Bringing a pet into New Zealand
First-time domestic dog and cat imports from the US mainland to New Zealand using primary rabies preparation, with separate arrival periods around April 1, 2027. The future plan is preparation only: USDA says the updated US-specific certificates have not yet been posted. Dogs use the stated testing and vaccination options and must have no African travel history. Returning New Zealand pets, hybrids, breeding or pregnant animals, assistance concessions, sea travel and Hawaii or Guam preparation are outside this countdown. Departures to the US mainland cover ordinary pets using the low-risk dog travel-history pathway; US state and local rules need separate checks.
Last verified Applies to dogs and cats8 primary sourcesSite-wide weekly check due
Quarantine: at least 10 days
To meet the entry rules
- For dogs and cats travelling from the US mainland to New Zealand, an MPI permit, veterinary preparation and official certification are required for the selected arrival period, followed by at least ten days in quarantine.
- Arrive as manifest cargo at Auckland or Christchurch. Use the arrival-specific countdown and confirm certificate availability with USDA before booking future travel.
Full answer
For dogs and cats travelling from the US mainland to New Zealand, an MPI permit, veterinary preparation and official certification are required for the selected arrival period, followed by at least ten days in quarantine. Arrive as manifest cargo at Auckland or Christchurch. Use the arrival-specific countdown and confirm certificate availability with USDA before booking future travel.
- Quarantine
- At least 10 daysa mandatory quarantine stay
- Titer required
- RequiredBetween 3 and 24 months before departure
- Rules allow in cabin
- Not allowedArrive as manifest cargo at Auckland or Christchurch in an IATA-compliant crate. Ordinary pets do not enter through the passenger cabin or checked-baggage pathway.
- Banned breeds
- 5 breedsIncluding Brazilian Fila
Requirements, in the order they must happen
Arrivals before April 1, 2027
For US mainland dogs and cats travelling to New Zealand, use the existing USDA certificates and legacy preparation requirements only for arrival before April 1, 2027. This countdown follows primary rabies preparation and the straightforward negative-test options.
| Step | Requirement | Timing rule | Fails if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | For US mainland dogs and cats travelling to New Zealand, the existing export certificate requires the animal to be more than nine months old at shipment. Do not infer travel eligibility from a younger airline minimum. | more than 9 months before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Microchip | Use an approved readable microchip before preparation. The vet scans and records it at every required examination, vaccination, treatment and blood draw. Match it exactly across certificates, vaccination records and laboratory reports. | on or before the rabies vaccination | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Rabies vaccination | The primary rabies vaccination must be given when the animal is at least three months old. | at least 3 months after birth | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Rabies vaccination | For primary preparation, give the rabies vaccination not less than six months and not more than one year before shipment. Keep vaccination up to date through shipment. | at least 6 months before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Rabies vaccination | The vaccination used on the primary-course pathway must also meet the certificate’s upper validity window. | within 1 year before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Blood sample | Obtain a satisfactory rabies antibody test on a sample collected not less than three months and not more than 24 months before shipment, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Keep rabies vaccination up to date until shipment. | between 3 and 24 months before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Blood sample | MPI recommends waiting three to four weeks after rabies vaccination before taking the RNATT sample, to allow an immune response. This is advice for planning, not an extra legal waiting period. | between 3 and 4 weeks after the rabies vaccination | Done less than 3 or more than 4 weeks after the rabies vaccination. |
| Start respiratory-health precautions | For at least 21 days before shipment, the animal must remain free of infectious respiratory signs and must not be kept where cats or dogs show those signs. | at least 21 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Tick treatment | The vet must give the first topical tick and flea treatment in the 30 days before shipment and certify freedom from parasites. | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| First internal parasite treatment | Have the vet give the MPI-approved treatments for nematodes and cestodes. Give the first in the 30 days before shipment. | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Advance notice | Notify the arrival port and send the required document copies at least 72 hours before arrival. USDA also instructs contacting MPI at least 72 hours before travel to arrange inspection; satisfy that earlier travel-based deadline too. | at least 72 hours before arrival | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Advance notice | For the US legacy export procedure, arrange the MPI arrival inspection at least 72 hours before travel. | at least 72 hours before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Heartworm test | Obtain the required negative heartworm test in the 30 days before shipment. The dogs eligible for this primary-preparation countdown are old enough to require testing.Dogs only | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Leptospirosis test | This countdown uses the negative MAT testing pathway for Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola, with sampling in the 30 days before shipment. Approved treatment and positive-result retesting pathways are outside this countdown.Dogs only | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Brucella test | All dogs on the legacy pathway need a negative MPI-approved Brucella canis test in the 16 days before shipment. This countdown uses the straightforward negative-test pathway. Positive or inconclusive results require MPI’s separate retesting instructions; infected dogs are ineligible regardless of treatment.Dogs only | within 16 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Babesia gibsoni testing | This legacy countdown uses a negative IFA or ELISA test for Babesia gibsoni in the 16 days before shipment. The repeat-PCR alternative is outside this countdown. A dog diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni is ineligible regardless of treatment.Dogs only | within 16 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Second internal parasite treatment | Leave at least two weeks between the internal parasite treatments. | at least 2 weeks after the first internal parasite treatment | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Second internal parasite treatment | Give the final internal parasite treatment in the 4 days before shipment. | within 4 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Heartworm prevention | This countdown uses MPI-approved heartworm prevention in the 4 days before shipment. Ask the vet about the separate up-to-date sustained-release-injection option.Dogs only | within 4 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Clinical examination | Have the required pre-export veterinary examination in the two days before shipment, confirming fitness to travel and absence of infectious disease and external parasites. Entire dogs also need the genital examination for transmissible venereal tumour. | within 2 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Health certificate issued or endorsed | Travel with an official veterinary certificate covering the requirements for the selected arrival period, endorsed supporting reports, vaccination records and any required owner declarations. The official vet must verify the preparation records before departure. Use originals unless MPI explicitly accepts a copy, and English or a clear English translation. Follow the specified endorsement requirements on every paper document. | on or before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Final tick and flea treatment | The second external parasite treatment must be at least two weeks after the first, with the animal certified free of external parasites at both visits. | at least 2 weeks after the tick treatment | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Final tick and flea treatment | Give the second topical tick and flea treatment in the two days before shipment. | within 2 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Requirement | Use an approved laboratory and the MPI-approved tests, vaccines and parasite products for the selected arrival period. A vet must record the product, active ingredient, manufacturer, dose and administration date. The new standard changes several tests and treatments; do not mix certificates or preparation periods. | — | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Requirement | For US mainland dogs and cats travelling to New Zealand on this primary-preparation pathway, the animal must reside in the US country of export for at least six months immediately before shipment. Returning New Zealand animals and other residency concessions are outside this countdown. | — | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Requirement | Book an approved quarantine facility and obtain an MPI import permit. Carry the permit and the arrival-period-specific veterinary, laboratory and vaccination records. Check the permit conditions with the vet and transporter. | — | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Requirement | This release covers dogs that have never resided in or travelled to mainland Africa. Provide the required written declaration for the new standard. Dogs with African travel or uncertain history need the separate Babesia pathway from MPI.Dogs only | — | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Requirement | For entire dogs, the owner must declare no mating in the 44 days before shipment unless with a dog of equal Brucella canis health status. This release excludes breeding or pregnant animals; use MPI’s separate instructions for artificial insemination and retesting.Dogs only | — | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Note | Use an IATA-compliant clean crate without straw or hay. Transit and tranship only in approved countries, without animal contact or leaving the international side except an authorised quarantine transfer. For US mainland shipments, follow USDA’s current no-government-seal instruction and certificate addendum rather than an obsolete seal box. | — | — |
| Banned breeds | New Zealand prohibits dogs belonging wholly or predominantly to the listed breeds or type. Hybrid dogs and returning-animal exceptions are outside this first-time pathway.Dogs only | — | — |
| Requirement | If the animal is taking medication, carry the veterinarian’s prescription and the required declaration of medicines, with the animal’s microchip on the documentation. For the new standard, use the applicable ACVM declaration form. Confirm acceptance with the vet and quarantine facility. | — | The applicable document or examination requirement is not met. |
| Requirement | For the legacy New Zealand import pathway, carry the importer dog breed declaration for presentation on arrival.Dogs only | — | The applicable document or examination requirement is not met. |
| Requirement | For the legacy New Zealand import pathway, have the vet inspect the dog and confirm health and freedom from ticks before each external parasite treatment.Dogs only | — | The applicable document or examination requirement is not met. |
Preparation for arrivals on or after April 1, 2027
For US mainland dogs and cats travelling to New Zealand, this preparation countdown uses RNATT sampling between 6 and 12 months before shipment, complete USDA identity verification and the stated testing and vaccination options. APHIS says the updated US-specific certificates have not yet been posted. Confirm the negotiated certificate and endorsement procedure with USDA and MPI before booking; this is a preparation plan, not confirmation that travel can proceed.
| Step | Requirement | Timing rule | Fails if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microchip | Use an approved readable microchip before preparation. The vet scans and records it at every required examination, vaccination, treatment and blood draw. Match it exactly across certificates, vaccination records and laboratory reports. | on or before the rabies vaccination | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Microchip | The microchip must already identify the animal when the identity-check process is performed. | on or before the identity checks | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| USDA identity declaration endorsed | For US mainland pets travelling to New Zealand, obtain final USDA endorsement of the Part 3 identity declaration within two months after the second microchip scan. USDA sends the declaration directly to MPI; retain a copy for the export certificate. | within 2 months after the identity checks | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| USDA identity declaration endorsed | Complete the identity checks and final USDA declaration before continuing the preparation sequence. Keep the declaration with the travel records. | on or before the rabies vaccination | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Rabies vaccination | Have the vet give the primary rabies vaccination at an age of at least 12 weeks, after the required identity verification. Keep it continuously valid until shipment. | at least 12 weeks after birth | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Rabies vaccination | The primary rabies vaccination must be given not less than six months before shipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep vaccination continuously valid. | at least 6 months before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| USDA identity checks | Complete USDA identity-check Parts 1 and 2 using different accredited veterinarians at different clinics, with the required microchip photographs and endorsements. The second scan must be at least six months before export. A microchip certificate alone does not complete this process. | at least 6 months before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Blood sample | For US mainland dogs and cats entering New Zealand, this future preparation countdown uses RNATT sampling between 6 and 12 months before shipment, after identity verification. Obtain a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL. The shorter RNATT option requires another complete identity-check process and is outside this countdown. | between 6 and 12 months before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Blood sample | MPI recommends waiting three to four weeks after rabies vaccination before taking the RNATT sample, to allow an immune response. This is advice for planning, not an extra legal waiting period. | between 3 and 4 weeks after the rabies vaccination | Done less than 3 or more than 4 weeks after the rabies vaccination. |
| Import permit application | MPI advises applying for the permit at least eight weeks before it is required, with all supporting documents including the quarantine booking, vaccination records, RNATT result and Rabies Certification Form. This planning buffer counts back from departure; processing is not guaranteed. | at least 8 weeks before departure | Done less than 8 weeks before departure. |
| Start respiratory-health precautions | For at least 21 days before shipment, do not keep the animal where cats or dogs show infectious respiratory signs; the animal must also remain free from those signs. The new standard requires a written owner declaration. | at least 21 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Canine influenza vaccination completed | The USA is listed as a canine-influenza risk country. This countdown uses the MPI-approved vaccination option: complete the course between twelve months and fourteen days before shipment and keep it valid through the entire quarantine stay. The negative-PCR alternative is outside this vaccination countdown.Dogs only | at least 14 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Canine influenza vaccination completed | The canine influenza vaccination must also meet the upper pre-shipment window and manufacturer’s validity conditions.Dogs only | within 12 months before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| First internal parasite treatment | Have the vet give the MPI-approved treatments for nematodes and cestodes. Give the first in the 30 days before shipment. | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Tick treatment | Have the vet give an MPI-listed tick and flea treatment in the 16 days before shipment, maintain continuous protection and certify freedom from external parasites at treatment and at the final examination.Cats only | within 16 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Tick treatment | Start the MPI-listed tick and flea treatment at least fourteen days before the Babesia blood samples. Maintain continuous protection through shipment, with the vet certifying health and freedom from ticks and recent dog bites at each treatment.Dogs only | at least 14 days before the Babesia blood samples | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Leishmania test | Obtain the MPI-approved Leishmania infantum test with a negative result in the 30 days before shipment, and have the vet confirm no clinical signs at the final examination. Tell the vet about any leishmaniosis vaccine because it can affect test interpretation. Infected dogs are not eligible regardless of treatment.Dogs only | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Brucella test | For an entire dog on this non-breeding pathway, obtain a negative MPI-approved Brucella canis test in the 30 days before shipment. The owner must declare no breeding from 30 days before sample collection through shipment. Desexed dogs provide a signed desexing certificate instead; separate breeding and retesting pathways are outside this countdown.Dogs only | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Heartworm test | Obtain the required negative heartworm test in the 30 days before shipment. The dogs eligible for this primary-preparation countdown are old enough to require testing.Dogs only | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Leptospirosis test | This countdown uses the negative MAT testing pathway for Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola, with sampling in the 30 days before shipment. Approved treatment and positive-result retesting pathways are outside this countdown.Dogs only | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Final tick and flea treatment | Give the final external parasite treatment in the 16 days before shipment while maintaining continuous effective protection.Dogs only | within 16 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Final tick and flea treatment | The final external parasite treatment follows the first treatment. Repeat products as the manufacturer directs to maintain protection.Dogs only | on or after the tick treatment | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Second internal parasite treatment | Leave at least fourteen days between the internal parasite treatments. | at least 14 days after the first internal parasite treatment | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Second internal parasite treatment | Give the final internal parasite treatment in the 5 days before shipment. | within 5 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Heartworm prevention | This countdown uses MPI-approved heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment. Ask the vet about the separate up-to-date sustained-release-injection option.Dogs only | within 5 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Angiostrongylus treatment | Have the vet give an MPI-approved treatment effective against Angiostrongylus vasorum in the five days before shipment.Dogs only | within 5 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Clinical examination | In the two days before shipment, have the vet confirm health and fitness to travel, freedom from external parasites, dirt, insects, seeds and infectious disease. Dogs must have no evidence of recent bites; entire dogs require examination for transmissible venereal tumour. | within 2 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Health certificate issued or endorsed | Travel with an official veterinary certificate covering the requirements for the selected arrival period, endorsed supporting reports, vaccination records and any required owner declarations. The official vet must verify the preparation records before departure. Use originals unless MPI explicitly accepts a copy, and English or a clear English translation. Follow the specified endorsement requirements on every paper document. | on or before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Babesia gibsoni testing | For this adult-dog pathway, obtain both the MPI-approved IFA or ELISA test and a PCR test for Babesia gibsoni, with negative results in the 30 days before shipment. Samples follow at least fourteen days of external parasite protection. The repeat-PCR alternative is outside this countdown.Dogs only | within 30 days before departure | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Requirement | Use an approved laboratory and the MPI-approved tests, vaccines and parasite products for the selected arrival period. A vet must record the product, active ingredient, manufacturer, dose and administration date. The new standard changes several tests and treatments; do not mix certificates or preparation periods. | — | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Requirement | Book an approved quarantine facility and obtain an MPI import permit. Carry the permit and the arrival-period-specific veterinary, laboratory and vaccination records. Check the permit conditions with the vet and transporter. | — | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Requirement | This release covers dogs that have never resided in or travelled to mainland Africa. Provide the required written declaration for the new standard. Dogs with African travel or uncertain history need the separate Babesia pathway from MPI.Dogs only | — | This preparation condition has not been met. |
| Note | Use an IATA-compliant clean crate without straw or hay. Transit and tranship only in approved countries, without animal contact or leaving the international side except an authorised quarantine transfer. For US mainland shipments, follow USDA’s current no-government-seal instruction and certificate addendum rather than an obsolete seal box. | — | — |
| Banned breeds | New Zealand prohibits dogs belonging wholly or predominantly to the listed breeds or type. Hybrid dogs and returning-animal exceptions are outside this first-time pathway.Dogs only | — | — |
| Requirement | If the animal is taking medication, carry the veterinarian’s prescription and the required declaration of medicines, with the animal’s microchip on the documentation. For the new standard, use the applicable ACVM declaration form. Confirm acceptance with the vet and quarantine facility. | — | The applicable document or examination requirement is not met. |
Routes into New Zealand
Leaving New Zealand with a pet
To the United States
| Step | Requirement | Timing rule | Fails if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Welfare Export Certificate issued | Book MPI Verification Services for an Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC). The owner and registered vet complete and sign the supporting declaration. MPI examines the animal, crate and declaration before issuing the AWEC. This welfare document does not replace any airline fitness certificate or US entry paperwork. | on or before departure | The New Zealand export requirement is incomplete. |
| Clinical examination | Present the animal and its rigid, IATA-compliant crate for MPI’s welfare examination, with the signed supporting declaration, before the AWEC is issued. | on or before the welfare certificate's issue | The New Zealand export requirement is incomplete. |
| Requirement | For a dog that has spent the preceding six months only in New Zealand or other low-risk countries, MPI’s dog-specific guidance does not require an official assurance. Bring the CDC Import Form receipt to export certification, retain the required microchip record and arrange the airline’s separate fitness-to-travel documentation. High-risk travel-history pathways are outside this page. | — | The New Zealand export requirement is incomplete. |
| Requirement | A cat travelling to the US mainland does not need an MPI official assurance, but still requires its AWEC. Confirm the airline’s private-vet fitness certificate and US state and local entry requirements. | — | The New Zealand export requirement is incomplete. |
| Requirement | For export from New Zealand to the US, the dog must have an ISO-compatible microchip. This is additional to the CDC requirement that a universal scanner can read the microchip. | — | The applicable document or examination requirement is not met. |
| Import form | Present the CDC Dog Import Form receipt to the MPI official veterinarian at export certification, before the dog leaves New Zealand for the US. | on or before the welfare certificate's issue | The applicable document or examination requirement is not met. |
Routes out of New Zealand
Where every rule above came from
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/71909-Cats-and-Dogs-2026-Import-Health-StandardArrivals before April 1, 2027; Preparation for arrivals on or after April 1, 2027; Ferret imports have not been reviewed for this release; Arrive as manifest cargo at Auckland or Christchurch in an IATA-compliant crate; and 29 more
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/1574-Cats-and-dogs-2021-Import-Health-StandardMicrochip; Use an approved laboratory and the MPI-approved tests, vaccines and parasite products…; For US mainland dogs and cats travelling to New Zealand on this primary-preparation…; Birth; and 23 more
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2040-Specified-Approvals-for-Animal-Import-Health-Standards-MPI-STD-SAACanine influenza vaccination completed
- USDA APHISaphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-new-zealandFirst-time domestic dog and cat imports from the US mainland to New Zealand using…; Arrivals before April 1, 2027; Preparation for arrivals on or after April 1, 2027; Birth; and 7 more
- USDA APHISaphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/new-zealand-dog-cat-certificate-a-cat3-with-addendum-b.pdfMicrochip; Birth; Clinical examination; New Zealand prohibits dogs belonging wholly or predominantly to the listed breeds or type
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)mpi.govt.nz/export/animals/live-animals-including-livestock/requirement-documents-for-exporting-live-animals/animal-welfare-export-certificates/awec-process-for-live-animals-other-than-livestockAnimal Welfare Export Certificate issued; Clinical examination
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/497-Cats-to-United-States-of-America-GuidanceAnimal Welfare Export Certificate issued; A cat travelling to the US mainland does not need an MPI official assurance, but still…
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/64308-Dogs-to-the-United-States-of-America-GuidanceAnimal Welfare Export Certificate issued; Clinical examination; For a dog that has spent the preceding six months only in New Zealand or other low-risk…; For export from New Zealand to the US, the dog must have an ISO-compatible microchip; Import form
Rules change without notice. Confirm each item against the linked official page before you book: we date every check, but the official page is the authority.