Bringing pets into New Zealand

What you can expect

Depending on what country your pet is coming from, the process of importing a pet can be expensive and may take several months.

The NZ Customs Service and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) both oversee the import of animals to New Zealand.

• Bringing pets and animals into NZ — NZ Customs Service
• Pets travelling to New Zealand — MPI

Using a pet exporter is recommended

A professional pet exporter can help you bring your pet here safely — most airlines require you to use one to make sure you’ve followed all the rules.

They offer a range of services like arranging tests, treatments, flights, shipping crates, and other requirements.

Find an exporter who can help you ship to New Zealand:

International Pet and Animal Transportation Association

Costs

There may be several different costs you have to pay. Which costs and how much depend on the type of animal and where they are coming from.

• Import permit fee — other than cats and dogs from Australia, pets need an import permit. This is a flat one-off fee.
• Fee for initial pet inspections — in most cases, your pet will be inspected at the border when they arrive.
• Veterinary inspection charges — your pet may be required to be inspected by a vet. There is an hourly rate fee for veterinary inspections and monitoring.
• Travel charges — if the MPI inspector has to travel to a facility, you may have to pay travel charges.
• Quarantine costs — you have to pay for a minimum of 10 days quarantine for pets. Pets from Australia will usually not have to quarantine.

Fees and charges when bringing pets to NZ — MPI

Documents you need to get

You need several documents to go through NZ Customs. These may include:

• proof of purchase or evidence of ownership, if available
• a permit to import the animal
• veterinary certificates
• Air Waybill from your transporter
• Exempting Statutory Declaration — for dogs
• NZCS 231 Bring a Pet or Other Animal into NZ form
• a copy of your photo ID.

Bringing pets and animals into NZ — NZ Customs Service

Requirement documents for bringing pets to NZ — MPI

Cats and dogs

There are 3 categories of countries or territories you can bring a pet to NZ from.

• Category 1 — Australia, including Norfolk Island
• Category 2 — Rabies-free countries or territories
• Category 3 — Countries or territories where rabies is absent or well controlled.

Find out which category the country or territory is in that you are importing the pet from.

Countries and territories are listed in section 5.3 of the IHS guidance document.

If your country or territory is not listed in any of the categories, you cannot directly bring your pet to NZ. Find out your options for how to get your pet to NZ.

Bringing cats and dogs to NZ — MPI

Banned dog breeds and types

You cannot bring a dog that is entirely or mostly 1 or more of the following:

• Brazilian Fila
• Dogo Argentino
• Japanese Tosa
• Perro de Presa Canario
• American Pit Bull Terrier.

You cannot bring hybrid dogs to NZ — that is, a dog crossed with another species, such as a dog crossed with a wolf.

Prohibited breeds: Step-by-step guide to bringing cats and dogs to NZ — MPI

Quarantine for cats and dogs

All pets from category 2 or 3 countries must be put into quarantine for at least 10 days.

Usually, pets from Australia do not need to quarantine. Some pets from Australia may be required to quarantine, for example if they are unwell.

Quarantine facilities when importing cats and dogs

Book an MPI-approved quarantine facility. You will need to include your booking confirmation letter with the permit application.

Quarantine facilities for cats and dogs

Permits for cats and dogs

If you’re bringing a cat or dog from:

• Australia, you usually do not need a permit — but your pet will need a post-arrival inspection
• an approved country from category 2 or 3, you need a permit to import.

Apply for a permit

Fill out the online application form and provide the documentation. Permits are processed within 10 working days.

Cats and dogs permit application — MPI

If your cat or dog will be transiting through NZ, check whether you also need a transit permit.

Cats and dogs in transit — MPI

Register your dog in NZ after they arrive

If you have recently brought your dog to New Zealand, you’ll need to register it with your local council. If registration fees are not paid on time, you can be charged a penalty.

Council websites and maps — Local Government New Zealand

Other pets you can bring into NZ

You can bring:

• chinchillas — from the United Kingdom (UK) only
• guinea pigs — from Australia only
• rabbits — from Australia only
• ornamental fish and other aquatic animals
• horses.

Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) — MPI

Chinchillas, guinea pigs and rabbits

You need to apply for a permit at least 20 working days before you need it.

Chinchillas, guinea pigs and rabbits permit application — MPI

Aquatic animals

If you want to import aquatic animals including ornamental fish, you need to book a quarantine facility and get a permit.

Importing aquatic animals — MPI

Horses, donkeys and their cross-breeds

You can only import from specific countries and there are strict processes.

Importing horses — MPI

Pets you cannot bring into NZ

You cannot bring:

• birds
• ferrets
• guinea pigs (except for Australia)
• mice and rats (except for laboratory animals)
• snakes and reptiles (except for zoo)

Bringing other pets into NZ — MPI

Questions about bringing your pet to NZ

If you have questions about importing pets to New Zealand, contact MPI.

Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz.