Apply For Obtain a Pet Passport (Import Export or Transport Pet) in New Zealand
Importing your pet’s information:
- Health standard for imports and guidelines document: The standard for import health (IHS) for both cats and dogs includes all the conditions you have to be able to meet in order to import your pet. It is essential to study the IHS guideline document, the guidance document and checklists for dogs and cats to fully understand the procedure. :
- Import health standards and guidance document Link
- An inventory is also included with a printable version to be used as a guide.
- If you’re outside New Zealand: You can use the contact information listed under “Office Locations and Contacts” to connect with the closest Embassy from New Zealand in the country where you currently reside. The embassy may be in a position to give you details on pet passports or import permits for pets.
- Examine your pet by a veterinarian You must examine your pet by a licensed veterinarian. Certain of the documents you’ll have to provide upon arrival of your pet at New Zealand will be issued by your veterinarian. Your vet is also the person to issue the pet passport.
- Q-Factor: Book an MPI-approved quarantine facility (for all dogs and cats with the exception of Australia).
- The Import Permit is required. When your dog or cat has been placed in the quarantine facility, you can request a permit to import it. (A permits are not needed when your pet originates out of Australia or Norfolk Island.) Request the permit for a minimum of 20 working days ahead of the date you need the permit. If the application isn’t made 20 days prior to the date of application the permit might not be processed on time. The late fee could be due. There are two types of import permits, based on the status of the country’s rabies (make sure that you fill in the proper form).
- Arrival in New Zealand: The requirements for notification differ based the animal’s origin. coming from Australia or from an recognized country:
- Dogs and cats originate from Australia The requirement is to inform MPI at least five days prior to the planned timing of the arrival of your dog or cat by filling out the MPI veterinarian inspection form.
Dogs and cats from other recognized countries: You have to inform MPI at minimum 72 hours prior to the time that you are scheduled to meet your dog or cat.
Office Locations and Contacts
Ministry for Primary IndustriesPastoral House
25 The Terrace
Wellington
New Zealand
Mailing Address
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
General inquiries:
Freephone 0800 00 8333 (New Zealand is the only exception)
Phone: +64 4 894 0100
Email: info@mpi.govt.nz
For questions about importing cats and dogs: animalimports@mpi.govt.nz.
What are all the Eligibility
Dogs and cats can be brought into the country only if they are from countries that have been approved.
List of countries that have been approved
If the country where your pet’s pet isn’t listed and you are unable to import your pet.
Additional restrictions are applicable to certain breeds of dogs as well as hybrids, an animal’s age and condition during pregnancy.
Breeds of dogs that are banned or breeds the Dog Control Act 1996 prohibits the importation of into New Zealand of any dog that is a part of or belongs to any breeds or types of dogs:
Breeds that are prohibited:
- Brazilian Fila
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario.
Types of prohibited:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
Hybrids Hybrids are not allowed. (offspring of cats or dogs crossed with other species) are allowed to be imported in the United States, except for Bengal cats. Documentation proving the five generation of domesticancestry has to be presented to Bengal cats.
The minimum age as well as pregnant restrictions: Cats and dogs have to be at the minimum age stipulated on the model veterinary certificate of the IHS and not exceed 42 days pregnant at the day of the shipment.
Residency rules: Cats and dogs (with the exception of Australia must be in the destination country for a minimum of 6 months (or at least since the date of the time of their birth) prior to the shipping date.
Cats and dogs from New Zealand origin that are returning to the country from which they were exported are exempt from the requirement for residency If:
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- the pet has been residing continuously in the country or the territory of export ever since it was straight from New Zealand
- It was identified with microchips prior to exporting from New Zealand
- you may provide a duplicate of your New Zealand export certificate
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Your pet was a resident of an area in which rabies is not present or is well managed (a Category 3 nation) and was vaccinated against the rabies virus at minimum 1 month, and not longer than six months prior to departure from New Zealand when it was at or nearing 3 months of age. Additionally, it passed the rabies titre test for no more than 18 months prior departing New Zealand with a result of at the very least 0.5 mg/ml.
Need to have the Document
This guideline provides information on how to bring your pet dog or cats New Zealand and how can you apply for an Pet Passport and Import Permit for your pet.
External Links
Ministry for Primary Industries