Netherlands → 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.

If the RNATT blood sample is taken 6–12 months before shipment: one microchip scan by an official veterinarian in a categorised country before (or on the day of) the RNATT sample. The competent authority reports it directly to MPI.

First official-vet microchip scan in a categorised country, at least 6 months before shipment.

Second official-vet microchip scan in a categorised country, before (or on the day of) the RNATT sample. The competent authority reports the checks directly to MPI.

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.

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, 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, ≥14 days before the 2nd.

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

Angiostrongylus vasorum treatment 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.

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

Babesia rossi — imidocarb dipropionate with the last dose in the 16 days before shipment.

Babesia rossi (dogs ≥6 months) — IFA/ELISA and PCR negative in the 30 days before shipment.

Babesia rossi — 3 PCR tests ≥7 days apart in the 44 days before shipment.

Brucella canis — the dog is desexed, 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 test on a sample in the 30 days before shipment.

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/ELISA, or PCR if vaccinated) in the 30 days before shipment. Every dog.

Leptospira Canicola — negative MAT in the 30 days before shipment.

Leptospira Canicola — MAT 1:100–1:400.

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

Leptospira Canicola — MAT 1:100–1:400.

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.

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