<\/span><\/h2>\n\nFor most trips with a dog to New Zealand you\u2019ll need an MPI-issued import permit. The exception is travel from Australia. The permit costs NZD 268,24 and MPI requires at least 30 working days to process it \u2013 submit your application at least six weeks before travel.<\/p>\n\n
Unlike Australia (which has a single federal facility at Mickleham), New Zealand has several MPI\u2011approved private quarantine facilities. Dogs may enter only via Auckland or Christchurch airports, from where they are transferred to the chosen quarantine facility.<\/p>\n\n
The minimum quarantine period is 10 days. Quarantine can be longer if health issues or document discrepancies arise, or if the end of quarantine falls outside normal office hours.<\/p>\n\n
Indicative costs<\/strong> (as of 2025): quarantine typically ranges from NZD 1 500 to 2 500 for a standard 10\u2011day stay. The import permit costs NZD 268,24. Add veterinary procedures and tests before departure, air transport of the dog as cargo, and any additional fees. The total cost of moving a dog to New Zealand can easily exceed NZD 5 000 to 10 000. Current MPI fees are listed directly on mpi.govt.nz.<\/p>\n\n<\/span>Veterinary checks, tests and treatments before travel<\/span><\/h2>\n\nIn addition to vaccination and the antibody test, New Zealand requires further veterinary procedures specified in the certificate model for your country category.<\/p>\n\n
These may include, for example:<\/p>\n\n
\n- clinical examinations before export,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- laboratory tests for selected diseases,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- treatment against internal parasites,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- treatment against external parasites,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- confirmation of the absence of ticks and fleas,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- veterinary certificates using the MPI model,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- declarations by the competent authority of the country of departure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
MPI specifically notes a requirement relating to respiratory diseases: for a specified period before shipment, the dog must not be kept at a premises where clinical signs of an infectious respiratory disease have been present.<\/p>\n\n
With New Zealand, timing is crucial. If the timing goes wrong, it can jeopardise the entire import.<\/p>\n\n
<\/span>Banned breeds and restrictions<\/span><\/h2>\n\nNew Zealand bans the import of certain dog breeds. According to MPI, the following breeds and their crosses are prohibited:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Fila Brasileiro,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dogo Argentino,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Japanese Tosa,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Presa Canario (Perro de Presa Canario),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- American Pit Bull Terrier (any type),<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- hybrids of domestic dogs with wolves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
In addition, puppies younger than 3 months may not be imported into New Zealand. If a dog shows characteristics of a banned breed or hybrid, check its eligibility before you begin preparations.<\/p>\n\n
<\/span>How a dog travels to New Zealand<\/span><\/h2>\n\nThis is not a typical in\u2011cabin flight. In most scenarios a dog must travel as checked air cargo in an approved crate that meets airline and IATA rules.<\/p>\n\n
You\u2019ll need to plan not only the veterinary paperwork, but also the flight routing, transits and handling rules during the journey. Entry is only possible via Auckland or Christchurch airports.<\/p>\n\n
MPI recommends using a certified pet transport agent \u2013 most airlines even require one. Such an agent can help with air transport, document timing, communication with MPI and coordinating quarantine.<\/p>\n\n
<\/span>Returning home from New Zealand<\/span><\/h2>\n\nWhen a dog returns from New Zealand, New Zealand\u2019s rules no longer apply \u2013 the destination country sets the rules. Check in advance which documents your dog will need for the return home.<\/p>\n\n
The country of return may require, for example:<\/p>\n\n
\n- valid rabies vaccination,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- microchip identification,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a veterinary health certificate,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- import documentation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- entry via a specific point of control,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a rabies antibody titre (serology) test, if required by the rules of the country of return.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/span>Returning with a dog from New Zealand to the EU<\/span><\/h2>\n\nIf a dog returns from New Zealand to the EU, this counts as entry into the Union from a non\u2011EU country. New Zealand is on the list of countries for which the EU does not require a rabies antibody titre test.<\/p>\n\n
When returning from New Zealand to the EU, a dog mainly needs:<\/p>\n\n