How to Fly with a Pet to New Zealand (2026 Requirements)
Get a personalized checklist with exact deadlines
Enter your departure date and PawPort calculates when each of these steps needs to happen — with email reminders before each deadline.
Plan Your Trip FreeVeterinary
Microchip implantation
230+ days before travelISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required. Must be implanted before any vaccinations or tests used for the import.
Rabies antibody titer test
200+ days before travelRabies neutralizing antibody titer test (RNATT or FAVN) required. Blood must be drawn after the rabies vaccination. Results must show 0.5 IU/ml or higher. The 180-day waiting period begins from the blood draw date.
Parasite treatments
14+ days before travelMultiple parasite treatments (internal and external) required before departure, as specified in your import permit. Must be documented by a vet.
Vaccinations
Rabies vaccination
210+ days before travelCurrent rabies vaccination required. Must be administered after microchipping. Keep official records.
Documentation
Apply for import permit from MPI
240+ days before travelApply to New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for an import health standard and permit. New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules similar to Australia. Allow several weeks for processing.
180-day waiting period
180+ days before travelMust wait 180 days from the titer test blood draw date before your pet can enter New Zealand. This is the most critical timeline constraint.
Health certificate and USDA endorsement
7+ days before travelHealth certificate from a USDA-accredited vet within 10 days of departure, endorsed by USDA APHIS. Allow 2–5 business days for APHIS endorsement.
Customs & Entry
Mandatory quarantine on arrival
30+ days before travelAll pets entering New Zealand are required to undergo quarantine at an MPI-approved facility in Auckland. Duration is typically 10 days if all requirements are met. Book your quarantine spot well in advance.
Important Notes
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules similar to Australia to protect its disease-free status. Start preparations at least 8–9 months before travel. Pets must arrive through Auckland International Airport. Only dogs and cats are accepted as pets. Verify exact requirements with MPI's Biosecurity New Zealand before traveling, as requirements can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my pet need a microchip to travel to New Zealand?
Yes. An ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip is required. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered — if done in the wrong order, the vaccination may not count.
What vaccinations does my pet need to enter New Zealand?
A current rabies vaccination is required. In addition, a rabies antibody titer test (blood test) is required to confirm the vaccine was effective.
Is quarantine required when bringing a pet to New Zealand?
Yes. Pets entering New Zealand are subject to 10 days of mandatory post-arrival quarantine at a government-approved facility, even if all pre-arrival requirements are met.
How far in advance do I need to start preparing to travel to New Zealand with my pet?
At least 9 months before departure. Japan and similarly strict destinations require a rabies antibody titer test followed by a mandatory waiting period before travel.
What is the USDA health certificate and do I need one for New Zealand?
A USDA health certificate (Form 7001) is an official document signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian confirming your pet's health and vaccination status. It must be issued within 10 days of departure and endorsed by your regional USDA APHIS office. Most international destinations require it.
Ready to start planning?
PawPort turns this checklist into a personalized timeline — with exact due dates and reminders for your departure date.
Get Your Free ChecklistRequirements last verified: 2026-03-25. Always confirm current rules with your vet and the destination country's animal health authority before travel.