Bringing a pet to New Zealand

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

New Zealand is rabies-free and enforces strict biosecurity controls on dog imports. Requirements vary by the rabies status and history of the origin country, and can include an MPI import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, rabies titer testing, and post-arrival quarantine. Owners should plan many months ahead, obtain all approvals before booking travel, and verify current rules with MPI.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to New Zealand.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

New Zealand has no nationwide breed ban for dogs, but MPI and airlines may impose restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers due to respiratory risk during air travel. Some airlines refuse to carry these breeds or require a veterinary fitness-to-fly certificate. Check with the airline and MPI before booking. Dogs classified as dangerous under the Dog Control Act 1996 (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila, Perro de Presa Canario) may face additional registration and control requirements once in New Zealand, but they are not banned from import.

Documents checklist

  • MPI biosecurity import permit
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
  • Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number
  • Proof of treatment for internal and external parasites within the required window before export

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify current prices with MPI and a local vet. Import permit application fee roughly NZD 150–300; official veterinary health certificate NZD 150–400; microchip NZD 50–100; parasite treatments NZD 50–150; air freight and MPI border inspection charges vary widely by route and airline.

Even for the most favourable origins, an MPI import permit must be obtained before travel and the dog must be accompanied by an official veterinary certificate. New Zealand does not operate a quarantine-free 'pet passport' scheme equivalent to the EU. Confirm the current approved-country list and permit processing times with MPI well in advance.

MPI New Zealand

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
10 days
Post-arrival quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility for a minimum of 10 days. The dog must be booked into the facility in advance and the quarantine fee paid directly to the facility. Quarantine may be extended if the animal shows signs of illness or if documentation is incomplete.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

New Zealand has no nationwide breed ban for dogs, but MPI and airlines may impose restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers due to respiratory risk during air travel. Some airlines refuse to carry these breeds or require a veterinary fitness-to-fly certificate. Check with the airline and MPI before booking. Dogs classified as dangerous under the Dog Control Act 1996 (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila, Perro de Presa Canario) may face additional registration and control requirements once in New Zealand, but they are not banned from import.

Documents checklist

  • MPI biosecurity import permit
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Rabies titer test result from an MPI-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml, test at least 90 days before arrival)
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
  • Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number
  • Proof of treatment for internal and external parasites within the required window before export
  • Quarantine booking confirmation from an MPI-approved facility

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify current prices with MPI and a local vet. Import permit application fee roughly NZD 150–300; FAVN titer test NZD 200–400 plus courier to an approved lab; official veterinary health certificate NZD 150–400; quarantine fees roughly NZD 1,000–2,000 for 10 days depending on the facility; microchip NZD 50–100; air freight and MPI border inspection charges vary.

Most of Europe, the US, the UK, Japan, and Australia fall into this tier. The 90-day titer wait and the 10-day quarantine are the two biggest time sinks — start the process at least 6 months before travel. MPI-approved laboratories are listed on the MPI website; a titer test done at a non-approved lab will not be accepted.

MPI New Zealand

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 180+ days before travel
Quarantine
10 days
Post-arrival quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility for a minimum of 10 days, but the total pre-arrival waiting period (titer test plus 180 days) is the dominant constraint. Quarantine may be extended if the animal shows signs of illness or if documentation is incomplete. Dogs from some high-risk origins may be required to undergo quarantine for a longer period at MPI's discretion.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country, endorsed by the competent authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

New Zealand has no nationwide breed ban for dogs, but MPI and airlines may impose restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers due to respiratory risk during air travel. Some airlines refuse to carry these breeds or require a veterinary fitness-to-fly certificate. Check with the airline and MPI before booking. Dogs classified as dangerous under the Dog Control Act 1996 (e.g. American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila, Perro de Presa Canario) may face additional registration and control requirements once in New Zealand, but they are not banned from import.

Documents checklist

  • MPI biosecurity import permit
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • Rabies titer test result from an MPI-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml, test at least 180 days before arrival)
  • Official veterinary health certificate endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
  • Microchip certificate or record showing ISO 11784/11785 chip number
  • Proof of treatment for internal and external parasites within the required window before export
  • Quarantine booking confirmation from an MPI-approved facility
  • Any additional MPI-specified testing or treatment for the specific origin country

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify current prices with MPI and a local vet. Import permit application fee roughly NZD 150–300; FAVN titer test NZD 200–400 plus courier to an approved lab; official veterinary health certificate NZD 150–400; quarantine fees roughly NZD 1,000–2,000 for 10 days depending on the facility; microchip NZD 50–100; air freight and MPI border inspection charges vary. Total costs for high-risk origins often exceed NZD 3,000–5,000 per dog.

High-risk origins include most of Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia (including Thailand), Russia, and other countries where dog rabies is endemic. The 180-day titer wait means the process takes at least 7–8 months from the first vaccination. MPI may impose additional requirements for specific high-risk countries — check the MPI website for the current country list and any country-specific conditions before starting.

MPI New Zealand

Frequently asked questions

For a low-risk origin (e.g. UK, US, most of Europe), plan for at least 6 months: 21 days after rabies vaccination, then a titer test, then a 90-day wait, then a 10-day quarantine on arrival. For a high-risk origin (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), plan for at least 7–8 months because the titer test must be done at least 180 days before arrival. Add 4–8 weeks for the MPI import permit to be processed. Do not book flights until the permit is in hand.
New Zealand does not set a simple numeric cap like 5 pets for non-commercial travellers. Each dog requires its own MPI import permit, its own titer test (if applicable), its own quarantine booking, and its own health certificate. In practice, bringing more than a small number of dogs at once triggers additional scrutiny and may be treated as a commercial import, which has different and stricter requirements. If you plan to bring more than 2–3 dogs, contact MPI directly before starting the process.
No. New Zealand does not exempt emotional-support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. A service dog must still have an MPI import permit, a microchip, a rabies vaccination, a titer test if required for its origin country, an official veterinary certificate, and a quarantine booking. Some airlines may allow a service dog in the cabin, but that is an airline policy, not a biosecurity exemption. MPI may recognise certain disability-assistance dogs under specific conditions, but the core import rules still apply — confirm with MPI before travelling.
No. Dogs from a small number of MPI-approved 'free' origins may not need a titer test, but they still need an import permit, a rabies vaccination, a microchip, and an official veterinary certificate. Dogs from low-risk origins need a titer test at least 90 days before arrival. Dogs from high-risk origins need a titer test at least 180 days before arrival. The titer must be done at an MPI-approved laboratory and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
If the rabies neutralising antibody titer is below 0.5 IU/ml, the dog must be revaccinated against rabies and a new titer test must be carried out. The waiting period (90 days for low-risk origins, 180 days for high-risk origins) restarts from the date of the new test. This can add months to your timeline, so it is worth doing the titer test early and confirming the result before booking flights or quarantine.
No. Post-arrival quarantine for dogs entering New Zealand takes place at an MPI-approved quarantine facility, and the dog is housed there without the owner. You can visit during designated visiting hours at some facilities, but the dog stays in the facility for the full quarantine period (typically 10 days for low-risk and high-risk origins, longer if MPI requires it). Book the quarantine space well in advance — facilities have limited capacity and fill up months ahead.
Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785-compliant chip before the rabies vaccination is given. If the chip is not ISO-compliant, you will need to carry a compatible reader with you, or have the dog re-chipped with an ISO-compliant chip before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must appear on the rabies vaccination certificate and the official veterinary certificate. A microchip implanted after the rabies vaccination may invalidate the vaccination for import purposes.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to New Zealand.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Treatment record for internal and external parasites (if required by permit conditions)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: MPI import permit ~NZD 150-300, microchip ~NZD 50-100, rabies vaccination ~NZD 50-150, health certificate ~NZD 100-250, parasite treatments ~NZD 50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MPI.

New Zealand has no rabies, so an MPI import permit is mandatory even for free-origin countries. Cats must be at least 3 months old at import. A rabies vaccination is required regardless of origin. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met, but MPI may inspect on arrival.

MPI New Zealand

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from MPI
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (>=0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Treatment record for internal and external parasites (if required by permit conditions)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: MPI import permit ~NZD 150-300, microchip ~NZD 50-100, rabies vaccination ~NZD 50-150, FAVN titer test ~NZD 200-400, health certificate ~NZD 100-250, parasite treatments ~NZD 50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MPI.

For low-risk countries, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is required. The test must be done at least 90 days before travel, and the result must be >=0.5 IU/ml. The cat must be microchipped before vaccination and titer testing. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met.

