Lead time needed
26-32 weeks
Quarantine
10 days
Route complexity
Very High
Airlines
8 carriers on this route
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Home/Routes/Mauritius to New Zealand
MU
NZ

Pet Transport from Mauritius to New Zealand

The journey from Mauritius to New Zealand for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This route sits at the strict end, and about 26-32 weeks of preparation is realistic. A 10 day quarantine stay applies once your pet arrives. A …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Mauritius to New Zealand typically takes around 26-32 weeks. Expect 10 days of quarantine on arrival. A rabies titre test may be required depending on your pet's origin, so check the requirements below.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Mauritius 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 - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
After microchip. 28-day wait before next steps.
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
Apply for import permit from New Zealand

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

6
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Responsible: Official veterinarian

7
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

8
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Quarantine on arrival (10 (minimum) at MPI Levin facility days)

Responsible: New Zealand quarantine authority

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
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on same day as first …
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 28-day wait after vaccination before travel. …
Rabies titre test
Required for: All pets from all countries (no exemptions). Not required for: …
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 10 (minimum) at MPI Levin facility days. Facility: MPI …
Import permit
Required. Issued by: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Biosecurity New …
Health certificate
Required. Government veterinary health certificate. Issued by: Government …
Export permit
Not required
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and …
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (New Zealand)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Critical points

Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.

Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.

Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

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

Qantas
Cargo: QantasFreighter network for pet transport. Brachycephalic breeds restricted …
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa …
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. …
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to …
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic …
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for …
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM …
Cabin and Cargo

How New Zealand handles incoming pets

New Zealand runs a strict import regime, so every document is checked closely on arrival. Build your plan around the fixed waiting periods, because they set the pace for everything else.

What experienced owners do

Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.

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.

FAQ

Common questions

Allow at least 26 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in New Zealand. Your pet will stay for 10 (minimum) at MPI Levin facility days at MPI Levin Quarantine Facility, Levin, Manawatu (the only approved facility) on arrival. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter New Zealand. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from New Zealand’s authority (Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Biosecurity New Zealand). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Mauritius. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check New Zealand’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
  • Qantas
  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Air France
  • KLM
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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MU NZMauritius to New Zealand
International pet transport route
Lead time26-32 weeks
Quarantine10 days
ComplexityVery High
Airlines8
ServiceDoor to door
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