Flying a cat from the United States to New Zealand
Last verified 6 primary sourcesSite-wide weekly check due
Scope and research limits
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.
This guide covers the journey and pathways stated here. Residence, travel history and connections may change which requirements apply. Confirm these before using the countdown.
Quarantine: at least 10 days
A cat must travel as manifest cargo to Auckland or Christchurch to enter New Zealand from the United States, with quarantine of at least 10 days.
These requirements are for the first way in: Arrivals before April 1, 2027. Other ways in have their own rules below.
To meet the entry rules
- rabies vaccination at least 3 months after birth
- blood sample between 3 and 24 months before departure
- start respiratory-health precautions at least 21 days before departure
- tick treatment within 30 days before departure
- first internal parasite treatment within 30 days before departure
- advance notice at least 72 hours before arrival
- second internal parasite treatment at least 2 weeks after the first internal parasite treatment
- clinical examination within 2 days before departure
- the appropriate government-endorsed veterinary certificate, on or before departure
- final tick and flea treatment at least 2 weeks after the tick treatment
- an MPI import permit and approved quarantine booking
If a requirement is missed: A noncompliant animal may be refused clearance, re-shipped or destroyed, or require further testing or treatment before release at the importer’s expense.
Full answer
A cat must travel as manifest cargo to Auckland or Christchurch to enter New Zealand from the United States, with quarantine of at least 10 days. It needs rabies vaccination at least 3 months after birth, blood sample between 3 and 24 months before departure and start respiratory-health precautions at least 21 days before departure. Also in the planner below: health certificate, final tick and flea treatment, clinical examination, second internal parasite treatment, advance notice, first internal parasite treatment and tick treatment. Also in the sources below: 1 more requirement. These steps are for the first way in: Arrivals before April 1, 2027. Other ways in: Preparation for arrivals on or after April 1, 2027. Last verified 22 October 2026.
- 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.
- Quarantine
- At least 10 daysa mandatory quarantine stay
- Rabies titer
- Required
- Lead time
- 182 to 185 daysCalendar-month waits depend on the arrival date. Pick a date in the planner.
Your deadlines, counted back from arrival
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.
This countdown covers arrivals before .
9 of these steps are hard deadlines. Each step says how long before arrival it falls. Pick an arrival date and your browser works out the calendar dates; it fetches nothing.
Lead time: 182 to 185 days, depending on the arrival date
With no arrival time entered, hourly deadlines assume 12:00 local time. Use the local arrival time in New Zealand (Pacific/Auckland).
Pick an arrival date to see the calendar date of each step.
Birth
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 275 to 278 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
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. Timing: more than 9 months before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Microchip
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 182 to 185 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
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. Timing: on or before the rabies vaccination.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Rabies vaccination
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 182 to 185 days before arrival and the earliest day is 365 to 366 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
The primary rabies vaccination must be given when the animal is at least three months old. Timing: at least 3 months after birth.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
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. Timing: at least 6 months before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
The vaccination used on the primary-course pathway must also meet the certificate’s upper validity window. Timing: within 1 year before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Blood sample
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 154 to 157 days before arrival and the earliest day is 344 to 345 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
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. Timing: between 3 and 24 months before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Advised: 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. Timing: between 3 and 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. Timing: at least 21 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: within 30 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: within 30 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: at least 72 hours before arrival.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
For the US legacy export procedure, arrange the MPI arrival inspection at least 72 hours before travel. Timing: at least 72 hours before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Second internal parasite treatment
Leave at least two weeks between the internal parasite treatments. Timing: at least 2 weeks after the first internal parasite treatment.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Give the final internal parasite treatment in the 4 days before shipment. Timing: within 4 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: within 2 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: on or before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Follow USDA’s certificate instructions for the actual New Zealand arrival date. Before April 1, 2027, a USDA-accredited vet completes Certificate A and USDA endorses it and completes Certificate B. For later arrivals, confirm that the negotiated new certificate has been posted before booking. USDA requires ink signature and embossing on the health certificate; carry the required rabies declaration and endorsed laboratory reports. Timing: on or before departure.
Fails if: Done after departure.
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. Timing: at least 2 weeks after the tick treatment.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Give the second topical tick and flea treatment in the two days before shipment. Timing: within 2 days before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Arrival day
Requirements without a countdown
These conditions still apply. Choosing an arrival date does not check them.
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.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
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.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
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.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
For US mainland dogs and cats travelling to New Zealand under the legacy requirements, USDA advises submitting the completed permit application at least 20 business days before the permit is needed. Allow for holidays and document preparation; this business-day lead is not converted into calendar dates.
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.
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.
Fails if: The applicable document or examination requirement is not met.
Obtain the USDA-endorsed rabies declaration for the chosen arrival period: the Official Veterinary Declaration for the legacy pathway or the Rabies Certification Form for the new pathway. The form must be ink-signed and embossed, and accompany the animal. Scan the microchip when collecting the RNATT sample and record the sampling date correctly.
Fails if: The required original endorsed rabies declaration or matching laboratory records are missing.
This plan assumes one air journey, with every step done before you leave. Unless you give a departure date, it assumes you leave the day before arrival or on arrival day. Times are local to New Zealand (Pacific/Auckland).
Other ways in
The plan above is for the first way in: Arrivals before April 1, 2027. These follow their own rules, which the sources below cover.
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.
Open this countdown
Your deadlines, counted back from arrival
Preparation only. Confirm document availability before booking travel.
