Moving pets to New Zealand requires careful planning and compliance with strict regulations, especially when transporting from the UK. James Cargo Service simplifies the pet transport process to NZ by handling everything from booking flights and securing quarantine spots to managing paperwork and coordinating vet appointments.
We ensure your furry friends meet all import requirements, providing a smooth and stress-free pet relocation to New Zealand.
Pet Import Requirements to New Zealand
Bringing your pet cat or dog to New Zealand requires careful planning and adherence to strict regulations. To successfully import your pet, follow these essential steps:
- Review the Import Standards: Familiarize yourself with the Import Health Standard (IHS), guidance documents, and checklists for cats and dogs.
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your pet meets New Zealand’s import eligibility criteria as outlined in the guidance document.
- Check Breed and Hybrid Restrictions: Make sure your dog is not a prohibited breed or type, and be aware of restrictions on hybrid animals.
- Use a Pet Transporter: It is recommended to use a professional pet transport service to ensure all requirements are met.
- Book Quarantine (If Required): If applicable, secure a spot at an MPI-approved quarantine facility for your pet.
- Apply for an Import Permit: Submit an application to MPI at least 30 working days before your required permit date (applies to all cats and dogs except those from Australia).
- Meet All Import Requirements: Ensure full compliance with New Zealand’s pet import regulations.
- Notify an Official Veterinarian: Required for importing cats or dogs from Australia or assistance dogs from approved countries.
- Check Inspection Times: Confirm biosecurity clearance times for cats and dogs from Australia, as well as assistance dogs from any country category.
- Declare Medications: Report any medication your pet is taking to the relevant authorities.
Pet Transport to New Zealand: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Rabies Vaccination
Determine when your pet is going to travel:
- More than 18 months – no action needed
- 18-6 months – start the rabies vaccination
- Less than 6 months – start the rabies vaccination right away and contact us to adjust your pet transport plans
Dogs and cats must have a rabies vaccination at least 6 months before the flight and a rabies blood test at least 3 months before. The vaccination must be within 12 months of the flight.
Step 2: Book a Pet Flight to NZ
Get in touch with us to book your pet’s flight to Auckland or Christchurch, setting a travel date for coordination.
Step 3: Secure Quarantine Space in NZ
All dogs and cats must spend 10 days in quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand, either in Auckland or Christchurch. Before traveling, several forms must be completed, including breed declarations to confirm your pet is not a restricted breed, value declarations for customs, and other required documents.
Once you’ve booked a spot at a quarantine facility, they will provide a confirmation letter, which you’ll need to finalize the process for your pet’s quarantine.
Quarantine facilities include:
- Pethaven Quarantine Services (Auckland) – 71a Homestead RoadRD1 Pokeno
- Qualified Pet Services (Auckland) – 150 Airfield Road, Takanini
- Canterbury Quarantine Station (Christchurch) – Highfield Road, Aylesbury, PO Box 23158
Step 4: Obtain a Pet Import Permit
Visit the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website to download the import permit application form. This form requires your details in both the UK and New Zealand, as well as information about your pets. It also includes an Official Veterinary Declaration (OVD), which needs to be completed by a certified veterinarian in the UK.
Once the form, OVD, and quarantine confirmation letter are submitted to MPI, they will review your application and issue the import permit.
Step 5: Apply for DEFRA for Pet Travel to NZ
Now that your flight, rabies vaccinations, quarantine, and import permit are sorted, it’s time to apply for the DEFRA export paperwork. Email DEFRA in the UK at Petexports.carlisle@ahvla.gsi.gov.uk to request the application form and EXA 1 forms. Complete these forms and submit them to DEFRA. The export papers will be sent to your veterinarian within 7 days of the flight date.
Step 6: Vet Work for Pet Transport to NZ
Work backwards from your pet's flight date to create a timeline for vet appointments. The schedule below, designed by experts, allows time to fix any issues that may arise. A faster schedule may leave no time for corrections.
- 26-28 Days Before Flight – First vet appointment. For dogs, this includes blood tests for Leptospira and Heartworm, along with treatments for ticks and internal parasites. For cats, the vet will check for ticks and treat for worms and ticks.
- 12-14 Days Before Flight – For dogs only, a second vet appointment for blood tests for Babesia and Brucella. Cats do not need this appointment.
- 0-2 Days Before Flight – Both cats and dogs will need their UK DEFRA export paperwork completed. The vet will give a final check-up, treat for worms and ticks again, and complete the necessary paperwork. This document must travel with your pet to New Zealand.
Step 7: Arrive at the Airport & Vet Check
Take your pet to the airport for check-in, where an airport vet will review the paperwork to ensure everything is in order.
Step 8: Pet’s Flight Departure
Your pet’s travel begins! After takeoff, the quarantine staff will meet your pet at the airport and take them to the quarantine station for rest and care.
Step 9: 10-Days Quarantine
After 10 days in quarantine, your pet will be released and officially a New Zealand citizen!
Cost of Pet Transport to New Zealand
The cost of pet travel from the UK to New Zealand typically ranges from £2000 to £5,000, depending on factors like pet size, airline, transport services, and additional fees. This includes flight costs (£800- £1500), pet transport service fees (£500 - £1,500), quarantine fees (£300 - £500), and vaccination/testing costs (£200 - £300). For an accurate quote, it's best to contact James Cargo Service.
Why James Cargo for Pet Transport to New Zealand?
James Cargo Service makes moving your pet to New Zealand from the UK hassle-free. We guide you through New Zealand’s pet import regulations, book flights, and secure quarantine spots at MPI-approved facilities. We handle the paperwork, including the import permit and DEFRA export documents, and ensure your pet’s vaccinations, tests, and treatments are completed on time.
We assist with airport check-in and coordinate final vet checks. After your pet’s flight, quarantine staff will care for them during their 10-day stay, and once released, your pet will be ready to enjoy life in New Zealand.
Additional posts for you: