BRINGING A CAT FROMUnited States →to 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.

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)

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 — 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, ≥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. Cats and dogs.

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.

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.

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.