Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
How we source our data →
Overview
New Zealand, like Australia, runs a strict biosecurity regime for pet imports. Beyond the standard microchip and rabies vaccination, MPI requires a testing programme (including disease screening for dogs), an import permit, and a minimum 10-day quarantine at an approved facility on arrival. The preparation takes several months. Start early and follow the MPI permit conditions to the letter. Allow 20-32 weeks.
Step by step
The United Kingdom to New Zealand process
1
Verify now.
Confirm microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination
Responsible: Vet
2
Several months ahead. The permit sets out all tests and timing.
Apply for MPI import permit and review the testing regime
Responsible: Owner or agent
3
Per the permit schedule, with specific timing windows before travel.
Complete the required tests (titre, plus dog-specific disease screening)
Responsible: Vet and approved laboratories
4
Before departure. Spaces are limited.
Pre-book MPI-approved quarantine facility
Responsible: Owner or agent
5
6-8 weeks ahead.
Book cargo space on UK to New Zealand route
Responsible: Owner or agent
6
Close to travel.
APHA-endorsed health certificate matching the permit
Responsible: APHA-authorised vet, then APHA
7
On travel date. Minimum 10 days at the MPI facility before collection.
Travel to New Zealand as cargo, then 10-day quarantine
Responsible: Airline cargo, then MPI quarantine facility
Checklist
New Zealand: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO standard microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required from most countries. The UK is a rabies-free approved country; MPI specifies the exact vaccination and testing conditions in the permit.
Rabies titre test
Required where specified by MPI. Rabies antibody titre and other disease tests (such as leptospirosis and brucellosis screening for dogs) per the permit.
Quarantine
Minimum 10 days at an MPI-approved quarantine facility on arrival. Must be pre-booked before departure.
Import permit
Import permit required from MPI before travel. Apply well in advance; the testing regime must be planned around it.
Health certificate
APHA-endorsed health certificate matching the MPI permit conditions, issued close to travel.
Leaving United Kingdom
Export requirements
Requirement
Detail
Export permit
No formal UK export permit. The endorsed health certificate covers export documentation.
Health certificate
APHA-endorsed health certificate in the format required by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), matching the import permit conditions.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
MPI import permit fee: several hundred NZD
2
Quarantine facility fee: NZD 2,000 to NZD 4,000 for the minimum 10-day stay
3
Cargo airline fee: £1,800 to £4,000 from Heathrow to Auckland depending on crate size
4
Testing (titre and dog-specific disease screening): £200 to £500
5
APHA health certificate and endorsement: £150 to £400
6
Pet transport agent fee: £800 to £2,500
7
IATA-compliant travel crate: £80 to £400
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ New Zealand has a strict testing regime beyond rabies, including disease screening for dogs (such as leptospirosis and brucellosis) with specific timing windows. Plan around the MPI permit conditions exactly.
⚠ A minimum 10-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility is mandatory and must be pre-booked before departure. Spaces are limited.
⚠ The import permit must be in place before travel and the health certificate must match it exactly.
⚠ Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination.
⚠ New Zealand prohibits certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier types, Dogo Argentino, Brazilian Fila and Japanese Tosa.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Air New Zealand
Operates UK to New Zealand routes via hubs. Cargo pet service. Primary national carrier.
Cargo Only
Singapore Airlines
Via Singapore hub. Heathrow to Auckland with cargo pet service. Common routing.
Cargo Only
Qantas
Via Australia. Note: transiting Australia with a pet has its own biosecurity considerations.
Cargo Only
The MPI permit and testing regime
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) issues the import permit that governs the entire process. The permit sets out exactly which tests your pet needs and the timing windows for each.
For dogs, this typically includes a rabies titre test plus disease screening (for conditions such as leptospirosis and brucellosis), each with its own timing requirements relative to travel. The testing regime is more extensive than most routes, which is why preparation takes several months. Work closely with a vet experienced in New Zealand exports, and follow the permit schedule precisely.
The 10-day quarantine
Every pet entering New Zealand completes a minimum 10-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility on arrival. The facility must be pre-booked before departure, and spaces are limited, so book as early as your timeline allows.
Owners cannot visit during quarantine. After the minimum 10 days (longer if any issue arises), you collect your pet from the facility. All quarantine costs are paid by the owner. Budget NZD 2,000 to NZD 4,000 for the standard stay.
FAQ
Common questions
Allow 20-32 weeks. The main time factors are the MPI testing regime (which includes rabies titre and dog-specific disease screening, each with timing windows), obtaining the import permit, and pre-booking the quarantine facility. New Zealand’s process is comparable to Australia’s in complexity. Start the process as early as possible once you confirm the move.
Similar in concept. New Zealand requires a minimum 10-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility on arrival, which must be pre-booked before departure. Like Australia, owners cannot visit during quarantine and pay all costs. The main difference is the specific testing regime, which you must follow exactly per your MPI import permit. Both countries protect their rabies-free, high-biosecurity status rigorously.
New Zealand’s MPI typically requires a rabies titre test plus disease screening for dogs, which can include conditions such as leptospirosis and brucellosis, each with specific timing windows relative to travel. The exact tests and timing are set out in your MPI import permit. This is more extensive than most routes, so work with a vet experienced in New Zealand exports and follow the permit schedule precisely.
Yes. New Zealand prohibits the import of certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier types, Dogo Argentino, Brazilian Fila and Japanese Tosa. These are import bans. If your dog is one of these breeds or a confirmed mix, it cannot be imported. Check the MPI breed rules before beginning the process, as the testing and permit work is substantial and should not be started for a dog that cannot enter.