UPDATE – 1 March 2023
Cats and Dogs imported into New Zealand for onward travel to Australia
In line with Australia's updated import requirements, the required residency period for all cats and dogs has been extended from 90 day to 180 days, effective from 1 March 2023.
All cats and dogs that have been imported into New Zealand will need to stay 180 days in New Zealand to be eligible for export.
All dogs which have been imported into New Zealand require testing for Leishmania infantum prior to entry to 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 disease 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 is sent to Australia. That test must be done after your dog has been living in New Zealand for at least 21 days.
Note that Leishmania infantum is an unwanted, notifiable organism in New Zealand. If your dog tests positive for the disease in New Zealand:
- it is unlikely your dog will be allowed to remain in New Zealand
- it will not be eligible for export to Australia.
When to alert MPI
If you're exporting a pet, you're responsible for telling MPI within 24 hours if the pet:
- doesn't have the required export documents – for example, if they're removed or lost
- fails to meet relevant overseas market access requirements (OMARs)
- is refused entry by a foreign government.
