Export Live Animals to New Zealand
Summary of Requirements
The most current protocols for exporting animals, semen, and embryos to New Zealand are available on New Zealand's Importing live animals website.
Notification from New Zealand's government: Import permit application cut-off date is November 8, 2024. Import permit applications submitted after November 8, 2024, will be assessed by MPI as soon as they are able. However, they can give no guarantee that permits submitted after November 8 will be processed prior to February 28, 2025.
APHIS Registered Aquaculture Export Facility approval is required for freshwater prawns from Hawaii, marine invertebrates, ornamental fish, and sand tiger sharks.
Protocols available on New Zealand's Importing live animals website for export from the United States to New Zealand:
- Antarctic Fish
- Freshwater Prawns from Hawaii
- Invertebrates
- Ornamental Fish
- Sand Tiger Sharks
Note: Please visit New Zealand's Importing live animals website for more information.
- Bovine - Semen - Health Certificate (324.76 KB) - June 2022
- Bovine - Embryos - In vivo Derived - Health Certificate (316.79 KB) - July 2022
- Horses - Health Certificate (432.97 KB)- Revised June 2020
Note: The Supplementary Transport Declaration (last page) is to be issued by the USDA accredited veterinarian or APHIS official within 24 hours or at the time of embarkation from the pre-export isolation facility (APHIS endorsement not required).
- Horses - NZ Standards for Pre-Export Isolation Facility (173.34 KB)
- Horses - Additional Information - Website
- Equine - Semen - Health Certificate (160.42 KB) - September 2018
Note: Please visit New Zealand's Importing live animals website to view the health certificates for the commodities listed below.
- Hatching Eggs
Note: Please visit New Zealand's Importing live animals website to view the health certificates for the commodities listed below.
- Canine - Semen
- Laboratory Animals and Germplasm
- Zoo Animals
- Zebra - Semen
Taking a Pet to Another Country?
If your species is not listed, the requirements for that species are not known. Exporters who want to ship livestock or germplasm whose requirements are not listed above should have the importer or buyer in the destination country apply for an import permit at the appropriate ministry. This import permit will most likely outline the specific requirements.
Need Help?
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians
Contact a USDA-accredited veterinarian for questions about your destination country's entry requirements for animals (including any needed vaccinations, tests, or treatments) and for issuance of health certificates.
Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian
USDA Endorsement Offices
Contact your nearest APHIS Veterinary Export Trade Services Endorsement Office for questions about endorsing an export health certificate for live animals.