Bringing a dog from the UK to New Zealand: rules 2026
Taking a dog from the UK to New Zealand is one of the most demanding international pet moves. New Zealand treats the UK as a 'rest of world' country, meaning strict biosecurity requirements including a titer test, 180-day wait and mandatory quarantine apply.
Destination requirements
- Categories: Cat 1 (Australia) โ no permit or quarantine; Cat 2 (rabies-free); Cat 3 (rabies-controlled).
- ISO microchip; rabies vaccination (Cat 3); RNATT titer โฅ0.5 IU/ml, blood โฅ3โ4 weeks after vaccination, entry โฅ3 months (90 days) after the draw, titer no older than 18 months.
- Import permit โ for all except Australia; apply โฅ30 working days ahead (MPI advises โฅ6 weeks).
- Quarantine: Australia โ none; all others โ min. 10 days at an accredited facility (transfer from Auckland/Christchurch).
- Breed ban: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier. Hybrids not allowed (except Bengal at 5 generations).
- New IHS from 1 Jul 2026 (transition to 1 Apr 2027) โ adds an identity check โฅ6 months before export. Verify on MPI.
Official sources
- MPI โ Bringing cats and dogs to NZ (step-by-step) โ
- MPI โ Cats and dogs Import Health Standard (PDF) โ
- โ ISO 11784/11785 microchipping before rabies vaccine timeline
- โ Rabies titer blood test (RNATT) & mandatory 90-day waiting period
- โ Airport transit zone regulations, international vet certificates & EU pet passport
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FAQ
Do I need a titer test to bring a dog from the UK to New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand requires a rabies titer test (โฅ0.5 IU/mL) with blood drawn at least 180 days before the dog arrives.
How long is quarantine for dogs from the UK entering New Zealand?
A minimum of 10 days at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. You must book the facility before travel.
How far in advance should I start planning?
At least 8 months ahead. The titer test alone requires 30 days after the last rabies vaccine before blood can be drawn, then 180 days' wait before arrival.
Is there an easier route from the UK to New Zealand?
Not really โ New Zealand's biosecurity rules are the same regardless of the origin country. Plan thoroughly and use a professional pet relocation agent if possible.