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.
This countdown covers arrivals on or after .
9 of these steps are hard deadlines. Each step says how long before arrival it falls. Pick an arrival date and your browser works out the calendar dates; it fetches nothing.
Lead time: 203 to 206 days, depending on the arrival date
Pick an arrival date to see the calendar date of each step.
Birth
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 287 to 290 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
Microchip
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 203 to 206 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
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. Timing: on or before the rabies vaccination.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
The microchip must already identify the animal when the identity-check process is performed. Timing: on or before the identity checks.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
USDA identity declaration endorsed
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 203 to 206 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
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. Timing: within 2 months after the identity checks.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Complete the identity checks and final USDA declaration before continuing the preparation sequence. Keep the declaration with the travel records. Timing: on or before the rabies vaccination.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Rabies vaccination
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 203 to 206 days before arrival and the earliest day is 393 to 394 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
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. Timing: at least 12 weeks after birth.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
The primary rabies vaccination must be given not less than six months before shipment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep vaccination continuously valid. Timing: at least 6 months before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
USDA identity checks
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 182 to 185 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
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. Timing: at least 6 months before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Blood sample
The calendar moves this: the deadline is 182 to 185 days before arrival and the earliest day is 365 to 366 days before arrival, depending on the arrival date.
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. Timing: between 6 and 12 months before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Advised: 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. Timing: between 3 and 4 weeks after the rabies vaccination.
Import permit application
Advised: 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. Timing: at least 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. Timing: at least 21 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: within 30 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: within 16 days before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Second internal parasite treatment
Leave at least fourteen days between the internal parasite treatments. Timing: at least 14 days after the first internal parasite treatment.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Give the final internal parasite treatment in the 5 days before shipment. Timing: within 5 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: within 2 days before departure.
Fails if: 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. Timing: on or before departure.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Follow USDA’s certificate instructions for the actual New Zealand arrival date. Before April 1, 2027, a USDA-accredited vet completes Certificate A and USDA endorses it and completes Certificate B. For later arrivals, confirm that the negotiated new certificate has been posted before booking. USDA requires ink signature and embossing on the health certificate; carry the required rabies declaration and endorsed laboratory reports. Timing: on or before departure.
Fails if: Done after departure.
Arrival day
Requirements without a countdown
These conditions still apply. Choosing an arrival date does not check them.
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.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
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.
Fails if: This preparation condition has not been met.
Coordinate flight details, transfer and inspection arrangements with the approved quarantine facility and MPI. Ordinary Category 3 animals go directly into quarantine, where MPI performs the required inspections; assistance-dog notification procedures are outside this release.
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.
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.
Fails if: The applicable document or examination requirement is not met.
Obtain the USDA-endorsed rabies declaration for the chosen arrival period: the Official Veterinary Declaration for the legacy pathway or the Rabies Certification Form for the new pathway. The form must be ink-signed and embossed, and accompany the animal. Scan the microchip when collecting the RNATT sample and record the sampling date correctly.
Fails if: The required original endorsed rabies declaration or matching laboratory records are missing.
This plan assumes one air journey, with every step done before you leave. Unless you give a departure date, it assumes you leave the day before arrival or on arrival day. Times are local to New Zealand (Pacific/Auckland).
Which airlines carry cats on this route
The only airline in our sources gives no plain Yes for cats on this route.
This is what airlines offer. An airline can offer less than the rules allow.
Hold means checked baggage. Manifest cargo is a separate booking, even when the animal travels in the same aircraft hold.
| Airline | Cabin | Hold (checked baggage) | Manifest cargo | Fee from | Snub-nosed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air New Zealand Cargo | (New Zealand rule) | (New Zealand rule) | Quoted on request |
- Air New Zealand Cargo: US-origin cargo must go through a TSA-approved freight forwarder that meets the IATA membership and Air New Zealand account requirements. All live animals require an approved pet shipping agency; individual over-the-counter shipments are not accepted.
- Air New Zealand Cargo: Confirm health, age, destination breed restrictions, operating days and station acceptance before booking. Unwell animals may be refused. Do not sedate the animal for travel.
No rule changes recorded since
We have recorded no change to the rules on this page since , when our log began. See every recorded change.
Where every rule above came from
- 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 13 more
- Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand)mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/71909-Cats-and-Dogs-2026-Import-Health-StandardArrivals before April 1, 2027; Arrive as manifest cargo at Auckland or Christchurch in an IATA-compliant crate; Microchip; Use an approved laboratory and the MPI-approved tests, vaccines and parasite products…; and 18 more
- USDA APHISaphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/new-zealand-dog-cat-certificate-a-cat3-with-addendum-b.pdfMicrochip; Birth; Clinical examination
- USDA APHISaphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-new-zealandArrivals before April 1, 2027; Birth; For US mainland dogs and cats travelling to New Zealand under the legacy requirements…; Health certificate issued or endorsed; and 9 more
- Air New Zealand Cargoairnewzealandcargo.com/international-cargo-pet-servicesAir New Zealand Cargo: route, cabin, hold (checked baggage), manifest cargo, fee from, snub-nosed; Confirm health, age, destination breed restrictions, operating days and station…
- Air New Zealand Cargoairnewzealandcargo.com/international-cargo-processAir New Zealand Cargo: route, cabin, hold (checked baggage); US-origin cargo must go through a TSA-approved freight forwarder that meets the IATA…
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.
Related pages
See everything that applies in New Zealand, or what changed across the site.