New Zealand enforces strict biosecurity laws managed by MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries). All pets except those from Australia require an import permit and minimum 10-day quarantine. Countries are classified into three categories with varying requirements. Only cats and dogs may be imported, and entry is restricted to Auckland and Christchurch airports.
Companies Listed
9
Quarantine
Yes (10 days)
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
8 documented
Key Import Requirements
Import permit required (apply at least 6 weeks / 30 working days in advance)
Minimum 10-day quarantine at MPI-approved facility (except pets from Australia)
ISO microchip required before rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination and titer test required for Category 3 countries
Entry only through Auckland or Christchurch airports
Pets must be free of ticks and fleas on arrival
Banned breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Brazilian Fila, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario
Booking confirmation for quarantine must accompany permit application
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to New Zealand vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Generally not permitted
New Zealand prohibits all live pet bird imports. MPI states plainly that no imports of live birds are allowed, so no permit can be issued and there is no companion-bird import pathway. For any owner relocating, bringing a pet bird into New Zealand is not legally possible.
No imports of live birds are allowed (MPI's stated position)
Without an import health standard permitting companion birds, MPI cannot issue an import permit
Monitor MPI's animal imports pages for any future change
New Zealand maintains this ban to protect its unique population of rare and endangered birds and its freedom from a number of major bird and poultry diseases. Confirm the current position with MPI (animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz) before planning, as it is the only authoritative source.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into New Zealand from approved markets (including the United States) under MPI's Import Health Standard for horses. A minimum 14-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility is required for all horses except those from Australia, along with an import permit, veterinary certification and disease testing.
Import only from MPI-approved markets (Australia, Canada, EU member states, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, UK and the United States)
MPI import permit required; apply at least 30 working days before you need it (processing can take up to 30 working days)
Read and meet the Import Health Standard: Horses (HORANIIC.GEN) before starting
Minimum 14 days' quarantine at an MPI-approved facility (horses from Australia are exempt)
Government veterinary health certificate and pre-export disease testing
Amended piroplasmosis testing applies while the separate Equids IHS is suspended
Notify the port of arrival and MPI at least 5 working days before the horse arrives
The standalone Equids IHS is suspended pending a piroplasmosis risk assessment; trade continues under the Horses IHS (HORANIIC.GEN) with amended piroplasmosis testing. Exact test panels depend on origin and the in-force IHS version. Verify the current standard with MPI before committing.
Reptiles
Generally not permitted
New Zealand prohibits importing pet reptiles. MPI lists snakes and other reptiles among pets that cannot be imported, with a narrow exception only for some reptiles destined for zoos. Among pets other than cats and dogs, only chinchillas, rabbits and guinea pigs (from specified countries) are eligible, so relocating a pet reptile is not possible.
Snakes and other reptiles cannot be imported as pets (MPI's stated position), except some reptiles for zoos
The only non-cat/dog pets MPI lists as importable are chinchillas (from Great Britain), rabbits (from Australia) and guinea pigs (from Australia)
No general companion-reptile import health standard exists for private owners
Each animal type needs its own import health standard, and none permits pet reptiles or snakes
New Zealand has no native snakes and applies strict biosecurity to stay that way. Import health standards for reptiles cover only limited zoo animals under containment, not personal pets. There is no realistic private-owner import pathway; confirm with MPI (animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz).
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to New Zealand?
A full-service move to New Zealand typically costs $4,570–$10,810 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, rabies titer test, import permit, customs clearance, and mandatory quarantine boarding. Typical process time: Multi-month prep + 10-day minimum quarantine.
Pet size
Estimated full-service cost
Small pet / cat
$4,070–$9,830
Medium dog
$4,570–$10,810
Large dog
$5,360–$11,920
New Zealand requires government quarantine on arrival, which is the single biggest cost driver for this destination.
