BRINGING A DOG FROMAustralia to New Zealand

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Prep time about 5 weeks

No quarantine when the paperwork is in order. Needs route restrictions, microchip, minimum age, condition of the animal, parasite treatment, tapeworm treatment, disease test, health declaration, residence period, breed declaration, health certificate, transport rules, port of entry, advance notice to the authority and arrival inspection.

Always confirm with the destination's official authority and your airline before travelling.

Entry requirements

Tap the seal to stamp a step done.0 OF 25 STAMPED

No import permit and no quarantine if the pet is compliant and arrives by air during MPI inspection hours; but it must fly as manifested cargo into Auckland or Christchurch, directly from Australia, with an official certificate, parasite treatments and (dogs) Babesia and heartworm tests, plus a Leishmania test unless the dog has lived in Australia since birth (or since import from New Zealand).

01
Route restrictions
before travel

Must be imported directly from a Category 1 country (Australia, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island).

DETAILS +

Must be imported directly from a Category 1 country (Australia, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Norfolk Island).

02
Microchip
before travel

Permanent, unique microchip; the number verified and recorded by a veterinarian at every examination, test, vaccination and treatment, and correctly recorded on all documents. ISO 11784/11785 recommended (MPI may not be able to read other chips).

DETAILS +

Permanent, unique microchip; the number verified and recorded by a veterinarian at every examination, test, vaccination and treatment, and correctly recorded on all documents. ISO 11784/11785 recommended (MPI may not be able to read other chips).

03
Minimum age
before travel

About 8 weeks old at shipment (MPI guidance "approximate minimum age", not a separate legal rule).

DETAILS +

About 8 weeks old at shipment (MPI guidance "approximate minimum age", not a separate legal rule).

04
Condition of the animal
before travel

Not more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment (or on arrival, if by sea).

DETAILS +

Not more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment (or on arrival, if by sea).

05
Parasite treatment
before travel

External parasites (ticks and fleas), first of at least two treatments by a veterinarian with an MPI-listed product: at least 14 days before the blood sample for the Babesia gibsoni (and B. rossi, if applicable) test (see the Babesia steps), with continuous protection from the first treatment to shipment. The dog must be free of visible parasites at each treatment.

DETAILS +

External parasites (ticks and fleas), first of at least two treatments by a veterinarian with an MPI-listed product: at least 14 days before the blood sample for the Babesia gibsoni (and B. rossi, if applicable) test (see the Babesia steps), with continuous protection from the first treatment to shipment. The dog must be free of visible parasites at each treatment.

06
Parasite treatment
within 16 days before departure

External parasites (ticks and fleas), last treatment in the 16 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

External parasites (ticks and fleas), last treatment in the 16 days before shipment.

07
Tapeworm treatment
within 30 days before departure

Internal parasites, 1st of 2 treatments: product(s) listed in MPI-STD-SAA against nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus), in the 30 days before shipment and at least 14 days before the 2nd treatment.

DETAILS +

Internal parasites, 1st of 2 treatments: product(s) listed in MPI-STD-SAA against nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus), in the 30 days before shipment and at least 14 days before the 2nd treatment.

08
Tapeworm treatment
within 5 days before departure14+ days after that step

Internal parasites, 2nd treatment, in the 5 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Internal parasites, 2nd treatment, in the 5 days before shipment.

09
Parasite treatment
within 5 days before departure

Angiostrongylus vasorum (lungworm) treatment in the 5 days before shipment with an MPI-listed product (spinosad + milbemycin oxime, afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime, moxidectin, or moxidectin + imidacloprid).

DETAILS +

Angiostrongylus vasorum (lungworm) treatment in the 5 days before shipment with an MPI-listed product (spinosad + milbemycin oxime, afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime, moxidectin, or moxidectin + imidacloprid).

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
10
Parasite treatment
within 5 days before departure

Heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment (ivermectin, milbemycin, moxidectin or selamectin at the listed doses).

DETAILS +

Heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment (ivermectin, milbemycin, moxidectin or selamectin at the listed doses).

11
Parasite treatment
before travel

Up to date with a sustained-release heartworm-prevention injection (moxidectin) given by a veterinarian.

DETAILS +

Up to date with a sustained-release heartworm-prevention injection (moxidectin) given by a veterinarian.

12
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

Heartworm antigen test (ELISA), negative, sample in the 30 days before shipment — only for dogs 7 months or older at shipment.

DETAILS +

Heartworm antigen test (ELISA), negative, sample in the 30 days before shipment — only for dogs 7 months or older at shipment.

