🇳🇿 Pet travel to New Zealand: entry requirements (2026)

Prepared by the Animals Productions editorial team. See about us and our editorial standards.

Bringing a pet to New Zealand 🇳🇿 is one of the strictest destinations. A rabies titer test and a long waiting period apply, so start early. Quarantine on arrival: 10 days. The essentials: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination, RNATT titer test, import permit and an official health certificate.

Verified entry requirements (2026)

1. Categories: Cat 1 (Australia) — no permit or quarantine; Cat 2 (rabies-free); Cat 3 (rabies-controlled).
2. ISO microchip; rabies vaccination (Cat 3); RNATT titer ≥0.5 IU/ml, blood ≥3–4 weeks after vaccination, entry ≥3 months (90 days) after the draw, titer no older than 18 months.
3. Import permit — for all except Australia; apply ≥30 working days ahead (MPI advises ≥6 weeks).
4. Quarantine: Australia — none; all others — min. 10 days at an accredited facility (transfer from Auckland/Christchurch).
5. Breed ban: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier. Hybrids not allowed (except Bengal at 5 generations).
6. New IHS from 1 Jul 2026 (transition to 1 Apr 2027) — adds an identity check ≥6 months before export. Verify on MPI.

Official sources

• MPI — Bringing cats and dogs to NZ (step-by-step) ↗
• MPI — Cats and dogs Import Health Standard (PDF) ↗

Frequently asked questions

Does the microchip have to come before the rabies shot?

Yes. For New Zealand the rabies vaccination only counts if the ISO 11784/11785 microchip was implanted first. Always chip, then vaccinate.

Is there quarantine in New Zealand?

Yes — about 10 days on arrival (shorter if every requirement is met in advance).

Can my pet fly in the cabin?

No — this route requires cargo transport.

How long does preparation take?

Start about 6–7 months ahead.

Are any dog breeds restricted?

Yes: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier.

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