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, 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.

External parasites, last treatment in the 16 days before 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.

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

Heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment.

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

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

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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.

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.

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.