Bringing cats and dogs to NZ

If you want to bring cats or dogs to NZ, find out what to do, what to expect, costs, and how to apply. There are biosecurity requirements to prevent the spread of harmful pests and diseases.

In this section

I tēnei wāhanga

Step-by-step guide to bringing cats and dogs to NZ

Bringing assistance and guide dogs to New Zealand

Cats and dogs in transit

Bringing cats and dogs to NZ on vessels

Quarantine facilities

Update

19 February 2026: Change to crate seal requirements

Cats and dogs from category 3 countries arriving in New Zealand from 1 March 2026 are not required to have seals on crates.

The applicable wording in veterinary certificate B should be struck out.

If you have any questions, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz

22 December 2020: Dogs imported into NZ for onward travel to Australia

All dogs which have been imported into New Zealand require testing for Leishmania infantum prior to entry into Australia.

We strongly recommend that all dogs being imported into New Zealand and which are being exported to Australia at a later date, are tested for this diseases before they come to New Zealand.

However, pre-entry tests cannot be used for certification requirements of dogs to Australia. Your dog will have to be tested again before it's sent to Australia. That test must be done after your dog has been living in New Zealand for at least 21 days. (And dogs cannot be sent to Australia until they have lived in New Zealand for more than 180 days).

Note that Leishmania infantum is an unwanted, notifiable organism in New Zealand. If your dog tests positive for the disease in New Zealand: