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.
The final date to apply for an import permit in 2022 is 18 November. Applications submitted after these dates will not be issued until mid-February 2023.
With the increase in workload due to the covid restrictions easing, we have put the processing time for permits back to 20 working days.
The 10 day extension for tests and treatments is being applied to all import permits. This means for example, that a test required in the 16 days prior to shipment can be done in the 26 days prior to shipment. The veterinary examination must still be completed in the 2 days prior to shipment.
Any further requests must be made to animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
All dogs which have been imported into New Zealand require testing for Leishmania infantum and Ehrlichia canis 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 the 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 90 days).
Note that Leishmania infantum is an unwanted, notifiable organism in New Zealand. If your dog tests positive for the disease in New Zealand:
Sending cats and dogs to Australia - MPI
Sending cats and dogs to Australia - agriculture.gov.au
If you're sending pets from a non-approved country (for example, Malaysia) via a group 2 or 3 country to Australia, refer to:
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