The journey from New Zealand to Germany for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This is a middle of the road route, and about 4-6 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Pets with correct documentation skip …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from New Zealand to Germany
typically takes around 4-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The New Zealand to Germany pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in New Zealand
6+ weeks before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination is valid and 21-day post-primary wait is complete.
Responsible: Vet in New Zealand
6+ weeks before travel
3
Book cargo from AKL to FRA via SIN (Singapore Airlines) or DXB (Emirates).
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
4
Obtain MPI-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: MPI-authorised vet plus MPI endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
5
Depart AKL. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Germany
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Not required. New Zealand is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait do not apply. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt (FRA).
Import permit
No import permit required. MPI-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by MPI, issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (New Zealand)
No formal export permit required for companion animals from New Zealand. MPI-authorised vet signs the certificate; MPI endorses it before departure.
Costs
What this route typically costs
MPI vet certificate and endorsement: NZD 300-700 (approximately EUR 170-400)
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo AKL to FRA via hub: EUR 1,500-3,500 depending on crate size and routing
Pet transport agent (recommended for long-haul): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 2,000-4,600
Critical points to read before you book
New Zealand is EU-listed: no titre test or 3-month wait required. Preparation takes 4-6 weeks with a current vaccination, or 10-12 weeks if a primary vaccination is needed.
No direct AKL to FRA cargo service; all routings connect via Singapore (SIN) or Dubai (DXB). One transfer is preferable to two.
Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state, particularly if travelling to Bavaria.
MPI endorsement takes a few working days; book the vet appointment with enough lead time for the 10-day certificate window.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Singapore Airlines operates Auckland (AKL) to Singapore (SIN) with connections to Frankfurt (FRA). Single transfer at Changi. Singapore Airlines Cargo handles live animals with temperature-controlled facilities at Changi.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates operates AKL to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Frankfurt. Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International. An alternative to the Singapore routing.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo via SIN or DXB
Lufthansa Cargo connects from AKL to Frankfurt via Singapore or Dubai hub partners. Frankfurt is Germany's primary live animal cargo arrival point with the Animal Lounge at FRA.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Germany
Germany has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
How to keep this move on track
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about New Zealand to Germany pet transport
No. New Zealand is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month waiting period do not apply. A valid microchip, current rabies vaccination, and MPI-endorsed EU health certificate are all that is required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
4-6 weeks if the rabies vaccination is current and valid. If a primary vaccination is needed, allow 10-12 weeks to include the 21-day post-vaccination wait before the MPI certificate can be issued. No titre test wait applies.
Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) is the most commonly used option, with single transfer and strong live animal handling at Changi. Emirates via Dubai (DXB) is a well-regarded alternative. Both connect to Frankfurt.
The MPI vet examination and certificate endorsement typically costs NZD 300-700 (approximately EUR 170-400). Cargo from AKL to FRA via hub runs EUR 1,500-3,500 depending on crate size. Total all-in is typically EUR 2,000-4,600.
Airline guides
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Lufthansa Cargo via SIN or DXB
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.