Pet Transport from USA to New Zealand: NZSTAP Protocol, Treatments and Quarantine

New Zealand’s biosecurity is among the strictest in the world. The country is rabies-free, free of many diseases endemic in the USA and Northern Hemisphere, and goes to considerable lengths to remain so. For pet owners moving from the USA, the process is detailed and unforgiving of errors, but it is manageable if you start early.

The NZSTAP Framework

New Zealand uses a system called the New Zealand Standard Treatment and Assessment Protocol (NZSTAP). This is a schedule of treatments and assessments that all cats and dogs entering New Zealand must complete before and after arrival. The full protocol can take several months from start to finish.

USA-Specific Requirements

The USA is on New Zealand’s approved country list, which means a titre test is not required. However, the treatment schedule must be completed in the correct sequence and within the correct windows.

For a dog entering New Zealand from the USA, the NZSTAP schedule includes:

ISO microchip – must be implanted first, before any treatments in the protocol
Vaccinations – rabies (current within valid period), distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus; all must be current at the time the health certificate is issued
Brucella canis test – dogs over 16 weeks of age must test negative within 30 days before arrival; cats are exempt
Internal parasite treatment – must be given within a specified window before travel (currently Milbemycin Oxime or equivalent as specified by NZSTAP); exact window and dosage detailed in the current NZSTAP document available from Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI)
Tick treatment – specific acaricide treatment required within a window before arrival
USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate – completed by a USDA-accredited vet in the USA and endorsed by USDA APHIS Veterinary Services within 10 days of travel
Import permit issued by Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI)

For cats, the Brucella test is not required but the vaccination and parasite treatment requirements apply.

10-Day Post-Arrival Managed Isolation

All dogs and cats entering New Zealand undergo a minimum 10-day managed isolation period. For the USA-to-NZ route (approved country), this is typically completed at an MPI-approved facility before being released to the owner. Alternatively, in some cases the post-arrival component may include time in an approved home isolation under specific conditions – check with MPI for current policy.

The cost of the 10-day facility stay is charged to the owner and currently runs approximately NZD 1,500 to 2,500.

Airlines on This Route

No direct USA-to-New Zealand flights exist. Common routings:

Air New Zealand – Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL) via direct or via Pacific stops; Air NZ Cargo accepts live animals
United Airlines – via Sydney (SYD) to Auckland; cargo acceptance on long-haul routes; confirm current policy
Qantas – via Sydney or Melbourne to Auckland; confirm cargo acceptance and New Zealand biosecurity compliance

Auckland International Airport (AKL) is the primary MPI-approved arrival point for pets.

Timing

Working backward from your planned arrival date:

Import permit application: at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel
USDA APHIS endorsement: 10 days before travel; book the vet appointment then take the certificate to APHIS
Brucella test: within 30 days before arrival
Parasite treatments: within the specific windows set in NZSTAP (days before departure)

Sources: Biosecurity New Zealand / Ministry for Primary Industries (mpi.govt.nz) NZSTAP; USDA APHIS international travel; Air New Zealand cargo policy; IATA Live Animals Regulations 50th Edition.