New Zealand Pet Import Guide: Biosecurity Rules, MPI Approval, and What to Expect
New Zealand is fiercely protective of its biosecurity – and for good reason. As an island nation that has remained free of rabies and many other diseases, the country enforces some of the world’s strictest pet import rules.
The process is manageable, but it requires planning that starts months before your intended travel date.
MPI: New Zealand’s biosecurity authority
All pet imports to New Zealand are managed by MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries). Before your pet can travel, you must submit an Import Health Standard application and receive approval. You cannot simply turn up at the border with a dog and a health certificate.
The full application, pre-export requirements, and managed isolation booking should all be arranged at least 4-6 months before travel.
Which countries can send pets to New Zealand?
New Zealand accepts dogs and cats from a list of approved countries. These include the UK, USA, most of Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and several others. Each country has its own pre-export requirements set out in New Zealand’s Import Health Standards.
If your origin country is not on the approved list, importation may not be possible, or may require additional steps through a third country. Check the MPI website or speak with a registered pet transport agent.
What dogs and cats need
The exact requirements depend on your origin country, but the common requirements for dogs and cats from most approved countries include:
- ISO microchip (15-digit, implanted before rabies vaccination)
- Rabies vaccinations – series completed at least 6 months before departure in most cases
- Rabies titre test from a recognised lab showing 0.5 IU/mL or above, taken at least 6 months before travel
- Treatment for internal and external parasites within specified timeframes before travel
- Official government-endorsed health certificate
- Managed isolation booking confirmed before travel
For pets from Australia: a lighter set of requirements applies, and home isolation is generally possible rather than a government facility.
Managed isolation
Pets from most countries will spend 10 days in managed isolation at the MPI Biosecurity Inspection Facility at Auckland International Airport on arrival. The cost of managed isolation is paid by the owner and is typically around NZD 1,400-2,000 (approximately GBP 650-950 / USD 840-1,200).
You must book a managed isolation space in advance. Spaces are limited, and failing to have a booking confirmed before departure is grounds for denial of entry. Book early.
Timing
The 6-month titre test wait is the longest lead item. If your dog has never had a rabies titre test, the clock starts when you get a satisfactory result – not when you draw the blood. Budget at least 7-8 months from start to finish, longer for complex cases.
For cats from most countries: similar requirements apply, including the titre test and 6-month stand-down.
Source
MPI Import Health Standards: mpi.govt.nz/importing-exporting/live-animals/pets/ (verified May 2026).