Travelling with pets to New Zealand (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Only cats and dogs from MPI-categorised countries may be imported, and they must be microchipped. An import permit and at least 10 days of quarantine apply to animals from rabies-free (category 2) and rabies-controlled (category 3) countries. Some dog breeds are prohibited.

RuleWhat applies
Identification and passport or certificateTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretA cat or dog must be permanently and uniquely identified with a microchip; ISO 11784 or ISO 11785 Annex A chips are recommended. The microchip number must be verified and recorded by a veterinarian at each vaccination and at rabies blood sampling. [1]
Rabies vaccinationTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretFrom a rabies-free (category 1 or 2) country, the animal must be free from clinical signs of rabies in the 2 days before shipment. From a category 3 country (rabies absent or well controlled), it must be vaccinated at 12 weeks or older (a primary vaccination at least 6 months before shipment), with a blood test taken 3 to 12 months before shipment and a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL. [1]
Entry from outside the EU or the usual regionTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretCats and dogs may be imported only from countries MPI has categorised (category 1: Australia; category 2: rabies-free; category 3: rabies absent or well controlled). An import permit is required from category 2 and 3 countries, and from every country if the animal arrives on a vessel. Animals from category 2 and 3 countries must spend at least 10 days in quarantine; animals from Australia arriving by air are inspected on arrival. Arrival by air is at Auckland or Christchurch. [1]
Number of animals per travellerTravelling with a dog, cat or ferret⚠ Not yet verified
Breed or other restrictionsTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretOnly domestic cats and dogs (and hybrids) are covered. The importation of a dog that belongs wholly or predominantly to a prohibited breed or type (Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier) is prohibited under the Dog Control Act 1996. Bengal cats are eligible; other hybrid cats and dogs are likely to need Environmental Protection Authority approval. A cat or dog must not be more than 42 days pregnant at shipment. [1]

Notes

  • This is the Import Health Standard for Cats and Dogs 2026, in force from 1 July 2026. MPI allows importers to meet either the 2021 or the 2026 requirements until 1 April 2027.
  • Category 1 is cats and dogs from Australia, including Norfolk Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, according to the Import Health Standard. MPI's step-by-step pages and fees were not read.
  • The Import Health Standard text read does not state a limit on the number of animals per traveller.

Sources

  1. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI): Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs 2026, CATSDOGS.GEN, 12 May 2026 (PDF, Internet Archive snapshot of 25 September 2026) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.