BRINGING A CAT FROMCanada →to New Zealand

Permanent, unique microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination and titer blood sample (the RCF asks the vet to verify this); verified and recorded at vaccination and at the RNATT sampling. Chips starting with 999 are not accepted (MPI support document). ISO 11784/11785 recommended.

Rabies vaccine (inactivated or recombinant, listed in MPI-STD-SAA) by a veterinarian at 12 weeks of age or older, kept continuously valid until shipment; a primary vaccination (or one after a lapse) at least 6 months before shipment. Must be given in a Category 1, 2 or 3 country or New Zealand.

primary vaccination (or the first one after a lapse)

Rabies neutralising antibody test (FAVN or RFFIT), result at least 0.5 IU/mL, on a blood sample taken by a veterinarian 3–12 months before shipment, at a lab approved by a Category 1–3 competent authority, an EU-approved rabies lab or a WOAH reference lab in a Category 1–3 country (or NZ's national lab). MPI recommends sampling 3–4 weeks after vaccination.

About 9 months old at shipment at the earliest (follows from the vaccine at ≥12 weeks + 6 months; MPI guidance).

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

Book at least 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine facility (Auckland or Christchurch); the signed booking form goes with the permit application.

MPI import permit, applied for online with: rabies vaccination records, RNATT result(s), the Category 3 Rabies Certification Form (RCF — signed by your vet and signed and stamped by an official vet) and the signed quarantine booking form. Apply at least 8 weeks ahead; allow 30 working days for processing.

External parasites — one treatment with an MPI-listed product in the 16 days before shipment, continuous protection until shipment.

Internal parasites (nematodes and cestodes incl. Echinococcus), 1st of 2 treatments — in the 30 days before shipment, ≥14 days before the 2nd.

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

Canine influenza — owner's written declaration covering the 21 days before shipment. Cats and dogs.

Category 3 model veterinary certificate signed, stamped and dated on every page by an official veterinarian, in English (or an agreed country-specific certificate); veterinary inspection in the 2 days before shipment. Travels with the import permit, original (or officially endorsed) rabies records and RNATT report, lab reports and declarations.

By air only as manifested cargo under the IATA Live Animals Regulations. No government seal needed on the crate. No straw or hay bedding.

En route, transit or tranship only in Category 1, 2 or 3 countries, no contact with other animals, stay on the international side of the airport. (A layover in a non-categorised country, e.g. Thailand, is not allowed.)

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

Straight to the quarantine facility on the permit; MPI vet inspection within 72 hours and after 10 days; release after the final inspection in business hours.