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 Spain to New Zealand

Getting a pet from Spain to New Zealand is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Plan for approximately 36-44 weeks. This is a rigorous route with little room to compress the schedule. Plan for 10 days of quarantine on arrival. Start with …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Spain 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 Spain 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 Spanish competent authority vet

Responsible: Veterinario oficial endorsed by MAPA or regional authority

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 Spain. FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus …
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 Spanish competent authority in MPI-approved …
Export permit
No export permit required for personal pet exports from Spain.
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 (MPI-approved laboratory fee): EUR 100-250
Airline cargo from Spain 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 Spain.

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.

Iberia
Madrid Barajas (MAD) to Auckland (AKL) via connections, typically Los Angeles or other …
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Via Singapore Changi to Auckland. Most commonly used Europe-to-New Zealand routing. …
Cargo Only
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand Cargo from Spain to Auckland via connections. Strong MPI quarantine …
Cargo Only
Emirates
Via Dubai to Auckland from Madrid or Barcelona. Summer Gulf heat embargoes apply.
Cargo Only
Qatar Airways Cargo
Via Doha to Auckland. Confirm temperature restrictions and breed policies before booking.
Cargo Only

New Zealand import rules, explained

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

Practical tips for this move

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.

Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.

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.

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 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 but expect EUR 3,000-6,000+ for the full process: airline cargo from Madrid or Barcelona (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
  • Iberia
  • Singapore Airlines
  • Air New Zealand
  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways Cargo
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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