Moving to New Zealand with a Pet | Practical Guide 2026
New Zealand is one of the world’s most beautiful places to live, and the good news is that thousands of pet owners successfully make the move every year. The bad news is that New Zealand’s biosecurity system is strict, and the process requires time and careful planning.
New Zealand’s approved country system
MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) manages all animal imports into New Zealand. Countries are classified by risk level, which determines how many requirements apply.
Category 1 countries include Australia, the UK, Ireland, Hawaii (USA), Niue, and a handful of others. If you are coming from one of these, the process is more straightforward, though quarantine is still mandatory.
For most other countries (including the USA, Canada, Singapore, and continental European countries), the process is more intensive and involves a titre test and a longer compliance pathway.
The titre test and 180-day wait
For pets from most countries, a rabies antibody titre test is required. Your vet takes a blood sample at least 30 days after the most recent rabies vaccination. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml, and your pet cannot travel for at least 180 days from the date the blood was drawn.
There is no way to shorten this waiting period. Start the process immediately if you know you are relocating to New Zealand.
Import permit from MPI
Before your pet can travel to New Zealand, you need an import permit from MPI. Apply via the Biosecurity New Zealand portal. The application requires species, breed, microchip number, vaccination history, titre test results, and origin country details.
Processing takes four to six weeks for straightforward applications. Apply well in advance of your travel date.
Quarantine at Levin
All cats and dogs must serve their quarantine at the Beak Street quarantine facility in Levin. There is no home quarantine option for cats and dogs. The facility is managed by the government and meets high welfare standards.
Pre-book your quarantine slot as soon as you have a confirmed travel date. The facility books up quickly, particularly in the months around Christmas.
Getting your pet to New Zealand
Air New Zealand accepts pets in the hold on domestic routes but has specific policies for international cargo. Most pets flying to New Zealand arrive as manifest cargo via Sydney or Singapore. Qantas does not accept pets on international routes.
Specialist pet relocation companies handle the full logistics for New Zealand, which is a well-known and well-serviced route.
After quarantine
Once released, your pet is yours to take home. Reunions happen at the Levin facility or at a collection point arranged with your logistics provider. From there, your pet can travel within New Zealand freely, though all dogs must be registered with the local council within two months of arrival.
New Zealand has no breed bans at the national level, though the American Pit Bull Terrier is a banned breed under the Dog Control Act 1996.
Official sources:
- MPI New Zealand pet imports: mpi.govt.nz
- Levin quarantine facility: mpi.govt.nz