  • · For pets aged 7 months or more
ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
13
Disease test
within 30 days before departure14+ days after that step

Babesia gibsoni (dogs 6 months or older): IFA or ELISA AND a PCR test, negative, on samples taken at least 14 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 30 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Babesia gibsoni (dogs 6 months or older): IFA or ELISA AND a PCR test, negative, on samples taken at least 14 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 30 days before shipment.

  • · For pets aged 6 months or more
14
Disease test
within 44 days before departure14+ days after that step

Babesia gibsoni: 3 PCR tests at least 7 days apart, all negative, first sample at least 14 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 44 days before shipment (the only option for dogs under 6 months).

DETAILS +

Babesia gibsoni: 3 PCR tests at least 7 days apart, all negative, first sample at least 14 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 44 days before shipment (the only option for dogs under 6 months).

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
15
Health declaration
before travel

Babesia rossi — written owner declaration that the dog has never lived in or travelled to mainland Africa.

DETAILS +

Babesia rossi — written owner declaration that the dog has never lived in or travelled to mainland Africa.

  • · the dog has never lived in or travelled to mainland Africa
16
Disease test
before travel

Babesia rossi — if the dog has been in mainland Africa (or it is unknown): the Category 1 certificate asks for imidocarb treatment or negative tests done for its import into Australia.

DETAILS +

Babesia rossi — if the dog has been in mainland Africa (or it is unknown): the Category 1 certificate asks for imidocarb treatment or negative tests done for its import into Australia.

  • · the dog has been in mainland Africa, or it is not known whether it has
ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
17
Residence period
before travel

Leishmania infantum — no test if the dog has lived in Australia since birth or since it was imported from New Zealand (MPI recognises only Australia as free).

DETAILS +

Leishmania infantum — no test if the dog has lived in Australia since birth or since it was imported from New Zealand (MPI recognises only Australia as free).

18
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

Otherwise: no clinical signs in the 2 days before shipment and a negative Leishmania infantum test (IFA or ELISA; PCR for dogs vaccinated with a serology-interfering vaccine) on a sample taken in the 30 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Otherwise: no clinical signs in the 2 days before shipment and a negative Leishmania infantum test (IFA or ELISA; PCR for dogs vaccinated with a serology-interfering vaccine) on a sample taken in the 30 days before shipment.

19
Health declaration
21+ days before departure

Canine influenza — written owner declaration: for at least 21 days before shipment the pet was not kept where cats or dogs showed signs of infectious respiratory disease, and showed none itself (cats and dogs).

DETAILS +

Canine influenza — written owner declaration: for at least 21 days before shipment the pet was not kept where cats or dogs showed signs of infectious respiratory disease, and showed none itself (cats and dogs).

20
Breed declaration
before travel

Dog Control Act s 30A: the dog must arrive with evidence of New Zealand registration, or an "exempting statutory declaration" made in New Zealand by or for the importer that it is not a banned breed/type, accompanied by a certificate from a veterinarian registered in the exporting country, issued before arrival, to the same effect.

DETAILS +

Dog Control Act s 30A: the dog must arrive with evidence of New Zealand registration, or an "exempting statutory declaration" made in New Zealand by or for the importer that it is not a banned breed/type, accompanied by a certificate from a veterinarian registered in the exporting country, issued before arrival, to the same effect.

21
Health certificate
within 2 days before departure

Category 1 model veterinary certificate (or an agreed country certificate) signed, stamped and dated on every page by an official veterinarian of the exporting country, in English. It certifies, among others, a veterinary inspection in the 2 days before shipment (healthy, fit to travel, no external parasites, dirt, insects or seeds; dogs: no recent bite wounds; entire dogs: genital examination for CTVT).

DETAILS +

Category 1 model veterinary certificate (or an agreed country certificate) signed, stamped and dated on every page by an official veterinarian of the exporting country, in English. It certifies, among others, a veterinary inspection in the 2 days before shipment (healthy, fit to travel, no external parasites, dirt, insects or seeds; dogs: no recent bite wounds; entire dogs: genital examination for CTVT).

22
Transport rules
before travel

By air only as manifested cargo (not in the cabin, not as excess baggage), in transport meeting the IATA Live Animals Regulations. No government seal is needed on the crate when flying directly from Category 1. No straw or hay bedding.

DETAILS +

By air only as manifested cargo (not in the cabin, not as excess baggage), in transport meeting the IATA Live Animals Regulations. No government seal is needed on the crate when flying directly from Category 1. No straw or hay bedding.

23
Port of entry
before travel

By air, only Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC).

