Pet Transport Canada to New Zealand: 2026 MPI Process Guide
Moving a dog or cat from Canada to New Zealand is very doable with the right preparation. Around 16-24 weeks is sensible here, with a few steps that must happen in a strict order. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Canada to New Zealand
typically takes around 16-24 weeks.
Expect 10 days of quarantine on arrival.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
As early as possible.
Apply for MPI import permit at least 30 working days before intended travel.
Responsible: Owner or agent
2
Verify before titre test preparation.
Confirm ISO microchip predates the rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Your CFIA vet
3
Allow 28+ days after vaccination.
Rabies vaccination (current and valid). Wait at least 28 days before blood draw.
Responsible: Your CFIA vet
4
At least 28 days after rabies vaccination. The 3-month NZ entry wait starts from this date.
Blood draw for RNATT titre test at MPI-approved laboratory. Result must be 0.5 IU/ml or above.
Responsible: CFIA vet and MPI-approved laboratory
5
During 3-month wait. Book flights well ahead.
Wait 3 months from blood draw date. Book cargo: Air Canada to LAX, then Air New Zealand to AKL.
Responsible: Owner
6
Within 14 days of departure.
CFIA vet issues MPI-format health certificate within 14 days of travel.
Responsible: CFIA-accredited vet
7
Travel day.
Travel via LAX to Auckland. MPI inspection on arrival. Transfer to Levin for 10-day quarantine.
Responsible: Airline and MPI
Checklist
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. Blood draw for titre test must be at least 28 days after the vaccination.
Rabies titre test
RNATT rabies antibody titre test required. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. Blood drawn at an MPI-approved laboratory. Pet cannot enter New Zealand until at least 3 months have passed from the blood draw date. Test result valid for up to 24 months. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz.
Quarantine
10-day mandatory quarantine at an MPI-approved facility. The MPI Levin Quarantine Facility in Levin, Manawatu is the primary approved centre. All cats and dogs except those arriving from Australia quarantine at Levin.
Import permit
MPI import permit required. Apply at least 30 working days before travel. Permit specifies all conditions. Source: MPI Biosecurity New Zealand, mpi.govt.nz.
Health certificate
MPI-format health certificate issued within 14 days of travel. Must comply with MPI specifications.
Export permit
No formal export permit for personal pets leaving Canada. CFIA-accredited vet issues the health certificate; CFIA endorsement may be required if MPI specifies it.
Health certificate
Government-issued veterinary health certificate in MPI-specified format, issued by a CFIA-accredited veterinarian within 14 days of travel to New Zealand.
"
We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Canada to New Zealand move gets missed.
Pet Transport Global
Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand operates Auckland (AKL) to Los Angeles (LAX) and Vancouver (YVR). Air New Zealand Cargo handles pets in temperature-controlled hold. The LAX routing is particularly useful for Canadian pets, with connections from major Canadian cities to LAX via Air Canada or United.
Cargo Only
Air Canada (to Los Angeles connection)
Air Canada operates Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR) to Los Angeles (LAX). Cargo connections to Air New Zealand LAX-AKL are the standard Canadian routing. Air Canada Cargo handles the Canada to LAX leg.
Cargo Only
Qantas (via Sydney)
An alternative routing via Sydney: Air Canada or another carrier to Sydney (SYD), then Air New Zealand or Qantas to Auckland. Longer total transit but may offer better scheduling flexibility.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)
Singapore Airlines operates SIN to AKL and CHC. For some Canadian routings (via Tokyo or Singapore), this provides a different connection option. Less common for direct Canada-to-NZ routes.
Cargo Only
Costs
What this route typically costs
CFIA veterinary health certificate: CAD 200-400
RNATT titre test at approved laboratory: CAD 150-250
Air Canada to LAX plus Air New Zealand to AKL cargo: CAD 2,000-4,500 depending on crate size
Total typical range: NZD 7,000-14,000 (approximately CAD 6,000-12,000)
Critical points
The 3-month wait from blood draw date is non-negotiable. Cannot be shortened. Plan backwards from your intended New Zealand arrival.
There are no direct Canada to New Zealand flights. The standard routing is via Los Angeles (Air Canada then Air New Zealand), which adds significant transit time.
If the titre test result comes back below 0.5 IU/ml, the test must be repeated after a booster vaccination, resetting the 3-month clock.
The updated MPI Import Health Standard takes effect 1 July 2026, with a transition period to 1 April 2027. Confirm which version applies at the time of your certificate issuance.
Meeting New Zealand's entry requirements
The requirements for New Zealand are thorough rather than difficult. Work through them methodically and confirm anything you are unsure about with the official source.
Advice worth following
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions
Allow 5 to 6 months from your first vet appointment to your pet clearing Levin quarantine. The minimum is around 4 months (28 days post-vaccination + 3-month titre test wait) plus time for MPI permit processing (30 working days) and quarantine (10 days). Build in buffer for any titre test result delays.
The lab must be MPI-approved. The Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (KSVDL) is widely used and is also approved for several other country requirements. Auburn University Rabies Laboratory is another option. Check the current MPI-approved laboratory list at mpi.govt.nz before booking the blood draw.
MPI quarantine fees at Levin run approximately NZD 1,500-3,000 for 10 days, depending on the size of your pet and the type of accommodation within the facility. These costs are owner-paid and are invoiced directly by the facility. Pre-booking is required.
Yes, the MPI requirements are the same for cats. Routing via Los Angeles or Sydney works for both species. The main difference is crate size and therefore cargo cost.
Apply for the MPI import permit on the MPI website (mpi.govt.nz). You submit information about your pet (microchip number, breed, vaccination history) and the intended import route. Allow at least 30 working days for processing. The permit specifies all conditions your pet must meet and is required before booking the quarantine place at Levin.
Ready when you are
Move your pet
to New Zealand.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for this route. Preparation timeline, full cost breakdown, and breed specific advice. No commitment.
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm
current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.