Your pet’s safe trip

Need to bring your pet to the New Zealand? Learn about costs, airline rules, cargo vs cabin travel, and how to safely transport your dog or cat from the US with Starwood Pet Travel.

Moving a pet to New Zealand requires careful planning due to the country's strict biosecurity regulations designed to protect its unique ecosystem. Pet owners often find the process challenging, but with proper preparation, it can be navigated successfully. Shipping a pet to New Zealand typically costs between $6,000 to over $10,000, which includes permits, veterinary requirements, quarantine fees, and transportation.

The journey begins months before travel, as pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and undergo specific tests including a rabies antibody titer test. All dogs and cats entering New Zealand must complete a minimum 10-day quarantine period at an approved facility upon arrival, with no exceptions for pets coming from the United States.

It's important to note that certain dog breeds are prohibited from entering New Zealand, including American Pit Bull Terriers and Dogo Argentinos. Working with a professional pet relocation service can help pet owners navigate the complex requirements and ensure their furry family members arrive safely at their new home.

New Zealand maintains stringent biosecurity measures to protect its unique ecosystem from foreign diseases and pests. Successfully importing pets requires meticulous preparation and compliance with specific health protocols designed to safeguard both native wildlife and domestic animals.

Pets must come from an approved country with acceptable rabies status to be eligible for import to New Zealand. The United States is an approved country, but import requirements vary based on the originating nation.

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO-compatible chip before any vaccinations or testing procedures. This microchip serves as the permanent identification for all documentation.

The pet must have lived in the exporting country for at least 6 months (or since birth) prior to travel. The animal must also be healthy and fit to travel, without signs of infectious or contagious disease.

Pregnant animals cannot be imported, and pets must be over 12 weeks of age at the time of rabies vaccination.

The travel carrier is critical for your pet's comfort and safety during the journey. Carriers must comply with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards and airline-specific requirements.

Key carrier requirements:

• Strong, escape-proof construction
• Adequate ventilation on at least three sides
• Leak-proof bottom with absorbent bedding
• Large enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
• Secure, accessible food and water containers

Size matters significantly when selecting a carrier. Measure your pet from nose to tail base and from floor to top of head while standing. Add 3-4 inches to these measurements for proper sizing.

Familiarize your pet with the carrier weeks before travel. Place treats, toys and bedding inside to create positive associations. Short practice sessions in the carrier will help reduce travel anxiety.

All dogs and cats entering New Zealand must undergo a minimum 10-day quarantine period at an MPI-approved facility. Bookings for quarantine must be secured before applying for an import permit.

Rabies vaccination is mandatory and must be administered after microchipping. A rabies antibody titer test must be performed at least 3 months before the travel date, with satisfactory results.

Pets require treatment for internal and external parasites within specific timeframes before departure. Dogs need additional testing for Brucella canis, Babesia gibsoni, Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Leishmania infantum.

All required veterinary procedures must be performed by accredited veterinarians and documented on official health certificates. The import permit application should be submitted at least 20-30 days before departure.

Microchipping is mandatory for pets entering New Zealand. The microchip must be ISO-compliant (either 15-digit ISO 11784 or ISO 11785) and implanted before rabies vaccinations and testing.

If your pet already has a non-ISO compliant chip, don't remove it. Instead, implant an additional ISO-compliant chip and document both numbers on all paperwork. Veterinarians should scan the microchip at each visit to verify its functionality.

Proper identification goes beyond microchipping. Attach secure identification tags to your pet's collar with your current contact information and destination details. Include a temporary tag with flight information and your New Zealand accommodation address.

Create a small waterproof pouch to attach to the carrier containing copies of health certificates, import permits, and your contact information. This redundant identification helps ensure your pet can be traced to you if separated during transit.

The total cost of shipping a pet to New Zealand typically ranges from $4,000 to over $8,000 USD. This includes airfare ($1,000-$3,000), import permit fees (NZD 268.24), veterinary preparation ($800-$1,500), and quarantine charges (NZD 1,500-2,500).

These costs can vary significantly based on your pet's size, originating country, and whether you use a pet relocation service. Additional expenses may include microchipping, vaccinations, blood tests, and health certificates.

For larger breeds or multiple pets, expect to pay toward the higher end of the range. Professional pet shipping companies charge additional service fees but can simplify the complex process considerably.

All pets entering New Zealand must be microchipped before any vaccinations or procedures. Rabies vaccination must be current, followed by a rabies antibody titer test at least 3 months before travel.

Pets need comprehensive health examinations, parasite treatments, and specific blood tests depending on the species. Dogs require additional testing for Brucella canis, Babesia gibsoni, and leptospirosis.

Import permits must be obtained from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before travel arrangements are made. All documentation must be completed by accredited veterinarians and endorsed by your country's veterinary authority.

Quarantine space must be reserved well in advance at one of New Zealand's approved quarantine facilities. Bookings should be made at least 6-12 months before the intended travel date as spaces fill quickly.

The pet owner must contact the quarantine facility directly to secure a reservation. Payment of a deposit is typically required to confirm the booking.

Once quarantine is arranged, this information must be included in the import permit application. The facility will provide specific instructions about drop-off and pick-up procedures.

Most quarantine facilities in New Zealand do not allow in-person visits during the mandatory isolation period. This policy helps maintain strict biosecurity protocols and reduces stress on the animals.

However, many facilities offer regular updates, photos, or video calls to keep owners informed about their pet's well-being. Some facilities may provide webcam access so owners can observe their pets remotely.

Owners should check the specific policies of their chosen quarantine facility, as rules can vary slightly between locations.

There are no exemptions to New Zealand's quarantine requirements except for pets arriving directly from Australia. All other pets, regardless of origin, must complete the minimum 10-day quarantine period.

New Zealand maintains these strict controls to protect its unique ecosystem from foreign diseases and parasites. No special permissions or exceptions are granted based on pet type, age, or health status.

Attempting to bypass quarantine requirements through unofficial channels can result in significant penalties, including pet deportation or euthanasia. Always follow the official import process to ensure your pet's safe entry.