PetGrit
Reference notes with official sources

Flying to New Zealand with a pet

Reference notes dated: May 2026 · Official authority: New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries — Bringing pets to New Zealand

Cat beside pet travel documents, microchip scanner, and a carrier

Entry requirements at a glance

Microchip
Required

Confirm accepted identification, scan records and the required sequence with vaccination for your exact route. A chip requirement alone does not establish that your records meet it.

Rabies vaccine
Required. Specific primary course and booster timing required by MPI.
Health certificate
New Zealand MPI-required health certificate, USDA APHIS endorsed.
Rabies titer test
Required: FAVN titer test showing ≥0.5 IU/mL from an approved laboratory.
Quarantine on arrival
Minimum 10 days at the MPI-approved quarantine facility (currently Palmerston North).
Breed restrictions / bans
American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Brazilian Fila, and Japanese Tosa are prohibited in New Zealand.

Step-by-step process notes

New Zealand requires an import permit (obtained from MPI) before you can ship a pet. Apply for the permit well in advance. The overall process from start to arrival typically takes 6–12 months. Quarantine must be pre-booked. Contact MPI early to get the current approved schedule for your pet's species and country of origin.

Confirm with the official authority

This page summarizes New Zealand's pet-import requirements as of May 2026. Pet-import rules change. Always verify with the official government authority before travel.

New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries — Bringing pets to New Zealand

Build your travel record

Record your documents, outstanding questions and dates confirmed by your vet or carrier. Save a copy, download a travel record and update it after each reply. The tool does not calculate legal deadlines or issue certificates.

Build my New Zealand checklist

Useful guides

USDA health certificate, step by step Microchip and rabies rules

Other destinations

United Kingdom Route conditions and official sources Canada Route conditions and official sources Mexico Route conditions and official sources Japan Route conditions and official sources Australia Route conditions and official sources
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