Pet Transport from United Kingdom to New Zealand

Getting your dog or cat from the United Kingdom to New Zealand is one of the most involved international pet moves you can make.

New Zealand is rabies-free and intends to stay that way. The import process reflects this: two rabies vaccinations, a titre test with a 180-day waiting period, government permits, and mandatory quarantine on arrival. No shortcuts, no exceptions.

Expect to start preparations 8 to 10 months before your travel date. We’ve put together this guide to walk you through every step.

Step-by-Step Process

New Zealand Import Requirements

What New Zealand requires for pets entering the country.

Exporting from United Kingdom

What you need from United Kingdom before your pet can leave.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

• Airline cargo fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size). No direct flights, so transit routing adds cost
• IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
• Veterinary fees (two rabies vaccinations, titre test, health certificate, microchip)
• APHA endorsement fee for export health certificate
• MPI import permit application fee
• Mandatory 10-day quarantine at Auckland facility (charged per day, per animal)
• Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)

Important Warnings

Key things to know about this route

This is a high-complexity route. New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) controls all animal imports, and the requirements are strict.

The single biggest factor is the 180-day waiting period after your pet’s titre test. The blood must be drawn, sent to an approved lab, and then you wait six months from the date of the blood draw before your pet can arrive in New Zealand. There is no way to speed this up.

There are no direct flights from the UK to New Zealand. Your pet will transit through a hub (typically Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, or an Australian city). Each transit adds complexity, especially in summer when temperature embargoes can ground pet cargo.

The quarantine process

All dogs and cats entering New Zealand must complete a minimum 10-day quarantine at the MPI-approved facility in Auckland. This is not optional and applies even if every other document is perfect.

The quarantine facility has limited capacity. Book your pet’s quarantine space as early as possible, ideally as soon as your import permit is approved. The facility charges per day, per animal, and you are responsible for the cost.

During quarantine, your pet receives veterinary checks and is monitored for any signs of disease. Most healthy pets handle quarantine without issues, but it is a stressful experience. Speak to your vet about strategies to help your pet cope.

Practical tips for this route

Start the microchip and first rabies vaccination as soon as you know you are moving. The timeline is long and every delay pushes your arrival date back.

Use a specialist pet transport agent for this route. New Zealand’s requirements are detailed enough that a single paperwork error can result in your pet being refused entry or sent back. An experienced agent will know the current rules, the approved labs, and the quarantine booking process.

No airline flies pets in the cabin on long-haul routes to New Zealand. Your pet will travel as cargo in a temperature-controlled hold. Invest in a good quality IATA-compliant crate and let your pet acclimatise to it well before travel day.

Travel day: United Kingdom to New Zealand

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure if your pet is travelling as cargo. You’ll need to present all original documents: APHA-endorsed health certificate, vaccination records with both rabies dates, titre test results, microchip number, and the MPI import permit.

Your pet’s crate must be clean, labelled with your contact details and the consignee’s details in Auckland, and have food and water containers attached. Live animal stickers and orientation arrows are required.

On arrival in Auckland, your pet goes directly to the quarantine facility. You will not be able to collect your pet at the airport. The quarantine facility will contact you to arrange collection after the quarantine period is complete.