Bringing Pets To
New Zealand
When bringing your pet along for a temporary or permanent move to beautiful New Zealand, there are some unique rules that you need to understand. Although the paperwork process may only take a few weeks, the journey to bringing your pets to New Zealand can take several months, so it is important to get started as soon as possible. We are here to guide you through a stress-free moving experience and take care of the tricky details so you can focus on what matters most! Before you get started, there are a few things to understand to make the process easier.
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Do you want to make sure that your pet relocation goes smoothly? See how All Paws Express makes it easy to bring your dogs and cats with you to New Zealand!
Things You Should Know Before Moving Dogs and Cats to New Zealand
Banned Pet Breeds
New Zealand has some restrictions on what breeds of dogs are allowed. These breeds are:
- Brazilian Fila
- American pit bull terrier
- Perro de Presa Canario
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
Hybrid pets, ones that are the offspring of animals crossed with another species, are prohibited in New Zealand, except Bengal cats. Bengal cats are allowed in the country if you can provide documentation showing five generations of ancestry.
Reptiles, snakes, birds, ferrets, rats, and mice also face strict import regulations in New Zealand to protect the local fauna and flora from diseases.
New Zealand Import Requirements
Vaccinations, Tests, and Microchips
There are multiple requirements for moving your pet to New Zealand and a specific timeline for microchipping and certain vaccines and tests. The important requirements and tests that your dog or cat must meet are:
Do they need to be microchiped?
Microchips are required for all dogs and cats to enter New Zealand. It is recommended that your pet will need to be at least eight weeks old to be microchipped.
What Vaccines do they need?
Specific tests and vaccinations are required when traveling from the United States to New Zealand or any other country . These tests and vaccinations are highly dependent on the kind of animal. While most animals need similar tests, documentation, and vaccinations it’s best to know exactly what will be needed to avoid any delay when traveling. For your convenience All Paws Express representatives are here to answer any of your questions and help you through the process with ease.
Does my dog need their Rabies Shot?
Additionally, New Zealand requires that all pets have a current rabies vaccination. Your cat or dog will need to be at least three months old to administer the rabies vaccine. The first time your pet is getting a rabies vaccine, it will need to be valid within 12 months of travel date.
Permits and Paperwork
If you are traveling to New Zealand with your pets, a permit to import will be required, and it must be applied for as soon as possible. Let us worry about the paperwork! It is best to leave ample time for this to process as it may take up to 20 business days for a permit to be issued.
Quarantine
All pets will have to undergo at least a 10-day quarantine once it has arrived in New Zealand. There are a number of boarding facilities to choose from, and your pet will be safe while you wait.
Are You Moving Your Pets to New Zealand?
Relocating with your pets to New Zealand is a complex process because of the country’s strict laws; only dogs and cats that meet specific health and veterinary requirements are granted entry. If you’re planning to relocate to New Zealand with your pets, it’s important to use a trusted pet transport service to help ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Thinking about moving to New Zealand with your furry family? Learn more about how All Paws Express makes pet relocation easy!
Read our Pet Travel Blog
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