Bringing a dog or cat to New Zealand

1. Choose the standard for the arrival date

Check exporting-country eligibility, residence history and breed restrictions first. The 2026 Import Health Standard took effect on July 1, 2026. During the transition, the 2021 process remains available until the mandatory switch on April 1, 2027.

Have the exporting authority confirm which certification pathway applies. Do not combine selected steps from the two standards.

2. Plan the permit and arrival stay

For ordinary pets from Category 2 and 3 countries, plan for an import permit and at least 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine facility. Australia has a separate pathway. The minimum stay can be extended if further checks or treatment are needed.

Coordinate the quarantine booking, flight and receiving arrangements before committing to the transport schedule.

3. Put the preparation steps in order

Establish the identification procedure before arranging the vaccination and testing programme. Then align the permit, quarantine reservation, time-sensitive treatments and final export certificate.

A routine microchip scan should not be assumed to satisfy an official identity-check procedure. Returning New Zealand pets may have a different assessment based on their original export records.

4. U.S. departures: start the ID process early

APHIS guidance updated October 5, 2026 sets out the U.S. process for arrivals from April 1, 2027. Its first two identity-check parts must be completed at least six months before export, using different accredited veterinarians at different clinics. The final USDA identity declaration requires endorsement within two months of the second scan.

Ask the veterinarian to map the identification and RNATT dates together before collecting blood. The test timing can affect the required identification sequence. Read our dated New Zealand update and the complete APHIS instructions.

5. Begin with your pet’s history

Send the current country, destination, species, breed and intended month. Gather residence, microchip, vaccination and test records for the detailed assessment. We can then coordinate the agreed transport around a verified preparation schedule. Discuss your New Zealand move.

Official sources and scope

• MPI: import standards and documents
• MPI: 2026 import process
• MPI: quarantine under the 2026 process
• USDA APHIS: U.S. exports to New Zealand

Published and sources checked October 10, 2026. This is a planning overview for dogs and cats, not the full veterinary checklist. Use the current species-specific instructions, exporting-authority guidance and individual permit conditions.