Moving to New Zealand

Can I bring my pets?

If you have pets, be sure the airline you select is currently accepting animals as cargo Some airlines have been known to stop accepting them for certain periods of time. Don't worry even though they're considered "cargo," animals are placed in a pressurised climate- controlled section of the hold (usually in the tail) and get special treatment from handlers.

All animals must come through Auckland International Airport and most are subject to quarantine depending on the country they are from. They must have typically spent at least 6 months freely resident in their departure country, will require full vaccinations and a subcutaneous identity chip. Pets from most countries (with the notable exceptions of Australia and the UK) will also require a rabies lab test at least three weeks after vaccination.

The rabies lab test results, which identifies the animal by it's identity chip number must be at least 6 months old before the animal will be eligible for importation. This is one of those long lead-time items that needs to be handled early or you may be forced to have your pet join you in NZ several months later.

Only domesticated dogs and cats may be imported. If you have a non-traditional pet such as a bird, rabbit, ferret, hamster, guinea pig, rat, or mouse, it will unfortunately not be able to accompany you.

Certain breeds (including cross-breeds) of dog are also not eligible for importation. These include the American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentine, Japanese Tosa and Brazilian Fila.

Required Vaccinations for Dogs:

• Hepatitis
• Canine Cough (adenovirus 2, parainfluenza & bordetella)
• Leptospirosis
• Parvovirus

Required Vaccinations for Cats:

• Rabies
• Panleukopenia
• Rhinotrachetis
• Calicivirus
• Chlamydia Psittaci (optional)

Quarantine Periods

Typical quarantine periods and documentation requirements for dogs and cats are summarised in the following table. Check with MAF or your pet quarantine company for additional requirements.

Origin	Import Permit Required	Quarant. Period	Zoo Cert.	Vet Cert.A	Vet Cert.B
Australia	No	None	Yes	Yes	Yes
United Kingdom	Yes	None	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hawaii	Yes	None	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	30 Days	Yes	Yes	Yes
South Africa	Yes	120 Days	Yes	Yes	Yes
Specified Countries	Yes	30 Days	Yes	Yes	Yes

All information on this website is given for guidance only, and although we believe it to be correct at the time of writing, we do not accept any liability for errors, omissions, inaccuracies or misinterpretation. All charges, regulations and procedures are liable to change without notice.

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