New Zealand's strict import regulations are primarily driven by the need to protect its unique and fragile environment, The country's isolation has resulted in a unique ecosystem that is vulnerable to invasive pests and diseases that are common elsewhere.
For those considering bringing their beloved pets to this remarkable country, there are important regulations and guidelines in place to ensure the health and safety of both animals and the local environment.
In order to comply with the country's strict import rules, we advise that you should plan on beginning the pet exporting process at least 6-8 months before your desired departure date.
Our experienced and knowledgeable team are always on hand to guide you through the process, and to make the journey as swift and trouble-free as possible for your pet (and yourself!). .
From the UK, we can transport pets into either Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC). There are no direct flights from the UK, which means a transit flight will be required. Your pet will rest en route at a special pet reception centre before continuing their journey.
If your pet has a valid Rabies vaccination, you will need to wait a minimum of 3 months before travelling, as a mandatory 3-month wait follows the Rabies Titre Test (RNATT).
If your pet has not received a Rabies vaccination, there is a minimum period of 6 months from the date of vaccination until they can travel. They will still require a rabies blood test more than 21 days after vaccination.
If you are considering taking your pet to New Zealand at any point in the next year, then we recommend getting the rabies vaccination early to minimise delays later on!
Flight costs are based on the size of your pet's travel crate, which is determined by their measurements. This ensures your pet travels comfortably, safely and in compliance with IATA and airline regulations.
There are further costs to consider, such as import permits, blood tests, and quarantine fees on arrival, all of which can be included as an option in our quote.
For a full quote and price breakdown, please complete our quick and easy quote form. One of our team members will be in touch with you shortly after.
Planning your pets move here takes a minimum of three months as this is the mandatory wait period required from your pet's first RNATT blood test before being allowed to travel and entry into New Zealand.
All pets must have a valid Rabies vaccination before the Rabies blood test can be performed, which will be passed if the vaccine has been effective.
Other vaccinations are required and must be valid at the point of departure and administered (or boosted) within the previous 12 months.
We will always advise you on the vaccinations your pet requires, based on their current vaccination status.
Both cats and dogs will require a Rabies blood sample
Once an estimated departure date is set, you can then work backwards to meet the required blood tests and treatments, which must be undertaken at specific stages prior to departure, with a slightly different process for Dogs and Cats.
Starting around 40 days before the flight, dogs will require several blood tests at very specific stages prior to export.
These include testing for Leptospira, Heartworm, Brucella canis and Gibsoni, and finally Babesia.
They will also require two doses of internal and external Parasite treatments within 30 days of the flight, more than 14 days between each dose, and the second dose within 5 days of export.
For Cats, no blood tests are required! Only Internal and External Parasite treatments are required within 30 days of the flight, with the second dose administered more than 14 days apart, and the second dose must be given within 5 days of export.
We always provide a full schedule of exactly what needs to be performed and when, and will liaise directly with your vet to ensure your pet fulfils the export requirements.
To enter New Zealand, your pet will require a Rabies Blood Test Report, an Import Permit, and an Export Health Certificate.
The import permit will be applied for once the Rabies Blood Test (RNATT) result has passed. The permit application takes around 6 weeks. It is useful to note that the permit office is closed in November and December; therefore, any applications made after this time will not be processed until February.
Once the import permit is approved, we can book their space at one of the quarantine facilities, which then will determine the departure date from the UK.
The Export Health Certificate, can only be completed within 2 days of departing the UK, and must be completed by an Official Vet (OV) who ensures that your pet meets the entry requirements before the final sign-off, which can only be done at the airport, as this is when the travel crate is sealed for travel.
This original document accompanies your pet on their journey, which will ensure they are permitted to enter the country without any delays!
Pets will either arrive in Auckland or Christchurch, where they will be required to undertake the mandatory 10-day quarantine. There are several facilities to choose from, and we can advise on which might be most suitable depending on your location if you intend to collect yourself.
We can also arrange the onward transport of your pet to another destination, via another IPATA agent based locally, if you are unable to collect your pet yourself.
All pets (and human travellers alike!) travelling to New Zealand will need to stop en route, at one of the dedicated pet reception centres.
We favour either Qatar Airways (via Doha) or Emirates (via Dubai), as both pet reception centres en route where we know your pet will be well-rested and cared for throughout their stay.
Whilst Qantas allows flights out of Australia to the UK, they do not allow pets to travel any further than Singapore when going the other direction, so we are unable to provide quotes on Qantas.
These carriers offer multiple daily departure locations from Edinburgh and Glasgow in the North to Gatwick and Heathrow in the South.
Each airline has different restrictions on the pets they carry; therefore, when provided with a quote, we will select the best option for you and your pet!
Find out more about this on our Airlines page.
Provided the correct measures are put in place, then yes, we can transport some snub-nosed pets to New Zealand, but this may only be at specific times of the year when temperatures are lower.
Only 5% of snub-nosed pets suffer from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airways Syndrome); therefore, with the correct preparation, we can ship Bulldogs, Pugs and many more snub-nosed breeds safely to New Zealand.
Find out more on our BOAS (Snub Nosed) page.
New Zealand has banned certain dog breeds from import, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, and Perro de Presa Canario.
Additionally, hybrids (offspring of dogs or cats crossed with another species) are also restricted.
Mixed breed dogs are generally allowed, but they may encounter issues with some airlines, particularly if they have a snub-nosed face.