MPI New Zealand

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
10 days
Cats from high-risk countries must undergo 10 days of quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility upon arrival in New Zealand. The quarantine period may be extended if the cat does not meet all pre-entry requirements.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from MPI
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an approved laboratory (>=0.5 IU/ml)
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Treatment record for internal and external parasites (if required by permit conditions)
  • Booking confirmation for MPI-approved quarantine facility

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: MPI import permit ~NZD 150-300, microchip ~NZD 50-100, rabies vaccination ~NZD 50-150, FAVN titer test ~NZD 200-400, health certificate ~NZD 100-250, parasite treatments ~NZD 50-100, quarantine ~NZD 1000-2000 (10 days). Confirm current prices with a local vet and MPI.

For high-risk countries, a rabies titer test (FAVN) is required, and the cat must undergo 10 days of quarantine at an MPI-approved facility. The cat must be microchipped before vaccination and titer testing. Quarantine can be extended if requirements are not met.

MPI New Zealand

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Not required
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of Australia (or accredited veterinarian endorsed by the Australian Department of Agriculture) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from MPI
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Treatment record for internal and external parasites (if required by permit conditions)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, explicitly framed as an estimate to verify locally: MPI import permit ~NZD 150-300, microchip ~NZD 50-100, health certificate ~NZD 100-250, parasite treatments ~NZD 50-100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MPI.

Cats from Australia do not require rabies vaccination or titer testing, and no quarantine is required. However, an MPI import permit and health certificate are still mandatory. Cats must be at least 3 months old.

MPI New Zealand

Frequently asked questions

New Zealand does not set a specific numerical limit for non-commercial pet cats, but if you are bringing more than 5 cats, MPI may consider it a commercial import, which triggers stricter requirements and higher fees. For personal pets, each cat must have its own import permit and meet all health conditions.
No. New Zealand does not exempt emotional support or service cats from import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must comply with MPI's import conditions, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, titer testing (if applicable), health certificates, and quarantine (if applicable).
Cats from low-risk and high-risk countries must have a rabies titer test (FAVN) with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 90 days before travel and within 12 months of travel. Cats from Australia are exempt.
Quarantine is not required for cats from rabies-free countries like Australia, or from low-risk countries if all pre-entry conditions are met. Cats from high-risk countries must undergo 10 days of quarantine at an MPI-approved facility.
Cats must be at least 3 months old at the time of import. This applies to all origin countries.
The process can take several months. For high-risk countries, the rabies titer test alone requires a 90-day waiting period after the test. You should start at least 6 months before travel to ensure all requirements are met.
No. All cats must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before rabies vaccination and any titer testing. If your cat is not microchipped, it will not meet import requirements.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to New Zealand.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Not required
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) — apply at least 4 weeks before travel
  • Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinary authority within 10 days of arrival
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or microchip number recorded on the health certificate)
  • Import permit number must be quoted on the health certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, verify locally: MPI import permit ~NZD 150–300; government-endorsed health certificate ~NZD 150–350; ISO microchip ~NZD 50–100; international air freight for a ferret ~NZD 1,500–3,000 depending on origin and carrier. No rabies vaccination, titre test, or quarantine costs apply in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MPI.

New Zealand treats ferrets as 'other carnivores' under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act and the Biosecurity Act. Even from a rabies-free origin, an MPI import permit is mandatory and must be obtained before the animal leaves the origin country. Ferrets are not permitted to enter as accompanied baggage in the cabin; they must travel as manifest cargo. No rabies vaccination is required if the origin is officially recognised as rabies-free by MPI, but the animal must be identifiable by microchip and accompanied by a government-endorsed health certificate. Direct flights only, or transit through approved countries with no landside access.

MPI New Zealand

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by MPI — apply at least 4 weeks before travel
  • Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinary authority within 10 days of arrival
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before departure (primary course) and valid for the travel date
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or microchip number recorded on the health certificate)
  • Import permit number must be quoted on the health certificate

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, verify locally: MPI import permit ~NZD 150–300; government-endorsed health certificate ~NZD 150–350; rabies vaccination ~NZD 50–120; ISO microchip ~NZD 50–100; international air freight for a ferret ~NZD 1,500–3,000 depending on origin and carrier. No titre test or quarantine costs apply in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MPI.

For low-risk (rabies-controlled but not rabies-free) origins, MPI requires a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days before departure. A rabies antibody titre (FAVN) test is NOT required for ferrets from low-risk origins under current MPI rules, but the vaccination certificate must be government-endorsed. Ferrets must travel as manifest cargo, not in the cabin. Direct flights only, or transit through approved countries with no landside access. No quarantine on arrival if all documentation is correct.

