Pet travel from the United States to New Zealand

Last Modified: March 26, 2024
Print

Welcome! This page will guide you through the rules and requirements for traveling internationally with your pet.

Jump to Info for Accredited Veterinarians Jump to Info for Accredited Veterinarians

Before You Start the Process

Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

With help from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, you can learn more about your destination country's entry requirements for pets, including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments. We recommend creating a schedule to make sure you meet all requirements within the specified timeframe.

Gather This Information for Your USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

  • The type of pet traveling
  • The destination country
  • If applicable, countries where your pet will stop (for customs clearance or upon leaving the airport or seaport) on the way to the destination country
  • The date of departure from the United States
  • Whether the pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane
  • Note: If you're traveling with a pet bird or exotic animal, you may need to work with additional agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1.41 MB) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Read These Resources

Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type

  • 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).

  • Permit to import applications can be found on the MPI Website here.
  • Completed applications should be submitted to Animal Imports (animalimports@mpi.govt.nz) at least 20 business days in advance of the date you need the permit.

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:

Click here (130.08 KB) to view the latest version of acceptable external and internal parasite treatments for cats and dogs to New Zealand. The list is not exhaustive and combinations of products can be used. Note: This list is subject to change without notice.

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

Hawaii, Guam, & American Samoa

NOTE: For cats and dogs traveling from Hawaii to New Zealand, New Zealand confirmed they will accept the official seals being placed on the crates by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.

 

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 recommend that you contact a government official of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Country of Destination Contact Information

World Organisation for Animal Health: Members

U.S. Department of State: Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Important Travel Considerations

If you are transiting (passing through) the European Union:

If your pet is traveling through (transiting) a country in the European Union (EU) on the way to a third, non-EU country, you will also need a transit health certificate for your pet for the EU. The transit health certificate will be the same as if your pet’s final destination was the EU country. Use the information and steps above under “Travel Requirements Based on Pet Type” to determine which health certificate should be used. View a list of EU countries.

Considerations for airline travel:

Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies and requirements for transporting pets. Check with your airline or shipping representative to determine what requirements they may have.

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


Will you be returning to the United States with your pet?

View the Requirements

ALERT: Read the CDC Notice of Temporary Suspension of Dogs Entering the United States From Countries Classified as High Risk for Dog Rabies.

 

Information for Accredited Veterinarians

Orange Banner Country

For Accredited Veterinarians: Electronic signature ACCEPTED

For APHIS VMO: Original ink endorsement REQUIRED

eauth logo

Save Time and Money With VEHCS!

USDA-accredited veterinarians can submit health certificates for electronic signature through VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System).