New Zealand

(Requires a 6 to 7-month preparation process in South Africa)

1. Age of Animal

To travel to New Zealand, your pet must be at least 9 months old. They need their own Rabies vaccination, which can be given at 12 weeks, and a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test report (details in section 5).

2. Microchip

Your pet must be microchipped. The microchip should be implanted either before or at the same time as the Rabies vaccination. Only a microchip implanted by an official, registered veterinarian will be accepted for export purposes.

Please note: Make sure the microchip is readable by ISO compatible readers.

3. Rabies Vaccination

Your pet’s primary Rabies vaccination must be older than 6 months, and a booster vaccination must be older than 30 days, but not older than one year. Some three-year Rabies vaccinations may be accepted depending on the manufacturer’s specifications, so check with one of our consultants to confirm.

Please note: Only a registered veterinarian can administer these vaccinations for export purposes. Vaccinations given by a veterinary nurse, breeder, or welfare organization staff are not accepted.

4. Annual Vaccinations

Annual vaccinations for dogs and cats must be older than 30 days but not older than one year upon arrival.

For Dogs: Canine Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Canine Parvovirus, Canine Parainfluenza and Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough).

For Cats: Feline Panleukopenia (Infectious Enteritis/Feline Distemper), Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Feline Calicivirus.

Please note: As with Rabies, these vaccinations must be administered by a registered veterinarian.

5. Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)

Blood samples must be collected at least 30 days after the Rabies vaccination. The test results need to be between 92 days (3 months) and 730 days (24 months) old at the time of export. The first day is counted from the date the blood is drawn and the sample sent to the testing laboratory (Onderstepoort).

Important: If your pet has a valid Rabies vaccination but no microchip, a booster Rabies vaccination is required after the microchip is implanted. Blood can then be drawn 30 days later for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT).

Please note: Blood for export purposes must be drawn exclusively by a registered veterinarian. All required information must be accurately completed on the laboratory submission form.

6. Import Permit

An Import Permit is needed. We can apply for this on your behalf, or you can apply with our assistance.

7. Quarantine

Pets entering New Zealand must quarantine for 10 days.

There are 4 Quarantine Stations in New Zealand:

Pethaven Quarantine Station (Auckland)
Qualified Pet Services Quarantine Station (Auckland)
Auckland Quarantine (Auckland)
Canterbury Quarantine Services Ltd (Christchurch)

8. Additional Blood Tests and Treatments

Additional tests and treatments are required within 30 days before travel.

For Dogs: Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis), Brucella Canis, Babesia Gibsoni tests, and Leptospirosis, Canine Babesiosis and Heartworm treatments.

For Dogs and Cats: Internal and external parasite treatments.

Please note: Only a registered veterinarian can draw blood for these purposes.

We will provide a personalized timeline and step-by-step guidance through the process, including proof letters and reminders for veterinary appointments.

9. Banned Breeds

Certain dog breeds (and their crosses) are prohibited from being imported to New Zealand:

Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Japanese Tosa
Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull Terrier
Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
Any domestic / non-domestic animal hybrid (e.g. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog / Czechoslovakian Vlcak, Saarloos Wolfdog / Wolfhound, Lupo Italiano / Italian Wolfhound, Kunming Wolfdog, etc.)

10. Health Certificate

Pets must have a Health Certificate from a private veterinarian, confirming compliance with the above requirements, and countersigned by an official State Vet. This must be done within 2 days of departure.

We will arrange this final Health Certificate for you.

11. Requirements & Restrictions

Pets from non-approved countries, like Botswana, may be eligible for import after living in South Africa for at least 6 months before export.
All preparations, including the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test, must be done in an approved country.
New Zealand does not recognise RNATT laboratory reports on blood samples collected in non-approved countries.
Females pregnant for 6 weeks or more at the time of export cannot be imported into New Zealand.