Your pets

The requirements for bringing animals into New Zealand vary greatly, depending on the type of animal involved and which country you are bringing it from. A series of Import Health Standards set out the requirements relating to specific animals and specific countries. In addition, there is an Import Health Standard that specifies the conditions for bringing in various equipment associated with animals, such as cages, accessories and grooming supplies.If no Import Health Standard exists, an application form (446 Kb) for the development of an Import Health Standard for an animal or germplasm is available.

Cats and dogs coming from Australia, United Kingdom/Ireland, Sweden, Norway, Hawaii and Singapore do not require quarantine, but do require certification and will be inspected for ticks on arrival.

Should your animal be imported from a specified country or territory where Canine rabies is absent or well controlled, such as the United States, consult the following Import Health Standard.  If you are importing from and island country where Canine rabies is absent or well controlled, consult the Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats from Specified Island Countries

Please note that there are only five Quarantine Facilities in New Zealand for Cats and Dogs

Find out about exporting your pet.

Yachts

There is a specific Dogs and Cats on Yachts Import Health Standard for cats and dogs being brought into the country on yachts.  Any equipment associated with animals must also comply with the relevant Import Health Standard for Equipment Associated with Animals

Quarantine

If your pet needs to spend time in quarantine, some contact details of approved services are here.  Some pets will not need to be quarantined, but will need a tick inspection on arrival.

Pet Medication

If your pet requires medication you will need to make a separate declaration to import veterinary medicines for use only on accompanied animals. A copy of the veterinarian’s prescription label must be provided with the declaration. However, 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 at this address:

New Zealand Food Safety Authority
68-86 Jervois Quay
PO Box 2835
WELLINGTON
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 463-2500
Fax: +64 4 463-2501

Contact