BRINGING A DOG FROMUnited Kingdom to New Zealand

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Prep time about 27 weeks

Quarantine: at least 10 days at an approved facility. Needs microchip, official microchip check, 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.

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 43 STAMPED

Rabies vaccine (primary at least 6 months before shipment), rabies titer test 3–12 months before shipment, official microchip ID check(s), import permit, the full parasite and (dogs) blood-test programme in the last 30–44 days, manifested cargo into Auckland or Christchurch and at least 10 days in quarantine. Pets are about 9 months old at the earliest.

01
Microchip
before travel

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.

DETAILS +

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.

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
02
Official microchip check
on or before the blood sample

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.

DETAILS +

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.

  • · the RNATT blood sample is taken 6–12 months before shipment

same day allowed

ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
03
Official microchip check
6+ months before departure

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

DETAILS +

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

  • · the RNATT blood sample is taken at least 3 and less than 6 months before shipment
04
Official microchip check
on or before the blood sample

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.

DETAILS +

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.

  • · the RNATT blood sample is taken at least 3 and less than 6 months before shipment

same day allowed

05
Rabies vaccination
6+ months before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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)

06
Rabies antibody (titer) test
3–12 months before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

07
Minimum age
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

08
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).

09
Quarantine booking
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

10
Import permit
30+ working days before departure8+ weeks before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

11
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.

12
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.

13
Tapeworm treatment
within 30 days before departure

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

DETAILS +

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

14
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.

15
Parasite treatment
within 5 days before departure

Angiostrongylus vasorum treatment in the 5 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Angiostrongylus vasorum treatment in the 5 days before shipment.

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
16
Parasite treatment
within 5 days before departure

Heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Heartworm prevention in the 5 days before shipment.

17
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.

18
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
19
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
20
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.

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.

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
21
Health declaration
before travel

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

DETAILS +

Babesia rossi — 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
22
Parasite treatment
within 16 days before departure

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

DETAILS +

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

23
Disease test
within 30 days before departure14+ days after that step

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

DETAILS +

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

  • · For pets aged 6 months or more
24
Disease test
within 44 days before departure14+ days after that step

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

DETAILS +

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

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
25
Health certificate
before travel

Brucella canis — the dog is desexed, shown by a certificate signed by a veterinarian.

DETAILS +

Brucella canis — the dog is desexed, shown by a certificate signed by a veterinarian.

  • · Only for neutered animals
ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
26
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
27
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

Brucella canis — negative test on a sample in the 30 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Brucella canis — negative test on a sample in the 30 days before 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
ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
28
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
29
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
30
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

ONE OF THESE IS ENOUGH
31
Disease test
within 30 days before departure

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

DETAILS +

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

ALL OF THESE TOGETHER
32
Disease test
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

33
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
34
Disease test
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

35
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.

36
Parasite treatment
within 30 days before departure

Leptospira Canicola — doxycycline 5–10 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before shipment.

DETAILS +

Leptospira Canicola — doxycycline 5–10 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before shipment.

37
Health declaration
21+ days before departure

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

DETAILS +

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

38
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.

39
Health certificate
within 2 days before departure

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.

DETAILS +

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.

40
Transport rules
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

41
Route restrictions
before travel

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.)

DETAILS +

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.)

42
Port of entry
before travel

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

DETAILS +

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

43
Arrival inspection
before travel

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.

DETAILS +

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.

  • No residency period is required for Category 3 under the 2026 IHS; the pet may even visit a non-categorised country between a satisfactory RNATT and the final tests and treatments — but vaccinations and RNATT samples taken in non-categorised countries are not accepted, and the pet must be shipped from a categorised country. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • 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)
  • Rabies vaccinations and RNATT samples done in non-categorised countries are not acceptable. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • The Rabies Certification Form asks the vet to confirm the microchip was implanted before the rabies vaccinations and the titer blood sample. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • Official sources differ slightly — the RCF footnote says a primary vaccination must be at least six months before *arrival*; the IHS says before the *date of shipment*. Use the stricter reading only if the flight is long. — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
    Sources disagree — confirm with the authority
    • “If the animal has only had a primary rabies vaccination, this was given at least six months prior to arrival, when the animal was at least three (calendar) months old.” — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), checked 26 Sep 2026
  • Microchips starting with 999 are not accepted (MPI support document). — Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
  • Quarantine facilities may require routine vaccinations (e.g. distemper, parvovirus, kennel cough) — a facility rule, not an MPI one. — 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: day 0 microchip + official-vet scan + rabies vaccine (pet ≥12 weeks); RNATT sample ~3–4 weeks later (second official scan before it if it will be <6 months before shipment); shipment ≥6 months after the primary vaccine. Permit (30 working days) and the 30–44-day test/treatment block fit inside. An already-vaccinated pet with a valid titer still needs the ≥6-month official ID check when the RNATT is <6 months old.

Quarantine: at least 10 days at an approved facility

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
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

  • CabinYes
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • CabinNo
    HoldYes
    Snub-nosedCargo: only Nov – Apr
  • ANA (All Nippon Airways) NHhold: cargo only on this route
    CabinNo
    HoldYes, up to 45 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: not 1 May – 31 Oct
  • CabinNo
    HoldCargo only
    Snub-nosedNot stated
  • Delta Air Lines DLcabin: not on this route
    CabinYes
    HoldNo
    Snub-nosedHold, cargo: no
  • KLM KLcabin / hold: not on this route
    CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no
  • Air France AFcabin / hold: cargo only on this route
    CabinYes, up to 8 kg incl. carrier46 × 28 × 24 cm
    HoldYes, up to 75 kg incl. crate
    Snub-nosedHold: no · Cargo: restricted
  • British Airways BAcargo: conditions on this route
    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 United Kingdom

Moderate for a returning pet (no separate returning-resident rule; standard import rules apply), about 4 weeks of preparation. No quarantine when the paperwork is in order.

Full checklist for a dog from New Zealand to United Kingdom

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).
+1 more

What they actually checked at the border

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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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More routes

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