If you're bringing a cat or dog

Why it matters

• The rules and timing for bringing a cat or dog depend on the country it comes from, so check your country's category first.
• MPI's guide says the 2026 import health standard came into force on 1 July 2026, with a 9-month transition period when the 2021 requirements can still be used.

Steps

1. Open MPI's step-by-step guide to bringing cats and dogs to New Zealand and check which category your country is in.
2. Have your pet microchipped. The microchip number is checked at every examination, test and vaccination.
3. Book the pre-export identification check with an official vet at least 6 months before you bring your pet.
4. If your country is in category 2: your pet must have lived there for at least 6 months before it travels, or since birth, or since it came directly from New Zealand.
5. If your country is in category 3: the primary rabies vaccination must be given at least 6 months before shipment, and a blood sample for the rabies antibody test taken 3 to 12 months before shipment.
6. If your pet isn't flying in from Australia: book a place at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. Your import permit application needs the booking confirmation.
7. Apply online for the import permit at least 30 working days before you need it.
8. Arrange the final tick and flea treatment in the 16 days before shipment (dogs need an earlier treatment too), and the vet inspection in the 2 days before shipment.
9. If your pet comes from Australia by air: it doesn't need an import permit, but email MPI at least 5 working days before it arrives.
10. Pets flying in arrive at Auckland or Christchurch airport. Pets from category 2 and 3 countries spend at least 10 days in quarantine.
11. Once you move in, register your dog with the council for the district where you keep it.

Documents you'll need

• Your quarantine booking confirmation, sent with the import permit application
• If your country is in category 3: the rabies vaccination certificates and the rabies antibody test results

Common mistakes

• Starting too late. The identification check, residency and rabies timings are all counted back from the date your pet travels.
• Applying for the import permit before you have a quarantine booking.

Watch out for

• Some dog breeds and types can't be imported into New Zealand at all.
• Hybrid cats and dogs, other than Bengal cats, are likely to need approval from the Environmental Protection Authority.
• A cat or dog can't be more than 42 days pregnant on the day it's shipped.
• Not registering a dog older than 3 months can mean a fine of up to $3,000.

Cost

• You pay all the costs, including documents, transport, storage and biosecurity clearance.

When to get advice

• MPI recommends using a pet transport company to help with the process.

Sources