Your Pets
If you plan to bring your dog or cat back to New Zealand, it is highly recommended that you learn about the import requirements before you export your pet from New Zealand.
You can find this information at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/personal/pets
or contact animalimports@maf.govt.nz
Animals being exported from New Zealand are required to meet the import conditions of the importing country. The Export Requirements for dogs and cats are outlined below for:
To send dogs and cats in addition to other pet animals to other countries, you will need to refer to the Export Requirements for the specific animal you wish to send.
Animals being exported from New Zealand also need an Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC), though there are some exemptions. AWECs are completed to ensure that animals may travel and arrive in good health.
Pet owners are advised to contact a registered pet exporter to organise the export of pet(s) as pet exporters are familiar with export protocols and procedures. Note that some airlines do not deal directly with the public and will only deal with animal bookings through a pet exporter.
If you are not using a pet exporter, please contact the New Zealand Food Safety Authority 
Verification Agency, Live Animal Sector, listed below to organise a MAF Official Veterinarian (Authorised Person) to sign the export certificate template and AWEC prior to export.
Auckland:
Ph: 09 909 2706
Email: mqsakav@maf.govt.nz
Wellington:
Ph: 04 894 4208
Email: watsond@nzfsa.govt.nz
Christchurch:
Ph: 03 943 1777
Email: LiveAnimalGroup@nzfsa.govt.nz
Pet owners expecting to return to New Zealand with their pet(s) should review the information on Entering New Zealand, Your Pets section of our site. It is strongly recommended this is done before the pet(s) is exported from New Zealand.
Dogs and Cats to Australia
Dogs and cats from New Zealand may enter Australia without the need for an import permit, however, an export certificate is still required.
Registered veterinarians approved by MAF to certify cats and dogs being exported to Australia can provide you with the export certification required.
Dogs and Cats to the UK
The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows cats and dogs to enter the UK from New Zealand without quarantine, though there are Export Requirements.
Dogs and Cats to the USA
New Zealand is classed as a "rabies free" country by the United States Department of Agriculture and there are no restrictions on exporting dogs and cats from New Zealand to the USA.
While no export certificate is required for dogs and cats being exported to the USA, most airlines will not accept animals for shipment unless they are accompanied by a letter stating the animal is fit and well to travel. Such letters can be completed by a New Zealand registered veterinarian and must be written on headed veterinary practice note paper Veterinary surgeons providing such letters must ensure that their name and qualifications are typed or printed beneath their signatures.
Page last updated: 2 July 2010