Pet Transport from Spain to New Zealand
Moving a dog or cat from Spain to New Zealand is a demanding process that cannot be rushed. New Zealand requires a mandatory FAVN titre test from pets arriving from all countries, including Spain, with a 180-day wait from the blood draw date before travel is …
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.
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Owner or agent via nzstap.mpi.govt.nz
Responsible: Veterinarian + MPI-approved laboratory
Responsible: Owner to track
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Veterinario oficial endorsed by MAPA or regional authority
Responsible: Airline cargo
Responsible: MPI quarantine facility
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.
What this route typically costs
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.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Why does New Zealand require a titre test from Spain, and why is there a 180-day wait?
New Zealand applies the FAVN titre test requirement to all countries without exemption. Spain’s EU membership and established veterinary system make no difference to this rule. The FAVN test confirms your pet has adequate rabies antibody protection at 0.5 IU/ml or above. The 180-day wait that follows from the blood draw date is the period MPI requires before it accepts that any latent infection risk from a non-rabies-free origin has passed.
There are no exemptions and no shortcuts. The clock starts on the date the blood was drawn, not when the result was received. This is the largest single time driver on the Spain-to-New Zealand route. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz (2026).
Why are two vaccinations required, and which vaccine type does Spain need to use?
MPI requires two inactivated-virus rabies vaccinations for New Zealand entry, given after microchipping, with at least 28 days between them. Both must be completed before the FAVN blood draw. The inactivated-virus requirement is specific: modified live or recombinant products may not be accepted by MPI. Confirm the vaccine product with your Spanish official vet before administering.
If either vaccination is recorded incorrectly, or the interval between them is less than 28 days, MPI will not accept the titre test result. The entire vaccination sequence must then restart from the beginning. This is a hard rule that has cost owners months of preparation when a vaccination record is incomplete.
What is the NZSTAP permit and when should I apply from Spain?
NZSTAP (New Zealand Standard Terms and Procedures) is the formal import approval that MPI issues before your pet can enter New Zealand. Apply via the NZSTAP portal at nzstap.mpi.govt.nz. Allow at least six weeks for processing from the date of submission.
The permit specifies exactly what your pet must satisfy: the vaccination and titre test protocol, the health certificate format from the Spanish competent authority, the quarantine facility, and the entry airport. Any deviation from the permit conditions can result in refusal of entry or extended quarantine. Apply as soon as you know you are moving to New Zealand, ideally before starting the vaccination sequence. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz.