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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Pet travel from the U.S. to New Zealand

Last Modified: Jun 2, 2020
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This country allows USDA Accredited Veterinarians to use USDA’s online Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) to complete health certificates.

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USDA Accredited Veterinarian Signature Electronic Signature Accepted
USDA APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Signature Digital Endorsement NOT Acccepted
The health certificate bears the original ink signature and embossed seal
Before going to VEHCS: Scroll below this banner to view animal-specific requirements.

To process some health certificates, VEHCS may need the USDA Accredited Veterinarian to upload the completed fillable PDF version found below. Either save a copy of the PDF below, or return to this page for the health certificate, if prompted by VEHCS.
USDA Accredited Veterinarians, log in here if you wish to use VEHCS.
USDA Accredited Veterinarians, help with using VEHCS is available on the VEHCS Help Page. To walk yourself through issuing a health certificate in VEHCS, click here.
NOTE:The printed paper endorsed health certificate must accompany each shipment. You can arrange to have your endorsed health certificate returned via pick-up or by mail (a pre-paid, pre-addressed return label must be provided during certificate submission).

  • Visit New Zealand's website for complete and up to date information as well as printable checklist for traveling with your pet to New Zealand.

    The following animal breeds are prohibited:

    Dogs: Brazilian Fila, Dog Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier (any type), hybrid species (any type)

    Cats: Hybrid species, except for Bengal cats with documentation showing 5 generations of domestic ancestry.

    Requirements:

    Download the guidance document for cats and dogs 

Click here to find a checklist you can use (click Step 1, then click the appropriate link under Support documents, and scroll to the end of the document)

    • The mainland United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands are considered a Category 3 country (rabies absent or well controlled).

    • Hawaii, Guam, and American Samoa are considered a Category 2 country (rabies-free).


Upon arrival in New Zealand:

The following documents must be presented:

a) An import permit issued by the Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI) (copy acceptable).


b) Health Certificate A issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS, and Health Certificate B issued and endorsed by USDA APHIS.

c) Original laboratory reports OR copies of laboratory reports endorsed by USDA APHIS. Effective immediately, New Zealand will no longer accept the 2ME-RSAT test as the stand-alone test for Brucella canis testing for dogs. The approved tests for Brucella canis are: RSAT (not the 2ME-RSAT), TAT, CPAg-AGID, and IFAT.

The laboratory reports must include:

    • Unique microchip identification for each animal, consistent with the health certificate
    • Dates of sample collection
    • Test type
    • Test result

d) Original vaccination records (not required for cats from Category 2 states/territories).

e) If the pet is on any medication, a copy of the veterinarian's prescription and a  Declaration of Medicines is required. The pet's microchip must be on all documentation.

f) Importer dog breed declaration (to be provided upon arrival in New Zealand).

Your pet will be inspected by New Zealand Officials. You will need to contact MPI at least 72 hours before travel to arrange for this veterinary inspection.

Your pet will be quarantined upon arrival in New Zealand for at least 10 days.


Health Certificates:

Mainland US, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands & Northern Mariana Islands

Hawaii, Guam, & American Samoa

For pet travel requirements not listed, APHIS has not been officially informed by the foreign country about the requirements for your pet’s travel. We recommended that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Country of destination contact information:  

Considerations for airline travel:

Airlines may have separate and additional requirements. Check with your airline to determine what requirements they may have, if any. 

Additional information for pet owners, airlines, and others about APHIS endorsement of international health certificates.

View requirements for returning to the US with your pet



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