Japan → New Zealand

Permanent, unique microchip, verified and recorded by a veterinarian at every examination, test, vaccination and treatment, and on all documents. ISO 11784/11785 recommended.

Pre-export identification check: an official (government) veterinarian of the exporting country scans and verifies the microchip at least 6 months before shipment; the competent authority reports it directly to MPI.

Resident in the Category 2 country of export since birth or since direct import from New Zealand.

Resident there for at least 6 months before shipment — or less, if the Category 3 rabies requirements (vaccination ≥6 months before shipment if primary, RNATT ≥0.5 IU/mL 3–12 months before shipment) are met (next option).

Resident in the Category 2 country of export, for less than 6 months.

Rabies vaccination (clause 2.1.3): at 12 weeks of age or older, continuously valid until shipment; a primary vaccination at least 6 months before shipment.

RNATT (clause 2.1.3), result at least 0.5 IU/mL, sample taken 3–12 months before shipment.

At least 12 weeks old at shipment (certified on the Category 2 model certificate).

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 (transitional) facility in Auckland or Christchurch; the signed booking form is uploaded with the import permit application. Facility fees are set by the facility.

MPI import permit, applied for online (Animal and Plant Import Permits, animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz) with all supporting documents; apply at least 8 weeks before it is needed and allow 30 working days for processing. Many airlines want the permit before booking. Valid for a single consignment.

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, at least 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 (no contact with, and no signs of, infectious respiratory disease). Cats and dogs.

Category 2 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 (entire dogs: genital examination). Travels with the import permit, lab reports and declarations.

By air only as manifested cargo, IATA Live Animals Regulations, in a crate sealed with a government-approved seal (re-sealed with an endorsed document if opened at transhipment). No straw or hay bedding.

En route, transit or tranship only in Category 1, 2 or 3 countries, without contact with other animals and without leaving the international side of the airport (unless moved under official supervision to an approved quarantine facility).

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

Taken straight to the quarantine facility on the permit; MPI veterinarian inspects within 72 hours of arrival and again after 10 days. Release only after the final inspection (business hours) — often later than day 10.