Auckland

Bringing your pet to Auckland

Bringing your pet to Auckland is a very expensive process, costing thousands of dollars in most cases. But if your dog or cat is part of the family, you need to start planning for the move to Auckland at least six months in advance. New Zealand has very strict regulations in place to protect the environment.

There is no rabies or heartworm in New Zealand, so cats and dogs from countries where these are present must undergo blood tests at least six months before departure. Even pets from countries where rabies is well-controlled need to undergo medical tests and make sure their vaccinations are up to date before they will be allowed into New Zealand.

Australia is the only exception to this: you can move your pets freely between New Zealand and Australia using the Pet Passport scheme.

The only pets that can be brought into New Zealand are cats and dogs from certain countries, rabbits from Australia and chinchillas from the UK.

Some of the pets you may NOT bring into New Zealand are:

• Birds
• Reptiles
• Snakes
• Ferrets
• Guinea Pigs
• Mice & rats*

*Except as laboratory animals

Import Permits are available online at Biosecurity New Zealand at https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/ — click on the link that says “forms.”

The cost of a permit is $NZ166.62 and applies to single or multiple pets and the permit MUST travel with your pet(s). Multiple pets travelling and arriving at the same time can travel on the same permit.

Your veterinarian will need to fill out and sign a form on the application certifying that your pet has been microchipped (including the microchip number) vaccinated for rabies and had a blood test for rabies. You will need to have this certified by an “Official Veterinarian,” who is authorized by your current country’s government to certify that the rabies test and vaccinations given meet New Zealand requirements. Ask your veterinarian how to find an “Official Veterinarian.”

Pets from the UK, Ireland, Hawaii and other Pacific Islands may not have to be quarantined unless an issue is found upon arrival in New Zealand, for example, they have acquired ticks during transit. Pets from almost every other country, including the USA and Canada, must be quarantined for at least 30 days, at a cost of at least NZ$1,200 per pet.

If post arrival quarantine is required for your pet, you must contact one of the MAF-approved quarantine locations and secure a space for your pet, BEFORE sending your permit application. The quarantine facility will provide you with a confirmation letter that you must attach to your permit application. Auckland currently has three facilities — in Pokeno, Takanini, and in Avondale (cats only). There are five MAF-approved quarantine facilities in New Zealand, full details, including contact numbers, can be found.

Once you apply, it takes approximately 10 working days for your permit to arrive. Biosecurity New Zealand recommends applying six weeks before you plan to depart for New Zealand.

You will also need to pay the airline to ship your pet along with you, which will likely cost upwards of $1000.

Pets will be inspected for ticks on arrival.

If you have any questions, go to http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz