To visit New Zealand with a pet, it is important to first study the veterinary requirements of this country. The number of requirements will depend on which pet you want to bring with you (dog or cat) and which country you are coming from.

The importation of pets into New Zealand is possible for three groups of countries:

1. Australia, including Norfolk Island;

2. Countries free from animal rabies (island states, which include the Falkland Islands, Fiji Islands, Iceland, Japan, Singapore, etc.);

3. Countries where rabies is absent or well controlled (most EU countries, Argentina, Canada, UAE, UK, USA, etc.).

Importation of pets into New Zealand from countries that do not belong to any of the above groups is prohibited due to the risk of spreading rabies in animals. In this case, you can only bring your pet if it has spent the last 6 months in an approved country.

In order for your pet to be allowed to enter New Zealand, you must meet the following requirements:

• Pets must be microchipped prior to all vaccinations and treatments;

• All animals must be vaccinated against rabies with an approved vaccine;

• Dogs and cats should be treated for external and internal parasites;

• The owner must obtain official permission to import the pet through the website of the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI);

• It is necessary to leave a request for a veterinary examination at least 5 days before arrival using a special form;

• A veterinary certificate completed by a competent veterinarian in your country must be obtained prior to departure. Certificate templates are different for each group of countries, so you can find the right one here;

• Dogs must be completely healthy and show no signs of disease (brucellosis, babesiosis) at the time of examination;

• Entry into the country with pets must be made only through the airports of Auckland or Christchurch;

• Upon arrival in New Zealand, all animals must undergo a mandatory veterinary examination and quarantine for a minimum of 10 days. Animals from Australia and Norfolk Island are exempted from quarantine.

In addition, animals must be vaccinated against the following diseases:

• Dogs – against Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza, Kennel Cough (Bordetella bronchiseptia) and Canine Influenza (for some countries);

• Cats – against Feline Calicivirus, Feline Panleukopenia and Feline Rhinotracheitis.

Breeds that are prohibited from importing into New Zealand: the Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier, as well as all hybrids of dogs (and cats) crossed with other species. The exception is Bengal cats, but for their transportation it is necessary to provide a document confirming home origin in 5 generations.

Pregnant animals that are more than 42 days pregnant are not allowed to be imported into New Zealand.

If during the examination it is found that your pet does not meet New Zealand veterinary requirements, it may be left in quarantine for further examination or treatment, sent to the country of export or, as a last resort, euthanized.