Moving a pet to New Zealand from the United States takes roughly 6 to 7 months of preparation and follows a strict, step-by-step process set by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The U.S. mainland is classified as a Category 3 country (rabies absent or well-controlled), which means your pet will need an MPI import permit, an ISO-standard microchip, a current rabies vaccination, a rabies blood titer test, specific parasite treatments, two veterinary certificates endorsed by USDA APHIS, and a minimum 10-day stay at an MPI-approved quarantine facility on arrival.
New Zealand has one of the strictest pet import processes in the world, comparable to taking a pet to Australia. The country is rabies-free, and MPI’s job is to keep it that way. The good news: with the right preparation and timing, the process is very manageable. This guide walks through exactly what’s required, in the order it needs to happen, based on current MPI and USDA APHIS guidance.
Regulations can change without notice. Always verify current requirements with MPI and USDA APHIS before beginning the process, or let our team handle the coordination for you.
How long does it take to move a pet to New Zealand?
Plan on a minimum of 6 months of preparation, and ideally closer to 7 if you have flexibility. Most of that runway is consumed by the rabies blood titer test, which can’t be drawn until at least 3 months before departure, and only after the rabies vaccine itself has been administered.
The general sequence looks like this:
- 6+ months out: Microchip → rabies vaccination → rabies titer blood draw
- 30 business days out: Apply for MPI import permit; reserve quarantine space
- 30 days out: Begin first round of internal and external parasite treatments
- 10 days out: USDA-accredited vet issues Health Certificate A
- Within 4–5 days of departure: Final parasite treatments, APHIS endorses certificates
- 72 hours out: MPI is notified of arrival (your quarantine facility handles this for you)
- Arrival in NZ: 10-day minimum quarantine at an MPI-approved facility
If any one of those dates slips, such as a missed booster, a delayed lab result, a vet who’s not USDA-accredited, or the like, the timeline can reset. That’s the single biggest source of delay we see on New Zealand moves.
Is the United States a Category 3 country?
Yes, concerning pet import requirements, New Zealand classifies the mainland United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands as Category 3 (“rabies absent or well-controlled”). This is the most common category for U.S. pet owners and triggers the full set of testing and certification requirements outlined below.
Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa are classified as Category 2 (rabies-free), which has slightly simpler paperwork but still requires an import permit, microchip, and quarantine. If your pet is moving from one of these territories, the certificate forms are different. See our related guide on Hawaii pet quarantine for context on rabies-free territory rules.
What dog breeds are banned from entering New Zealand?
New Zealand prohibits the following breeds, including any hybrid crosses:
- Brazilian Fila
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario
- American Pit Bull Terrier (any type)
You’ll be asked to sign an Importer Dog Breed Declaration upon arrival, confirming your dog does not fall into one of these categories. Hybrid dog species, in general, are not permitted.
For cats, only Bengals carry a restriction: you’ll need documentation proving at least five generations of domestic ancestry. Other hybrid cat species are not allowed.
If you own one of these prohibited breeds, contact us before starting any of the steps below. Alternatives may exist, but the planning route looks very different.
Are microchips part of New Zealand’s import requirements?
Yes, your pet must be implanted with a microchip that complies with ISO Standards 11784 and 11785. This is non-negotiable, and timing matters: the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given.
If the rabies vaccine was administered before the microchip, MPI will not accept the vaccination. You’ll need to revaccinate, which restarts the entire 6-month timing clock. This is one of the most expensive mistakes we see, so confirm with your vet that the chip goes in first and that the chip scans correctly afterward.
For more on the role microchips play in international travel, see our guide on what to know about microchips.
What vaccinations and tests does New Zealand require?
Rabies vaccination
Administered at least 6 months and no more than 12 months before departure. The pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination, and the microchip must already be in place.
Rabies blood titer test (RNATT/FAVN)
Drawn no less than 3 months and no more than 24 months before departure. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. The lab report must include the microchip number, sample collection date, test type, and result. Copies of lab reports must be endorsed by APHIS.
Brucella canis testing (dogs only) — updated requirements
New Zealand no longer accepts the 2ME-RSAT test as a standalone test for Brucella canis. The currently approved tests are:
- RSAT (not the 2ME-RSAT)
- TAT
- CPAg-AGID
- IFAT
If your vet runs the wrong test, the result won’t be accepted at the New Zealand border. Confirm the test type with your USDA-accredited vet before the blood draw — re-running it can mean weeks of delay.
Additional vaccinations for cats
- Feline panleukopenia (enteritis)
- Feline rhinotracheitis
- Feline calicivirus
Additional vaccinations for dogs
- Canine distemper
- Infectious canine hepatitis
- Canine parvovirus
- Canine parainfluenza
- Kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica)
Some quarantine facilities also require leptospirosis for dogs. You’ll need to confirm with the facility you’re reserving.
Other treatments and testing for dogs
Dogs also need to be tested or treated for:
- Babesia gibsoni
- Brucella canis (see updated test list above)
- Heartworm
What parasite treatments are required before travel?
Both internal and external parasite treatments are required, and each happens in two doses with carefully spaced timing.
Internal parasite treatment (controls nematodes and cestodes)
- First dose: between 2 weeks and 30 days before the second dose
- Second dose: within 4 days of departure
External parasite treatment (controls ticks and fleas)
- First dose: between 2 weeks and 30 days before the second dose
- Second dose: within 2 days of departure
APHIS publishes the current list of acceptable parasite products, which is updated periodically. Acceptable products and combinations change. Your USDA-accredited vet should confirm against the most recent APHIS list before administering treatments.
