Can I take my dog to New Zealand? The honest 2026 guide
Last updated: June 2026 · 8 min read
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Before you start: confirm these first
- 1Is your dog's breed permitted in New Zealand? (Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, and wolf hybrids are prohibited)
- 2Is your country of origin on New Zealand's approved country list?
- 3Have you checked the MPI permit application cut-off date for this year?
- 4If traveling after October 2026: has an official identity check been arranged at least 6 months before export?
What category is your country in?
New Zealand groups countries into three categories based on rabies status.
No quarantine. Simplified requirements. Only applies to dogs from Australia.
Shorter process, no titer test in most cases. Fewer countries fall here than people expect.
Full titer test, waiting period, and 10-day quarantine required. This is the process for most owners.
This is the part most people get wrong. A reviewed plan makes sure you don't.
The full process for Category 3 countries
ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip. Must be implanted before any vaccinations. All documents must reference the chip number.
Administered after microchipping. Must be current, not more than 12 months before the titer test blood draw.
Blood drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination. Result must be 0.5 IU/ml or above. After a passing result, a minimum waiting period applies before export (90 days for most countries; confirm with MPI for your specific country).
Apply at least 30 working days before travel. Approximately NZD $270 to $350. MPI closes applications for a period each year. Check the current cut-off date before setting your travel date. MPI step-by-step guide.
Book space at an MPI-approved facility before confirming airline cargo. Facilities in Auckland and Christchurch only. Book early: capacity is limited.
Dogs may require Brucella Canis and Leishmania testing depending on country. Dogs later re-exported to Australia must be tested for Leishmania infantum before arriving in New Zealand.
Issued by an official vet in your country within the required window before departure. Must use New Zealand-specific model certificate format. Government endorsement required.
From 1 October 2026, an official identity check by a government-authorized vet must be conducted at least 6 months before export. Factor this into your timeline if traveling after October 2026.
All dogs from Category 3 countries complete a minimum 10-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility in Auckland or Christchurch. Budget NZD $1,500 to $3,000. You can visit your dog during quarantine. Confirm visiting arrangements when booking.
The honest cost breakdown
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Frequently asked questions
No. The import process is designed for residents and long-term visa holders. Tourists cannot import pets into New Zealand.
Give a booster vaccination and repeat the blood draw after sufficient time. The waiting period restarts from the new passing titer test date.
Not all airlines fly pets to New Zealand. Air New Zealand does not accept direct public bookings for international pet cargo. All bookings go through an approved pet shipper. Confirm with your carrier before buying your own ticket.
Applications submitted after the cut-off will be assessed when the office reopens, but MPI can give no guarantee of processing before specific dates. Plan around this cut-off when setting your travel date.
Not sure if your situation is covered? That's exactly what the Personal Plan is for. A human reviews your specific route, airline, and pet before you get your checklist. $24.
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Your pet, your route, your dates. Every requirement, in order.
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