Pet Relocation to New Zealand
When moving with pets to New Zealand from the United States, the U.S. is considered a Category 3 country – “where rabies is absent or well-controlled.” These are the importation requirements for taking your pet cat or dog, per the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries. It is important you have all of your documentation correct before leaving and you should start at least 7 monts in advance. Our Personal Move Counselors can walk you through the entire process.
A minimum 10-day quarantine period is required for cats and dogs. You must book space at a quarantine facility before travel but we will arrange this for you.
Prohibited Dogs
These dog breeds and types of dogs are not allowed, nor are any hybrid crosses: Brazilian Fila; Dogo Argentino; Japanese Tosa; Perro de Presa Canario; and any type resembling the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Limitation on Cats
If you are importing a Bengal cat, you need to prove at least 5 generations of domestic ancestry.
Microchip
Your pet must have an ISO Standard 11874 or 11785 microchip.
Rabies Vaccination
A rabies vaccination must be administered not less than 6 months and not more than 1 year prior to departure.
Blood Titer Test
A rabies blood titer test must be administered not less than 3 months and not more than 24 months prior to departure, with a result of at least .5 IU/ml.
Vaccinations for Cats
The following vaccinations are required for cats:
- feline panleukopenia (enteritis)
- feline rhinotracheitis
- feline calicivirus
Vaccinations for Dogs
The following vaccinations are required for dogs:
- canine distemper
- infectious canine hepatitis
- canine parvovirus
- canine parainfluenza
- kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica)
Some quarantine facilities may also require a vaccination for leptospirosis. Ask the facility where you made your reservation what vaccinations are required.
Internal Parasite Treatment
This must be administered in 2 treatments to control nematodes and cestodes. The first one should be done between 2 weeks and 30 days before the second one. The second treatment should be done within 4 days of departure.
External Parasite Treatment
This must be administered in 2 treatments to control ticks and fleas. The first one should be done between 2 weeks and 30 days before the second one. The second treatment should be done within 2 days of departure.
Other Treatments for Dogs
Dogs must be treated for the following:
- babesia gibsoni
- brucella canis
- heartworm
Veterinary Health Certificate and Crate Sealing
The health certificate must be done at least 10 days before travel and the crate must be sealed before departure. We strongly recommend that we arrange this for you to avoid delays.
Import Permit
You can apply for an animal import permit here: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/regs/imports/animals/forms/app-form-cats-dogs-absent-well-controlled-rabies.pdf. Of course we will gladly do this for our clients.
Send the completed application as well as these documents (copies acceptable):
- your quarantine facility reservation
- proof of microchip implantation
- rabies vaccination information
- rabies blood titre test results
Advance Notification of Arrival
You must notify the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) at least 72 hours before your pet’s arrival.
Please use the following email address or phone number depending on where your pet is arriving:
Auckland
Tel: +64-9-909-8631
Email: mqsakac@mpi.govt.nz
Christchurch
Tel: +64-3-943-3803
Email: mqschc@mpi.govt.nz
Wellington
Tel: +64-4-894-4213
Email: mqswlg@mpi.govt.nz
Sources:
New Zealand Govt. Biosecurity: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/personal/pets/cats-and-dogs
