Bringing a dog or cat into New Zealand

The short version

• Rabies blood test for some origins
• Import permit for some pets
• Quarantine possible
• Extra disease test for some origins
• Some origins not allowed

How early to start

The least time the officially fixed waiting periods allow, by where your dog is coming from. Vet, lab and paperwork appointment times come on top.

Where your pet is coming from matters

New Zealand sorts countries into groups. These are the groups exactly as the authority publishes them (New Zealand: categories of countries approved to export cats and dogs, checked 2026-10-10).

• From MPI's Schedule 9 of the Specified Approvals document (13 May 2026).
• Hawaii is listed in both Category 2 and Category 3. We use Category 3, the stricter, on the safe side.
• The Dutch Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten), the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Réunion are listed under Category 3.

Every requirement

Depends on your pet or your route

1. Identification

   Permanent microchip

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

   Your cat or dog must be permanently and uniquely identified with a microchip. ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 Annex A chips are recommended, and a vet must scan and record the number at every test, vaccination and treatment.

   Details and the official words

   “The cat or dog must be permanently and uniquely identified with a microchip.”

   “The microchip identification of each cat or dog must be verified and recorded by a veterinarian at each required examination, test, vaccination, and/or treatment performed for import into New Zealand.”

2. Check

   Pre-export identification check by an official vet

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

   An official vet in a categorised country scans your pet's microchip before the rabies blood sample is taken, and if the sample is taken less than 6 months before shipment, a first scan must also be done at least 6 months before shipment. The exporting country's veterinary authority must tell MPI directly that the check was done.

   Details and the official words

   If the blood sample is taken 3 to 6 months before shipment, the microchip must be scanned twice by an official vet: the first scan at least 6 months before shipment, the second before the sample.

   “For an RNATT sample taken between 6 and 12 months prior to shipment, a cat or dog must have its microchip scanned by an official veterinarian in a categorised country before the sample for the RNATT is taken.”

   “The first scan must be done at least 6 months before shipment; and”

   “The competent authority of the exporting country must communicate directly to MPI that the pre-export identification check has been performed by an official veterinarian.”

3. Check

   Pre-export identification check by an official vet

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free

   An official vet in the country of export scans and verifies your pet's microchip at least 6 months before shipment (for a pet under 6 months old, before any test, vaccination or treatment). The exporting country's veterinary authority must tell MPI directly that the check was done.

   Details and the official words

   “A cat or dog must have its microchip scanned and verified by an official veterinarian in the country of export at least 6 months prior to shipment; or”

   “The competent authority of the exporting country must communicate directly to MPI that the pre-export identification check has been performed by an official veterinarian.”

4. Vaccination

   Rabies vaccination (Category 3 countries)

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

   A vet vaccinates your pet against rabies when it is at least 12 weeks old, with a vaccine on MPI's approved list, and the vaccination must stay continuously valid until shipment. A first (primary) vaccination must be given at least 6 months before shipment.

   Details and the official words

   “The cat or dog must be vaccinated or revaccinated for rabies by a veterinarian when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age”

   “The vaccination(s) must remain continuously valid until shipment.”

   “In the case of a primary vaccination, the vaccine must be given not less than 6 months before the date of shipment.”

5. Blood test

   Rabies antibody blood test, RNATT (Category 3 countries)

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

   A vet takes a blood sample for the rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months before shipment, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL, tested at an approved laboratory in a categorised country.

   Details and the official words

   “The cat or dog must be subjected to a rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-STD-SAA on a sample taken by a veterinarian not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months before the date of shipment, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL.”

   “It is recommended to wait 3-4 weeks after the rabies vaccination to allow time to develop an immune response, before taking a sample for the rabies titration test.”

6. Quarantine

   Book a quarantine place in New Zealand (at least 10 days)

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

   After arrival your pet goes straight to the quarantine (transitional) facility named on the import permit and stays at least 10 days, with a vet inspection within 72 hours of arrival and again at the end. You get a signed quarantine booking form from the facility and include it in the permit application. The stay can be longer, for example if parasites are found.

   Details and the official words

   “The cat or dog must remain in quarantine for a minimum period of 10 days; and”

   “A signed quarantine booking form must be included as part of the import permit application.”

7. Permit

   MPI import permit (apply online)

   Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

   Apply online for the MPI import permit at least 8 weeks before you need it, and allow 30 working days for processing once MPI has every document. For Category 3 you upload the rabies vaccination records, the blood test result, the Category 3 Rabies Certification Form and the signed quarantine booking form; for Category 2, the signed quarantine booking form.

   Details and the official words

   “A cat or dog from a category 2 or 3 country (including assistance dogs); and”

   “Apply for an import permit online at: MPI Online Import Permit at least 8 weeks before it is required. Allow 30 working days for processing after all required documents have been received.”

8. Treatment

   Cats: tick and flea treatment in the 16 days before shipment

   Applies when: your pet is a cat and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

   A vet treats your cat with an MPI-approved tick and flea product in the 16 days before shipment, with continuous protection from the treatment until shipment, and certifies it free of external parasites at treatment and in the 2 days before shipment.

   Details and the official words

   “The cat must be treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI-STD-SAA for the control of ticks and fleas:”

   “The treatment must be given in the 16 days before the date of shipment; and”

9. Treatment

   Dogs: first tick and flea treatment (14 days before the Babesia blood test)

   Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

   A vet gives your dog the first of two tick and flea treatments (MPI-approved product) at least 14 days before the blood sample for the Babesia tests, with continuous protection until shipment.

   Details and the official words

   “The dog must be treated twice by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI-STD-SAA for the control of ticks and fleas:”

   “The first treatment must be given at least 14 days before the date the blood sample is taken for the Babesia gibsoni test, and the Babesia rossi test (if applicable); and”

10. Treatment

    Dogs: last tick and flea treatment in the 16 days before shipment

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    The last of the two tick and flea treatments must be given in the 16 days before shipment, with the dog certified free of external parasites at each treatment and in the 2 days before shipment.

    Details and the official words

    “The last treatment must be given in the 16 days before the date of shipment; and”

11. Treatment

    Worming treatment #1 (nematodes and cestodes)

    Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    A vet gives the first of two worming treatments (MPI-approved product or combination, covering nematodes and cestodes including Echinococcus) in the 30 days before shipment and at least 14 days before the second.

    Details and the official words

    “The cat or dog must be treated twice by a veterinarian with a product (or combination of products) listed in MPI-STD-SAA for the control of nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus species).”

    “The first treatment must be given in the 30 days before the date of shipment and at least 14 days before the second treatment; and”

12. Treatment

    Worming treatment #2 (in the 5 days before shipment)

    Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    The second worming treatment must be given in the 5 days before shipment, at least 14 days after the first.

    Details and the official words

    “The second treatment must be given in the 5 days before the date of shipment.”

13. Treatment

    Dogs: treatment against Angiostrongylus vasorum

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    A vet treats your dog with an MPI-approved product effective against Angiostrongylus vasorum (a lungworm) in the 5 days before shipment.

    Details and the official words

    “The dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI-STD-SAA effective against Angiostrongylus vasorum, in the 5 days before the date of shipment to New Zealand.”

14. Test

    Dogs: Babesia gibsoni blood tests

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    A dog 6 months or older needs an IFA or ELISA test for Babesia gibsoni and a PCR test, both negative, on samples taken at least 14 days after the first tick and flea treatment and in the 30 days before shipment (or three negative PCR tests at least 7 days apart, the first within 44 days before shipment). A dog under 6 months needs the three PCR tests.

    Details and the official words

    If your dog has ever lived in or travelled to mainland Africa, Babesia rossi testing or treatment applies too (see the declaration step); otherwise the owner signs a declaration.

    “A dog 6 months of age or older must be subjected to an IFA or ELISA test for Babesia gibsoni and a PCR test for Babesia spp. or Babesia gibsoni with negative results on samples taken at least 14 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 30 days before the date of shipment; or”

    “A dog under 6 months of age must be subjected to 3 PCR tests at intervals of at least 7 days for Babesia gibsoni with negative results, with the first sample taken at least 14 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 44 days before shipment.”

15. Paperwork

    Dogs: declaration that the dog has never been in mainland Africa

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    You sign a written declaration that your dog has never lived in or travelled to mainland Africa. If it has, a dog 6 months or older needs an approved Babesia rossi treatment in the 16 days before shipment or negative tests, and a younger dog needs three PCR tests or the treatment.

    Details and the official words

    “A written owner declaration is required to confirm that the dog has never resided in or travelled to mainland Africa; or”

16. Test

    Dogs: Brucella canis (desexing certificate or a blood test)

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    A desexed dog needs a vet's desexing certificate. An entire dog (male or female) needs a signed declaration that it was not mated in the 30 days before the sample, plus a negative Brucella canis test on a sample taken in the 30 days before shipment (other rules apply if it was mated).

    Details and the official words

    Only Australia is recognised as free of Brucella canis, so the test or the desexing certificate applies from every other country.

    “A desexing certificate signed by a veterinarian must be provided to confirm that the dog has been desexed; or”

    “The entire dog (male or female) must be subjected to a test for Brucella canis listed in MPI-STD-SAA with a negative result on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment; or”

17. Test

    Dogs: Leishmania infantum test

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    Every dog is tested for Leishmania infantum, with a negative result on a sample taken in the 30 days before shipment, and certified free of clinical signs in the 2 days before shipment.

    Details and the official words

    Only Australia is recognised as free of Leishmania infantum, so this applies from every other country.

    “be subjected to a test for Leishmania infantum listed in MPI-STD-SAA, with negative results on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment; and”

    “Every dog must be tested for Leishmania infantum.”

18. Test

    Dogs: Leptospirosis (Canicola) test or treatment

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    A dog tests negative for Leptospira interrogans serovar Canicola on a sample taken in the 30 days before shipment (MPI recommends the test), or has a low positive result with a vaccination or a stable second test, or has had an approved course of treatment in the 30 days before shipment.

    Details and the official words

    Only Australia is recognised as free of this strain, so this applies from every other country.

    “The dog must test negative for Leptospirosis interrogans serovar Canicola in accordance with MPI-STD-SAA in the 30 days prior to shipment; or”

    “The dog has been treated with an approved course of treatment in accordance with MPI-STD-SAA in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment.”

19. Test

    Dogs: heartworm test (7 months or older)

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    A dog 7 months or older needs a negative heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) test on a sample taken in the 30 days before shipment.

    Details and the official words

    “If 7 months of age or older on the date of shipment, the dog must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-SAA for heartworm, with a negative result on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment; and”

20. Treatment

    Dogs: heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    Every dog is treated with an MPI-approved heartworm preventive in the 5 days before shipment (or is up to date with an approved sustained-release injection).

    Details and the official words

    “Treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI-STD-SAA for heartworm prevention in the 5 days before the date of shipment; or”

21. Vet exam

    Entire dogs: examination for canine transmissible venereal tumour

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    An entire (not desexed) male or female dog has its external genitalia examined in the 2 days before shipment and again on arrival in New Zealand.

    Details and the official words

    Desexed dogs are not mentioned in this clause.

    “If the dog is an entire male or female, it must be subjected to an examination of the external genitalia (which in the case of a male dog includes examination of the extruded penis):”

    “In the 2 days before the date of shipment; and”

22. Paperwork

    Declaration: no respiratory disease for 21 days before shipment

    Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    You sign a written declaration that for at least 21 days before shipment your cat or dog was not kept where cats or dogs showed signs of infectious respiratory disease and showed no such signs itself.

