NEW ZEALAND

 

Age of Animal

To travel to New Zealand, your pet must be at least 9 months old. They need their own Rabies vaccination, which can be given at 12 weeks, and a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test report

 

Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped. The microchip should be implanted either before or at the same time as the Rabies vaccination. Only a microchip implanted by an official, registered veterinarian will be accepted for export purposes.

 

Rabies Vaccination

Your pet’s primary Rabies vaccination must be older than 6 months, and a booster vaccination must be older than 30 days, but not older than one year.

 

Annual Vaccinations

Annual vaccinations for dogs and cats must be older than 30 days but not older than one year upon arrival.

 

For Dogs: Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza and Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough).

 

For Cats: Feline Panleukopenia (Infectious Enteritis/Feline Distemper), Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Calicivirus.

 

Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)

Blood samples must be collected at least 30 days after the Rabies vaccination. The test results need to be between 92 days (3 months) and 730 days (24 months) old at the time of export. The first day is counted from the date the blood is drawn and the sample sent to the testing laboratory (Onderstepoort).

 

Important: If your pet has a valid Rabies vaccination but no microchip, a booster Rabies vaccination is required after the microchip is implanted. Blood can then be drawn 30 days later for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT).

 

Import Permit

An Import Permit is needed. We can apply for this on your behalf, or you can apply with our assistance.

 

Quarantine

Pets entering New Zealand must quarantine for 10 days.

 

Additional Blood Tests and Treatments

Additional tests and treatments are required within 30 days before travel.

 

For Dogs:  Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis), Brucella Canis, Babesia Gibsoni tests, and Leptospirosis, Canine Babesiosis and Heartworm treatments.

 

We will provide a personalized timeline and step-by-step guidance through the process, including proof letters and reminders for veterinary appointments.

 

Banned Breeds

Certain dog breeds (and their crosses) are prohibited from being imported to New Zealand:

 

Dogo Argentino

Fila Brasileiro

Japanese Tosa

Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier

Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario

Any domestic / non-domestic animal hybrid (e.g. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog / Czechoslovakian Vlcak, Saarloos Wolfdog / Wolfhound, Lupo Italiano / Italian Wolfhound, Kunming Wolfdog, etc.)

 

Health Certificate

Pets must have a Health Certificate from a private veterinarian, confirming compliance with the above requirements, and countersigned by an official State Vet. This must be done within 2 days of departure.