What documents does my pet need at the New Zealand border?
On arrival, your pet’s paperwork packet must include:
- MPI import permit (copy acceptable)
- Health Certificate A, issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by APHIS
- Health Certificate B, issued and endorsed by APHIS
- Original laboratory reports, or copies endorsed by APHIS, showing microchip number, sample dates, test type, and results
- Original vaccination records
- Importer Dog Breed Declaration, presented at arrival
- If your pet takes medication: a copy of the prescription and a completed Declaration of Medicines, with the microchip number on all paperwork
USDA-accredited veterinarians can issue certificates electronically through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System), but APHIS must still ink-sign and emboss the final endorsement. The endorsed, embossed certificates must physically travel with your pet — a digital copy alone is not sufficient.
This is one of the most paperwork-intensive international pet moves. Small mistakes (i.e., a missing date, a microchip number that doesn’t match across documents, etc.) can cause delays at the border or result in refusal of entry. We strongly recommend a professional review of every document before travel.
How do I apply for the MPI import permit?
Apply for the import permit through the MPI Animal and Plant Import Permit portal. Submit your application to animalimports@mpi.govt.nz at least 20 business days before you need the permit issued.
Along with the application, MPI needs:
- Your quarantine facility reservation
- Proof of microchip implantation
- Rabies vaccination records
- Rabies blood titer test results
Important update: Crate seals are no longer required. Cats and dogs from the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands arriving in New Zealand from 1 March 2026 are no longer required to have seals on crates. If you’ve read older guidance referencing crate sealing for Category 3 pets, that step has been removed.
We handle the entire permit application process for our clients, including coordinating with the quarantine facility, which you’ll need to book yourself (or through us) before the permit can be approved.
Where does my pet have to quarantine in New Zealand?
All Category 3 cats and dogs must spend a minimum of 10 days at an MPI-approved post-entry quarantine facility before being released. You must reserve space at one of these facilities before applying for the import permit.
There are a limited number of MPI-approved quarantine facilities in New Zealand, and they can book out months in advance, particularly during peak relocation seasons (December–February and June–August). Reserve as early as possible, ideally as soon as you have a confirmed move date.
The quarantine facility handles MPI arrival notification on your behalf, so you don’t need to send the 72-hour advance notice separately if your pet is going directly into quarantine.
What is changing in 2026 and 2027?
New Zealand is updating its Import Health Standard (IHS) for cats and dogs, with implementation phased over 2026 and 2027:
- 1 March 2026: Crate seals removed for Category 3 countries (already in effect)
- 1 July 2026: New 2026 IHS and updated model veterinary certificates take effect, with a 9-month transition period during which both 2021 and 2026 standards remain acceptable
- 1 October 2026: New official ID check requirements begin to be implemented
- 1 April 2027: All cats and dogs entering New Zealand must comply with the new 2026 IHS, including an official ID check conducted at least 6 months before export
The biggest practical takeaway: if your move is happening in late 2026 or 2027, the new 6-month advance ID check changes the planning timeline. Start preparation even earlier than you might have under the old rules.
Regulations evolve. Verify the most current requirements directly with MPI and USDA APHIS before beginning the process.
What airlines fly pets to New Zealand?
Pets enter New Zealand through approved airports, with Auckland (AKL) the primary port of entry and Christchurch (CHC) as a secondary option. Not all airlines accept pets on these routes, and the carriers that do may have route, breed, or temperature-related restrictions.
For more on choosing the right carrier and understanding how cargo travel works, see Our Top 10 Best Airlines for Pet Travel and our Ultimate Guide to Pet Cargo Air Freight for Dogs and Cats.
Should I move my pet to New Zealand on my own or hire a relocation company?
Self-coordinating a move to New Zealand is possible, and we’ll be honest, some pet owners pull it off successfully. But it requires:
- Tracking precise timing windows for vaccinations, titer tests, and parasite treatments
- Coordinating two different APHIS-endorsed health certificates (A and B)
- Navigating the MPI import permit application and quarantine reservation
- Booking airline cargo with carriers that fly approved routes into AKL or CHC
- Ensuring documentation matches across every piece of paperwork — microchip number, dates, signatures, all consistent
A single mistake, such as a wrong test, wrong order, expired paperwork, mismatched microchip number, can cost weeks of delay, force a re-vaccination, or in worst cases result in your pet being refused entry.
We’ve coordinated relocations to New Zealand for over two decades and know exactly where the timing traps are. Our pet relocation team handles the permit application, vet coordination, quarantine booking, and airline cargo arrangement, so you can focus on the rest of your own move.
Ready to move your pet to New Zealand?
If you’re planning a relocation to New Zealand, the earlier you start, the smoother the process. Request a free price quote, and we’ll map out exactly what your pet’s journey will look like from microchip to quarantine release.
Get Your Free Pet Relocation Quote
This article was originally published in October 2014 and was substantially refreshed in June 2026 to reflect the current MPI Import Health Standard, the March 2026 removal of crate seal requirements for Category 3 pets, updated Brucella canis testing requirements, the 2026/2027 IHS transition timeline, and current USDA APHIS export procedures.
Sources:
- Ministry for Primary Industries — Step-by-step guide to bringing cats and dogs to NZ
- USDA APHIS — Pet Travel From the United States to New Zealand
- Ministry for Primary Industries — Cats and Dogs Import Health Standard Guidance Document
