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BRINGING A DOG FROMJapan to New Zealand

Dog · Moving

Bringing a cat instead?
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Prep time about 27 weeks

Quarantine: at least 10 days at an approved facility. Needs microchip, official microchip check, residence period, rabies vaccination, rabies antibody (titer) test, minimum age, condition of the animal, quarantine booking, import permit, parasite treatment, tapeworm treatment, disease test, health declaration, health certificate, other vaccinations, breed declaration, transport rules, route restrictions, port of entry and arrival inspection.

Timing assumes an adult pet; young or unvaccinated pets may face other rules.

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 44 STAMPED
Source:Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) (opens official site: Import Health Standard — Cats and Dogs 2026 (CATSDOGS.GEN))· checked 26 Sep 2026

No rabies vaccine, but an official ID check at least 6 months before shipment (usually also 6 months' residency), an import permit, a government-sealed crate, a full set of parasite treatments and (dogs) blood tests, and at least 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine facility.

01
Microchip
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

02
Official microchip check
6+ months before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
03
Residence period
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

04
Residence period
6+ months before departure

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).

DETAILS +

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).

ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
05
Residence period
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

06
Rabies vaccination
6+ months before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

primary vaccination

07
Rabies antibody (titer) test
3–12 months before departure

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

DETAILS +

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

08
Minimum age
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

Source:Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) (opens official site: Model certificate template for Category 2 — Cats and Dogs from Rabies-Free Countries (2026 IHS))· checked 26 Sep 2026
09
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).

10
Quarantine booking
before travel

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.

DETAILS +

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.

11
Import permit
30+ working days before departure8+ weeks before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

12
Parasite treatment
before travel

External parasites, first of at least two treatments: at least 14 days before the Babesia blood sample(s) (see the Babesia steps), continuous protection from then until shipment; no visible parasites at each treatment.

DETAILS +

External parasites, first of at least two treatments: at least 14 days before the Babesia blood sample(s) (see the Babesia steps), continuous protection from then until shipment; no visible parasites at each treatment.

13
Parasite treatment
within 16 days before departure

External parasites, last treatment in the 16 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

External parasites, last treatment in the 16 days before shipment.

14
Tapeworm treatment
within 30 days before departure

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

DETAILS +

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

15
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.

16
Parasite treatment
within 5 days before departure

Angiostrongylus vasorum treatment with an MPI-listed product in the 5 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Angiostrongylus vasorum treatment with an MPI-listed product in the 5 days before shipment.

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
17
Parasite treatment
within 5 days before departure

Heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment.

18
Parasite treatment
before travel

Up to date with a sustained-release heartworm-prevention injection.

DETAILS +

Up to date with a sustained-release heartworm-prevention injection.

19
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

Heartworm test, negative, sample in the 30 days before shipment — dogs 7 months or older.

DETAILS +

Heartworm test, negative, sample in the 30 days before shipment — dogs 7 months or older.

  • · For pets aged 7 months or more
ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
20
Disease test
within 30 days before departure14+ days after that step

Babesia gibsoni (dogs ≥6 months) — IFA/ELISA and PCR, negative, samples ≥14 days after the 1st external parasite treatment and in the 30 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Babesia gibsoni (dogs ≥6 months) — IFA/ELISA and PCR, negative, samples ≥14 days after the 1st external parasite treatment and in the 30 days before shipment.

  • · For pets aged 6 months or more
21
Disease test
within 44 days before departure14+ days after that step

Babesia gibsoni — 3 PCR tests ≥7 days apart, negative, first sample ≥14 days after the 1st external parasite treatment and in the 44 days before shipment (only option under 6 months).

DETAILS +

Babesia gibsoni — 3 PCR tests ≥7 days apart, negative, first sample ≥14 days after the 1st external parasite treatment and in the 44 days before shipment (only option under 6 months).

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
22
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
23
Parasite treatment
within 16 days before departure

Babesia rossi — imidocarb dipropionate (one dose 7.5 mg/kg, or two doses of 6.0 mg/kg ≥14 days apart) with the last dose in the 16 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Babesia rossi — imidocarb dipropionate (one dose 7.5 mg/kg, or two doses of 6.0 mg/kg ≥14 days apart) with the last dose in the 16 days before shipment.

24
Disease test
within 30 days before departure14+ days after that step

Babesia rossi (dogs ≥6 months) — IFA/ELISA and PCR negative, samples ≥14 days after the 1st external parasite treatment and in the 30 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Babesia rossi (dogs ≥6 months) — IFA/ELISA and PCR negative, samples ≥14 days after the 1st external parasite treatment and in the 30 days before shipment.

  • · For pets aged 6 months or more
25
Disease test
within 44 days before departure14+ days after that step

Babesia rossi — 3 PCR tests ≥7 days apart, negative, first sample ≥14 days after the 1st external parasite treatment and in the 44 days before shipment (the PCR series or imidocarb are the only options under 6 months).

DETAILS +

Babesia rossi — 3 PCR tests ≥7 days apart, negative, first sample ≥14 days after the 1st external parasite treatment and in the 44 days before shipment (the PCR series or imidocarb are the only options under 6 months).

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
26
Health certificate
before travel

Brucella canis — the dog is desexed (spayed/castrated), shown by a certificate signed by a veterinarian.

DETAILS +

Brucella canis — the dog is desexed (spayed/castrated), shown by a certificate signed by a veterinarian.

  • · Only for neutered animals
ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
27
Health declaration
before travel

Brucella canis — owner's written (breeding) declaration that the entire dog was not mated, naturally or artificially, between 30 days before the test sample and shipment.

DETAILS +

Brucella canis — owner's written (breeding) declaration that the entire dog was not mated, naturally or artificially, between 30 days before the test sample and shipment.

  • · the dog was not mated (naturally or artificially) between 30 days before the Brucella canis blood sample and shipment
  • · Only for entire (not neutered) animals
28
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

Brucella canis — negative RSAT, TAT or IFA on a sample in the 30 days before shipment (retest rules for inconclusive results).

DETAILS +

Brucella canis — negative RSAT, TAT or IFA on a sample in the 30 days before shipment (retest rules for inconclusive results).

  • · the dog was not mated (naturally or artificially) between 30 days before the Brucella canis blood sample and shipment
  • · Only for entire (not neutered) animals
ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
29
Disease test
within 21 days before departure

Brucella canis — negative test on a sample taken in the 21 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Brucella canis — negative test on a sample taken in the 21 days before shipment.

  • · the dog was mated (naturally or artificially) in the 30 days before the Brucella canis blood sample
  • · Only for entire (not neutered) animals
30
Disease test
before travel

Brucella canis — negative test of the mate (or the semen donor) on a blood sample taken in the 21 days before the mating/insemination, or a negative test of the semen used.

DETAILS +

Brucella canis — negative test of the mate (or the semen donor) on a blood sample taken in the 21 days before the mating/insemination, or a negative test of the semen used.

  • · the dog was mated (naturally or artificially) in the 30 days before the Brucella canis blood sample
  • · Only for entire (not neutered) animals
31
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

Leishmania infantum — no clinical signs in the 2 days before shipment and a negative test (IFA or ELISA; PCR if vaccinated with a serology-interfering vaccine) on a sample in the 30 days before shipment. MPI recognises only Australia as free, so every dog from Category 2 is tested.

DETAILS +

Leishmania infantum — no clinical signs in the 2 days before shipment and a negative test (IFA or ELISA; PCR if vaccinated with a serology-interfering vaccine) on a sample in the 30 days before shipment. MPI recognises only Australia as free, so every dog from Category 2 is tested.

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
32
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

Leptospira Canicola — negative MAT in the 30 days before shipment (MPI's preferred option).

DETAILS +

Leptospira Canicola — negative MAT in the 30 days before shipment (MPI's preferred option).

ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
33
Disease test
before travel

Leptospira Canicola — MAT titre between 1:100 and 1:400.

DETAILS +

Leptospira Canicola — MAT titre between 1:100 and 1:400.

34
Other vaccinations
before travel

Leptospira Canicola — vaccinated in accordance with MPI-STD-SAA, continuously valid until shipment; proof of vaccination travels with the dog.

DETAILS +

Leptospira Canicola — vaccinated in accordance with MPI-STD-SAA, continuously valid until shipment; proof of vaccination travels with the dog.

ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
35
Disease test
before travel

Leptospira Canicola — MAT titre between 1:100 and 1:400.

DETAILS +

Leptospira Canicola — MAT titre between 1:100 and 1:400.

36
Disease test
14+ days after that step

Leptospira Canicola — second MAT sample at least 14 days after the first, same or lower titre.

DETAILS +

Leptospira Canicola — second MAT sample at least 14 days after the first, same or lower titre.

37
Parasite treatment
within 30 days before departure

Leptospira Canicola — doxycycline 5–10 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before shipment (prescribed by a vet; the owner may give the tablets).

DETAILS +

Leptospira Canicola — doxycycline 5–10 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before shipment (prescribed by a vet; the owner may give the tablets).

38
Health declaration
21+ days before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

39
Breed declaration
before travel

Dog Control Act s 30A: evidence of New Zealand registration, or an exempting statutory declaration made in New Zealand by/for the importer plus a certificate from a veterinarian registered in the exporting country, issued before arrival, that the dog is not a Schedule 4 breed/type.

DETAILS +

Dog Control Act s 30A: evidence of New Zealand registration, or an exempting statutory declaration made in New Zealand by/for the importer plus a certificate from a veterinarian registered in the exporting country, issued before arrival, that the dog is not a Schedule 4 breed/type.

Source:New Zealand Parliamentary Counsel Office (legislation.govt.nz) (opens official site: Dog Control Act 1996 — s 30A (prohibition on import of dogs listed in Schedule 4), s 33C, Schedule 4)· checked 26 Sep 2026
40
Health certificate
within 2 days before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

41
Transport rules
before travel

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.

DETAILS +

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.

42
Route restrictions
before travel

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).

DETAILS +

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).

43
Port of entry
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

44
Arrival inspection
before travel

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.

DETAILS +

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.

  • Countries whose dogs need the canine-influenza vaccination or PCR test (MPI-STD-SAA Schedule 8) — USA, Singapore, Canada, Republic of Korea. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • No rabies vaccination is required from Category 2 — the country itself must be free from rabies. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • The competent authority of the exporting country must send the ID-check confirmation directly to MPI (model form: IHS Appendix 2A). — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • For some Pacific Island countries the tests and treatments may be done in the New Zealand quarantine facility (longer quarantine) — ask MPI. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • Official sources differ — the MPI support document for cats from Category 2 says the crate needs no government seal; the IHS (1.8(3)) and the Category 2 model certificate require one. Follow the IHS. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
    Sources disagree — confirm with the authority
    • “The crate does not need to have an official government seal.” — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Quarantine stays can be extended (ends outside business hours, non-compliance, illness, parasites, aggressive animal). — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • MPI-approved quarantine facilities (register last reviewed 2025-04-15): Auckland — Pethaven Quarantine Services (Pokeno) and Qualified Pet Services (Takanini); Christchurch — Canterbury Quarantine Services Ltd. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • Dogs confirmed infected with Babesia gibsoni, Brucella canis or Leishmania infantum cannot be imported, whatever the treatment. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • Preparation time 27 weeks: official ID check ≥6 months (26 weeks) before shipment is the long pole (and 6 months' residency unless born there or rabies requirements met); permit (30 working days) and all tests/treatments fit inside the last weeks.

Quarantine: at least 10 days at an approved facility

Source:Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) (opens official site: Import Health Standard — Cats and Dogs 2026 (CATSDOGS.GEN))· checked 26 Sep 2026

Timeline

Working out your dates…

Documents

One paper per requirement above; carry originals. 0 of 34 ready.

Official fees

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

import permit application
Source:Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) (opens official site: Fees and charges when bringing pets to NZ)· checked 26 Sep 2026
NZD 233.25 per consignment (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

  • Lufthansa LH
    CabinYes
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • Emirates EK
    CabinNo
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
  • ANA (All Nippon Airways) NH
    CabinNo
    HoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
  • Qantas QF
    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
  • Air France AF
    CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • British Airways BA
    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 Japan

Moderate for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 6 weeks of preparation. No quarantine when the paperwork is in order (up to 12 hours on arrival).

  • Residence period: Continuously resident in a designated region since birth.
  • Residence period — 180+ days before departure: Continuously resident in a designated region for at least 180 days immediately before export to Japan.
  • Residence period: Continuously resident in a designated region since being directly imported from Japan (a Japanese pet coming home from a designated region).
  • Advance notice to the authority — 40+ days before arrival: Notify the AQS office at the expected port of entry at least 40 days before arrival — online through NACCS or by e-mail with the notification form (separate forms for dogs and cats). The AQS then issues an "Approval of Import Inspection of Animals"; print or save it for export and boarding.
Source:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF (opens official site: Import dogs and cats into Japan (from the designated regions))· checked 24 Sep 2026
+1 more
Also:Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF

Full checklist for a dog from New Zealand to Japan

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).
Source:Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) (opens official site: Import Health Standard — Cats and Dogs 2026 (CATSDOGS.GEN))· checked 26 Sep 2026
+1 more
Also:Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)

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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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