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.
PET IMPORTS AND COVID-19
Update – 19 November 2020
Animal Imports has further extended the import permit validity period to accommodate the ongoing disruption to global movement for cat and dog importers.
The permit validity period is now 6 months (from 30 days), or until the last date the rabies requirements are valid (whichever occurs first).
Importers and pet transport companies are responsible for changing their bookings with quarantine facilities. MPI does not need to be notified.
Permits are processed within 10 working days of a fully correct application is received.
Application checklist and sample documents [PDF, 675 KB]
The tests and treatments timeframes have been extended by 10 days. This is on top of the timeframes listed in the import health standard for cats and dogs.
The veterinary examination must still be done in the 2 days before shipment.
Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs [PDF, 169 KB]
If the entry date changes and the new date is outside the permit validity period, we will update the permit free of charge. Any other changes incur the normal fee for changes.