Your Pets

The requirements for bringing pets into New Zealand depend on the type of animal, where it's from and if there is an existing import health standard.

Current conditions and disease concerns mean that there are very few types of pets allowed into New Zealand. Importation is currently limited to dogs and cats from certain countries, rabbits from Australia and chinchillas from the United Kingdom.

Importation is not possible if there is not a current Import Health Standard for the animal you wish to bring into New Zealand. It is possible to request the development of an import health standard. Requests are assessed and prioritised against certain criteria.

Dogs and cats

The major disease risk for dogs and cats coming into New Zealand is rabies. Dogs and cats coming from rabies free countries such as Australia, United Kingdom/Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Hawaii, and Singapore do not require quarantine, but do require certain pre import tests and treatments and will be inspected for ticks on arrival.

Details of the requirements can be found in the appropriate MAFBNZ import health standard.

Other countries (eg, USA, Canada, South Africa) are rabies controlled – these countries have rabies but it is managed through vaccination and surveillance. Dogs and cats from these countries must follow a specific procedure of rabies vaccination and blood testing before importation can be considered. They must also complete a number of other tests and treatments as well as complete quarantine on arrival. Quarantine facilities are owned by private companies approved by MAFBNZ and contact details are here. Some pets will not need to be quarantined, but will need a tick inspection on arrival.

• Cats and dogs frequently asked questions

Pets on yachts

There are special import health standards for dogs and cats coming into New Zealand on a yacht. Please read the import health standard to work out what will be expected of your animal if it arrives on a yacht. You may also consult the information under Yachts.

Disability assistance dogs

There is a specific import health standard for disability assistance dogs. This standard must be used in association with the dog/cat import health standard that covers the assistance dog's country of origin.

Pet fish

Pet fish may be imported under the Import Health Standard for the importation of Ornamental Fish and Marine Invertebrates. Only species listed in this standard are eligible for importation and must complete post arrival quarantine on arrival in New Zealand. Fish quarantine facilities are owned by private individuals approved by MAFBNZ.

If you want to take your pet overseas, you can find more information in Going to Other Countries.

Animal equipment

There is an Import Health Standard that specifies the conditions for bringing in equipment associated with animals, such as cages, accessories and grooming supplies.

Pet Medication

A declaration must be completed by the importer/ agent/ kennel hand if you intend to import the animal's medication. Declarations are available on the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Group website at www.nzfsa.govt.nz/acvm/subject/import-approvals.htm . The completed declaration must be provided to a MAFBNZ Inspector before or on arrival in New Zealand. A copy of the veterinarian’s prescription label must be provided with the declaration.

Excessive amounts of veterinary medicines (generally more than a three month supply) might not be given clearance this way. If in doubt, contact the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group Contact .

Veterinary medicines imported in this manner must only be for use on the accompanied animal.

Transit information

Dogs and Cats transiting through New Zealand may require a permit to travel if they are changing planes or in New Zealand for greater than 6 hours.

• Animals must be in New Zealand for no more than 72 hours.
• Your pet can only transit from countries we allow importation from.
• For animal welfare reasons, animals must go to an appoved transitional facility if here for grreater than 6 hours. The approved facilities are listed in the permit application form. 

Please contact animalimports@maf.govt.nz for information about other types of animals transiting New Zealand.

Page last updated: 26 November 2008