least 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine facility. Quarantine fees vary based on the facility and length of stay.
Bringing Pets from Australia to New Zealand
Pets from Australia (Category 1) do not need an import permit or quarantine, provided they meet all the necessary conditions. The process for importing pets from Australia includes microchipping, vaccinations, and parasite treatments, but it is more straightforward than importing pets from other countries.
Airport for Pet arrival in New Zealand
Pets can only enter New Zealand through Auckland or Christchurch airports. MPI officials will inspect pets upon arrival. If all import conditions are met, pets from Category 1 countries will be released to their owners. Pets from Category 2 and 3 countries will be sent to a quarantine facility for at least 10 days.
Steps to Import Your Pet into New Zealand
Step 1: Understand MPI Biosecurity Requirements
Refer to the MPI website for detailed instructions on biosecurity requirements, including quarantine and veterinary checks.
Step 2: Arrange Transport
Work with a transport company to arrange your pet’s travel. The company will provide an Air Waybill, which is a required import document.
Step 3: Complete the Exempting Statutory Declaration
If you’re bringing a dog into New Zealand that hasn’t been previously registered, complete the Exempting Statutory Declaration.
Step 4: Submit Documents
Before your pet’s arrival, email the following documents to service.delivery@customs.govt.nz or contact a Customs broker:
- NZCS 231 Form (Bringing a Pet into New Zealand)
- Copy of your photo ID
- Proof of ownership (if available)
- Air Waybill
- Veterinary certificates (required by MPI)
- Exempting Statutory Declaration (if needed)
Step 5: Customs Invoice
If you purchased the animal from overseas and live in New Zealand, Customs will issue an invoice that includes:
- 15% GST
- Import Entry Transaction Fee (IETF)
- Biosecurity System Entry Levy (BSEL)
If you move to New Zealand after 21 months or more, you may be exempt from the GST payment.
Step 6: Pay the Invoice
Complete the payment for your pet’s import costs.
Step 7: Collect Your Pet
You’ll receive a payment confirmation once Customs and MPI requirements are fulfilled. The transport company will receive a delivery order, and you can collect your pet, pending any quarantine requirements.
Important Considerations
- Professional Assistance: It’s advisable to use a professional pet exporter to help manage the complex process, especially for pets from Category 2 and 3 countries.
- Documentation: Ensure all documents, including veterinary certificates, quarantine bookings, and import permits, are accurate and complete.
- Timing: Plan well in advance, as the entire process can take several months from start to finish.
Reference
About ICL Immigration
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