DETAILS +
24
Advance notice to the authority
5+ working days before arrival

Notify MPI at least 5 working days before the scheduled arrival with the "Application for Veterinary Inspection — Cats and Dogs from Australia" form, by e-mail (australia.dogsandcats@mpi.govt.nz per the IHS).

DETAILS +

Notify MPI at least 5 working days before the scheduled arrival with the "Application for Veterinary Inspection — Cats and Dogs from Australia" form, by e-mail (australia.dogsandcats@mpi.govt.nz per the IHS).

25
Arrival inspection
before travel

Inspected and cleared at the border by an MPI veterinarian if notified, paid for and within inspection hours: Auckland 7am–7.30pm, Christchurch 8am–5pm, Monday–Friday (no weekends, public holidays, or Christmas–New Year). Fleas or ticks found → quarantine facility for treatment (and tests for dogs).

DETAILS +

Inspected and cleared at the border by an MPI veterinarian if notified, paid for and within inspection hours: Auckland 7am–7.30pm, Christchurch 8am–5pm, Monday–Friday (no weekends, public holidays, or Christmas–New Year). Fleas or ticks found → quarantine facility for treatment (and tests for dogs).

  • Import permit only if arriving by sea (air arrivals from Category 1 need none). — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • The Category 1 certificate certifies that Australia is free from Brucella canis and Leptospira Canicola, so no Brucella or leptospirosis tests appear on it. MPI-STD-SAA Schedule 6 clearly lists Australia for B. canis and Leishmania; the leptospirosis row is ambiguous in the PDF. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • Ticks or fleas found on arrival mean no border clearance — quarantine and further treatment (and tests for dogs) at the owner's cost. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • Preparation time 5 weeks (dogs; cats about 3): 1st external parasite treatment → ≥14 days → Babesia samples, all tests in the last 30 days (3×PCR option: up to 44 days); internal parasites twice in the last 30 days, ≥14 days apart; 5-working-day notice. No rabies vaccine, permit or official ID check needed.

No quarantine when the paperwork is in order

If the pet does not meet the rules: Sent to an approved quarantine facility until inspected on the next working day (or longer if requirements are not met, e.g. fleas or ticks found).

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Timeline

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Documents

One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 18 ready.

Official fees

Fees the authorities publish for this route, in their own currency. Vet and airline charges are not included.

border inspection, first cat or dog
NZD 325.26 per consignment (excl. tax)
border inspection, each additional cat or dog
NZD 108.42 per animal (excl. tax)

Entry points

Where a pet may enter New Zealand, per the rules.

Breed bans

Add the breed to your link (Edit route) and the checklist refuses a banned type.

Airlines

Airline rules are separate from entry rules and change without notice — confirm in writing when you book. Only what the carriers' own pages say, read 25 Sep 2026. All airlines

  • CabinYes
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • CabinNo
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
  • ANA (All Nippon Airways) NHhold: cargo only on this route
    CabinNo
    HoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
  • CabinNo
    HoldCargo only
    Snub-nosedNot stated
  • Delta Air Lines DLcabin: not on this route
    CabinYes
    HoldNo
    Snub-nosedHold, cargo: no
  • KLM KL
    CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no
  • CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • CabinNo
    HoldCargo only
    Snub-nosedCargo: restricted
  • Qatar Airways QRhold: cargo only on this route
    CabinNo
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: restricted

Announced changes

Return trip to Australia

Easy for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 4 weeks of preparation. No quarantine.

  • Residence period — 180+ days before departure: Eligible if the pet has only lived in New Zealand since birth, or since it was imported from Australia, or — if it has ever lived elsewhere — only in New Zealand for at least 180 days immediately before export. The 180 days is a residence period, not quarantine.
  • Advance notice to the authority — 3+ days before arrival: E-mail the DAFF regional office of the first arrival state at least 3 days before arrival (date/time, flight and air waybill number, description of the pet, phone number, assistance-dog status). By sea, the vessel master notifies.

Full checklist for a dog from New Zealand to Australia

Leaving New Zealand with the pet

  • New Zealand pets going abroad for 30 days or less can come back on the "short-stay" certificate: before leaving, a New Zealand vet gives a tick/flea treatment in the 5 days before export and signs a record of treatment (and, if visiting a Category 3 country, rabies vaccination + RNATT must be done in New Zealand before departure).
  • For a pet that will visit a Category 3 or non-categorised country, MPI advises rabies vaccination and a satisfactory RNATT before leaving New Zealand.
  • Dogs imported into New Zealand and later sent to Australia must live in NZ more than 180 days and be re-tested for Leishmania in NZ (MPI note citing Australia's rules).
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Sources

Every requirement above comes from one of these pages. Last researched 26 Sep 2026. Seen a change? Tell us.

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