Moving your pet

Before you make plans to bring your pet with you to New Zealand, consider whether it is in the best interest of the pet. If they are elderly or have a chronic medical condition, re-housing them may be a safer option. While the process for pet transportation is relatively straightforward, your pet does need to be of good health.

If you decide to leave your pet behind, make sure you leave plenty of time to find a new home for your best friend. If you have a pedigree, breeders will often help to re-house your pet. Otherwise, try advertising in your local paper or at the veterinary clinic. Take time to find the best home for your pet.

If moving the pet overseas is your first choice, be sure to plan well ahead.

Can I move my pet to New Zealand?

Animals must meet specific conditions for entry into New Zealand that depend on the type of animal and its country of origin. MAF Biosecurity New Zealand provides an online search option, called the Import Health Standards search that will allow you to specify the type of animal you have and the country you are travelling from to determine the requirements and regulations specific to your situation.

New Zealand is careful to maintain stringent standards in border control and it is important to follow all guidelines to the letter. Certain animals and breeds are wholly restricted from New Zealand. If your dog is an American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa or Brazilian Fila, it will not be granted entry into the country. Additionally, pet birds, reptiles, snakes, ferrets, Guinea pigs, mice and rats are not allowed entry into New Zealand.

Eligibility guidelines vary based on country and species, but for dogs and cats in general, your pet must be free of quarantine restrictions, more than 16 weeks of age at the date of departure from your home country and no more than 42 days pregnant at the date of departure. You may be required to show an import certificate (i.e. for horse imports).

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand provides an extensive list of FAQs that may help to answer specific questions regarding your situation quickly.

What is involved?

Your pet will need a veterinary check including micro-chipping for identification purposes. There are several tests your pet will need to undergo, including blood tests. According to Biosecurity New Zealand, the pet owner is responsible for all costs, including any applicable testing, treatment, transport, quarantine and veterinary supervision. The identity of your pet must be confirmed by microchip each time a treatment, vaccine or test is performed, as well as at the time of export certification.

Using a pet relocation service can cut the hassle of dealing with numerous procedures and chasing paperwork. It is a good idea to take several quotes from pet relocation agencies as the cost can vary. Ask the agency to specify how much help they can give you with making sure all the compliance paperwork is completed. The less follow-up you have to do, the easier the transporting will be.

Pets must be transported in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved container, which does not allow for the animal’s nose or paws to protrude through any ventilation openings. On international flights, pets are not permitted to travel as carry-on baggage and must travel as checked cargo.

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand must be provided with the flight/ship number and arrival time of any animal at least 72 hours before expected arrival. Migrants are asked to use the following email addresses or phone numbers depending on intended port of arrival:

If you don’t arrange your own accommodation prior to arriving in New Zealand, it is advisable to find a cattery or kennel to house your pet until your own accommodation is finalised. You will be required to provide an address at which your pet will live in New Zealand before receiving customs clearance.

Contact your airline directly to determine the cost of transporting your pet. The larger your pet and its carrying container, the higher the cost.

What happens on arrival?

Many pets, such as dogs and cats (from the UK for example), do not need to be quarantined on arrival, but will need to stay home-based for the first 30 days.

Once in New Zealand, dogs are required to be registered annually. There are rules about dog control, and some places do not permit dog, or even cat, ownership to protect the natural environment. However, many beaches allow dogs at certain times of the day and season, and your dog would surely enjoy the wide open space.

Make it easier on your pet

  • Purchase your pet’s travel carrier well in advance of your flight and leave it in your house with the door opened so that your cat or dog becomes familiar with the site and smell of it and enters the carrier willingly.
  • Ensure your pet’s nails have been recently clipped prior to travel to prevent them catching on the cage door or ventilation holes.
  • Sedatives are not recommended by most veterinarians as their effects at high altitudes are unpredictable. If you and your veterinarian do decide to use a tranquiliser, be sure to test it on your pet first before the date of travel.
  • Keep your pet indoors, or on a leash outdoors, for a minimum of 30 days after arrival at your new home. Your pet may become easily disoriented if allowed to roam too early.