MPI New Zealand

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
10 days
Post-arrival quarantine at an MPI-approved quarantine facility in New Zealand for a minimum of 10 days. The animal must be booked into the facility before the import permit is issued. Quarantine is at the owner's expense and is subject to facility availability.
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the exporting country (e.g. USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US-origin, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 4 months

Documents checklist

  • Import permit issued by MPI — apply at least 8 weeks before travel
  • Veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government veterinary authority within 10 days of arrival
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 21 days before departure and valid for the travel date
  • FAVN rabies antibody titre test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an MPI-approved laboratory, dated at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before departure
  • Proof of ISO microchip (or microchip number recorded on the health certificate)
  • Import permit number must be quoted on the health certificate
  • Booking confirmation for MPI-approved quarantine facility

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only, verify locally: MPI import permit ~NZD 150–300; government-endorsed health certificate ~NZD 150–350; rabies vaccination ~NZD 50–120; FAVN titre test ~NZD 200–400; ISO microchip ~NZD 50–100; quarantine ~NZD 100–200 per day for 10 days; international air freight for a ferret ~NZD 1,500–3,000 depending on origin and carrier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and MPI.

High-risk origins (CDC-flagged for dog rabies) face the strictest MPI rules: a valid rabies vaccination, a FAVN titre test at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before departure, and 10 days post-arrival quarantine at an MPI-approved facility. Ferrets must travel as manifest cargo, not in the cabin. Direct flights only, or transit through approved countries with no landside access. The import permit must be obtained before the FAVN test is done, as the permit number is required on the test submission form. Quarantine space is limited and must be booked well in advance.

MPI New Zealand

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but ferrets are not treated as ordinary pets. They fall under MPI's 'other carnivores' import rules. You need an MPI import permit before the ferret leaves the origin country, a government-endorsed veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, and — depending on the rabies-risk status of the origin country — rabies vaccination, a FAVN titre test, and up to 10 days post-arrival quarantine. Ferrets cannot travel in the cabin; they must be shipped as manifest cargo.
MPI does not set a fixed numeric cap for non-commercial ferret imports, but each animal requires its own import permit, health certificate, and (if applicable) FAVN test and quarantine booking. In practice, bringing more than 2–3 ferrets at once triggers closer scrutiny and may be treated as a commercial import, which requires additional MPI approvals and a different fee schedule. If you plan to bring more than 3, contact MPI directly before applying.
No. New Zealand does not recognise emotional-support animals as service animals, and even fully trained service animals must meet the same MPI import requirements as any other ferret. There is no exemption from the import permit, health certificate, rabies vaccination, FAVN titre test, or quarantine. Airlines may also refuse to carry ferrets in the cabin regardless of support-animal status.
From a low-risk origin: allow at least 6–8 weeks (4 weeks for the MPI permit, 21 days for rabies vaccination, plus health certificate and flight booking). From a high-risk origin: allow at least 6–9 months, because the FAVN titre test must be done at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before departure, and quarantine space must be booked in advance. Start the process as early as possible — MPI permits are not issued retroactively.
It depends on the origin country. From rabies-free origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City): no rabies vaccination or titre test required. From low-risk origins (e.g. US, UK, most of Europe, Japan, Australia): rabies vaccination required, but no titre test. From high-risk origins (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East): rabies vaccination plus a FAVN titre test of ≥0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 90 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before departure.
Only if it arrives from a high-risk rabies origin. In that case, MPI requires a minimum of 10 days post-arrival quarantine at an MPI-approved facility, booked and paid for by the owner before the import permit is issued. Ferrets from rabies-free or low-risk origins with correct documentation do not go into quarantine on arrival.
No. MPI and New Zealand's biosecurity rules require ferrets to travel as manifest cargo, not in the cabin or as checked baggage. This applies regardless of origin country or rabies-risk tier. You will need to book cargo space with an airline approved to carry live animals into New Zealand, and the ferret must arrive at an approved port of entry (Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington) where MPI biosecurity officers can inspect it.

Good to know

All dog imports are managed by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). A biosecurity import permit is required for every dog regardless of origin. Dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an official veterinary certificate. Depending on the origin country, a rabies neutralising antibody titer test and post-arrival quarantine may also be required. MPI recognises only approved countries and approved laboratories; check the MPI website for current lists before making bookings.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to New Zealand, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with New Zealand's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.