Moving your pet

If you are going to move your pet/s to New Zealand, be sure to plan well ahead. Many people decide to use a pet relocation service and this can take a lot of the stress out of what can be a very emotional time for you and your pet.

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.

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?

There are several tests your pet will need to undergo, including blood tests. 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. Remember that on international flights, pets are not permitted to travel as carry-on baggage and must travel as checked cargo.

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 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.

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.

What next?