Lead time needed
36-44 weeks
Quarantine
10 days
Route complexity
Very High
Airlines
5 carriers on this route
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Pet Transport from Germany to New Zealand

Relocating a pet from Germany to New Zealand follows a clear path once you understand what New Zealand asks for. This is one of the more demanding routes, so allow around 36-44 weeks and treat the timeline as fixed. Plan for 10 days of quarantine on arrival. …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Germany to New Zealand typically takes around 36-44 weeks. Expect 10 days of quarantine on arrival.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Germany to New Zealand import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
First step. On or before the same day as the first vaccination.
Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Responsible: Veterinarian

2
Same day as or after microchip.
First inactivated-virus rabies vaccination

Responsible: Veterinarian

3
At least 28 days after the first vaccination.
Second inactivated-virus rabies vaccination

Responsible: Veterinarian

4
Apply early. Allow at least 6 weeks for processing. Can run in parallel with vaccination steps.
Apply for NZSTAP import approval from MPI

Responsible: Owner or agent via nzstap.mpi.govt.nz

5
At least 30 days after the second rabies vaccination.
FAVN titre test blood draw at MPI-approved laboratory

Responsible: Veterinarian + MPI-approved laboratory

6
6 calendar months from the date of the titre test blood draw. Cannot be shortened. Travel cannot happen before this date.
180-day wait from blood draw date

Responsible: Owner to track

7
Book as early as possible. Spaces are limited.
Pre-book MPI-approved quarantine facility (10 days)

Responsible: Owner or agent

8
8-12 weeks before travel.
Book cargo space with airline to Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC)

Responsible: Owner or agent

9
Within 10 days of travel.
Obtain official health certificate from German competent authority vet

Responsible: Amtlicher Tierarzt (official veterinarian)

10
Arrive at cargo check-in 3-4 hours before departure.
Depart to New Zealand as cargo

Responsible: Airline cargo

11
Mandatory on arrival at Auckland or Christchurch.
10-day quarantine at MPI-approved facility

Responsible: MPI quarantine facility

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter New Zealand

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip mandatory. Must be implanted on or before the date of …
Rabies vaccination
Two inactivated-virus rabies vaccinations required. Both must be given after …
Rabies titre test
Mandatory from all countries, including Germany. FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody …
Quarantine
Mandatory 10 days at an MPI-approved quarantine facility. Pets must arrive at …
Import permit
NZSTAP (New Zealand Standard Terms and Procedures) import approval required from …
Health certificate
Official health certificate from German competent authority in MPI-approved …
Export permit
No export permit required for personal pet exports from Germany.
Costs

What this route typically costs

MPI import permit (NZSTAP) fee: NZD 300+ (verify at mpi.govt.nz)
Quarantine fees (10 days): NZD 1,500-2,500+ per pet. Verify at …
FAVN titre test (laboratory fee): EUR 100-250
Airline cargo from Germany to Auckland: approximately EUR 1,000-2,500 …
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-400
Official vet health certificate and vet fees: EUR 100-300
Two rabies vaccinations: EUR 60-150
Pet transport agent: EUR 700-1,800 (strongly recommended for this …

Critical points

The 180-day wait after the titre test blood draw is non-negotiable. There is no way to shorten this period. Starting preparations early is the only option.

Two separate inactivated-virus rabies vaccinations are required, at least 28 days apart. A single vaccination is not sufficient for New Zealand entry from Germany.

Pets must arrive at Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) airports only. No other New Zealand airports accept international pet imports.

New IHS requirements apply from 1 July 2026 (transition period until 1 April 2027). Confirm the current MPI-required health certificate template with your official vet.

The following breeds are banned from import to New Zealand: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

Air New Zealand
Frankfurt (FRA) to Auckland (AKL) via connections (Singapore or Los Angeles). Pets travel …
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Via Singapore Changi to Auckland. Pets as manifest cargo. Check AVS airside transit …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Lufthansa Cargo from Frankfurt to Auckland via Asia-Pacific hubs. Brachycephalic breeds …
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways Cargo
Via Doha to Auckland. Confirm temperature restrictions and breed policies.
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai to Auckland. Summer Gulf heat embargoes apply.
Cargo Only

The rules for bringing a pet into New Zealand

New Zealand takes biosecurity seriously, and the requirements reflect that. The paperwork is exacting, so accuracy matters as much as timing.

How to keep this move on track

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.

Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.

Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow 36 to 44 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. The 180-day wait after the titre test blood draw is the main time driver, and it cannot be shortened. Start the process 10 to 12 months before your intended departure.
Two. MPI requires two separate inactivated-virus rabies vaccinations, given at least 28 days apart, both after microchipping. A single vaccination is not sufficient. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz.
The FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) test measures rabies antibody levels in your pet’s blood. MPI requires a minimum result of 0.5 IU/ml. The blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the second vaccination. A 180-day wait from the blood draw date then applies before travel.
10 days at an MPI-approved quarantine facility in Auckland or Christchurch. Mandatory and cannot be reduced. Pets must arrive at Auckland International Airport or Christchurch Airport.
Costs vary widely but expect EUR 3,000-6,000+ for the full process: airline cargo from Frankfurt (EUR 1,000-2,500), MPI quarantine fees (NZD 1,500-2,500+), FAVN titre test (EUR 100-250), official vet and health certificate fees, IATA crate, and pet transport agent.
Airline guides
  • Air New Zealand
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Qatar Airways Cargo
  • Emirates
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to New Zealand.

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DE NZGermany to New Zealand
International pet transport route
Lead time36-44 weeks
Quarantine10 days
ComplexityVery High
Airlines5
ServiceDoor to door
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