    Details and the official words

    “Based on a written declaration from the owner, for at least 21 days before the date of shipment:”

23. Vaccination

    Dogs from the USA, Singapore, Canada or South Korea: canine influenza vaccination or test

    Applies when: your pet is a dog and you travel from United States, Singapore, Canada or South Korea and the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    A dog from a country MPI lists as a canine influenza risk must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza between 12 months and 14 days before shipment (and the vaccination must stay valid through the quarantine stay), or have a negative canine influenza virus test on a sample collected in the 10 days before shipment.

    Details and the official words

    “Canine influenza 2.9 USA Singapore Canada Republic of Korea”

    “The dog must be fully vaccinated against canine influenza using a vaccine listed in MPI-STD-SAA between 12 months and 14 days before the date of shipment; and”

    “The dog must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-SAA for canine influenza virus detection, with a negative result on a sample collected in the 10 days before the date of shipment.”

24. Vet exam

    Final vet inspection in the 2 days before shipment

    Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    A vet inspects your pet in the 2 days before shipment and finds it healthy and fit to travel, free of visible external parasites, dirt, insects and seeds, and of signs of infectious disease. A dog must also be free of recent dog bites.

    Details and the official words

    “A cat or dog must be inspected by a veterinarian in the 2 days before the date of shipment and be found to be:”

25. Paperwork

    Veterinary certificate from the exporting country's official vet

    Applies when: the country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled

    An official vet in the exporting country issues the model veterinary certificate for your category (or one agreed between MPI and that country) certifying that the general requirements and the requirements for the specified diseases have been met. It is endorsed on every page. The documents must be original and in English.

    Details and the official words

    MPI's standard gives no separate validity period for the certificate: the dated treatments and tests in it carry the deadlines.

    “A veterinary certificate from an official veterinarian in the exporting country must include the following:”

When this route doesn’t work

• Not allowed · The country you travel from is in the group: Not on MPI's lists: cats and dogs cannot be imported from this country

  New Zealand only accepts cats and dogs from countries MPI has approved (Categories 1, 2 and 3), and this country is not on those lists. Your pet would have to live in an approved country first, or the exporting country's veterinary authority would have to ask MPI to approve it.

• Not covered by us yet · The country you travel from is in the group: Category 1: Australia (including Norfolk Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands)

  Australia is New Zealand's Category 1 country, with its own pathway. We haven't built it yet.

• Not covered by us yet · The pet is being sold, adopted or rehomed

  This standard covers cats and dogs imported as pets. Imports for sale or rehoming aren't covered here and we don't cover them yet.

Restricted breeds

Banned in New Zealand: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario and American Pit Bull Terrier-type dogs (any dog that belongs wholly or predominantly to them).

Good to know

• The 2026 standard came into force on 1 July 2026. Until 1 April 2027 you may instead comply with the older 2021 standard, which we haven't read. Ask the exporting country's veterinary authority or your pet transport company which one it works to. From 1 April 2027 only the 2026 standard applies.When: The country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled
• Your pet must fly as manifested cargo (not in the cabin) and can only arrive at Auckland or Christchurch airport. From a Category 2 country the crate must be sealed with a government-approved seal.When: The country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled
• A cat or dog must not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment.When: The country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free or Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled
• Bengal cats can be imported. Other hybrid cats and dogs are likely to be treated as 'new organisms' and need approval from the Environmental Protection Authority before they come.
• MPI's own guidance says the timing of vaccination and testing means the practical minimum age at shipment is about 9 months from a Category 3 country (12 weeks from Category 2).When: The country you travel from is in the group: Category 3: specified countries where rabies is absent or well controlled
• From a Category 2 country there is no rabies vaccination or blood test: the country itself must be free of rabies. Your pet must have lived there since birth, or for at least 6 months before shipment.When: The country you travel from is in the group: Category 2: countries recognised as rabies free