Important
Exporters and registered veterinarians preparing dogs for export to New Zealand should be aware that the Department will only accept testing done at veterinary laboratories accredited by the
National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) for the specific test (e.g. PCR for Babesia spp.). Exporters and registered veterinarians should review NATA’s website and/or contact the veterinary laboratory to ensure that the required test(s) is/are NATA accredited at the proposed testing laboratory.
Information about the process required to import animals into New Zealand can be found on the
New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) website.
It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the animal meets the importing country requirements.
- Note
- Where an importing country issues an import permit, the exporter must ensure the animal meets any requirements in the permit.
As required by the importing country.
There is an
Import Health Standard (IHS) for importing dogs and cats.
- Note
- Certain dog breeds and hybrid animals are not eligible for export to New Zealand. Further information is available in the IHS.
Veterinary Certificates and other documents
New Zealand requires two veterinary certificates to be completed when exporting dogs and cats from Australia to New Zealand. These are
Veterinary Certificate A and
Veterinary Certificate B.
Veterinary Certificate A is to be completed and signed by the registered veterinarian preparing the animal for export.
The current Veterinary Certificate A for dogs and cats destined for New Zealand from Australia is available on the
New Zealand MPI website.
Prior to arrival in New Zealand, exporters are required to complete and provide New Zealand MPI with a
declaration relating to CIV and respiratory disease (DOCX 26 KB).
Veterinary Certificate B is to be completed and signed by the Australian Government Veterinary Officer.
Veterinary Certificate B requires certification for Canine brucellosis, Rabies and Leptospirosis caused by
Leptospira interrogans serovar
canicola. For this certification to be issued, the exporter does not need to provide any information.
Prior to arrival, importers must notify MPI of the impending arrival of the cat or dog at least five working days before the animals scheduled arrival time. Advice about how to
notify New Zealand MPI is on their website.
Upon arrival in New Zealand, dog/cat importers (or their agent) will be required to make a statutory declaration about the dog/cat being imported. This document will be provided on arrival.
Treatments and examinations
Veterinary Certificate A sets out the testing, treatments and examinations that must be completed prior to export by a registered veterinarian in accordance with the specified timeframes.
Treatments must:
- be registered for use in Australia for the required purpose
- be administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations; and
- provide continuous coverage from the date of the first treatment to the date of export.
A registered veterinarian will be able to assist an exporter to identify a product which will be compliant with New Zealand’s requirements.
New Zealand MPI have provided the Department with the
attached list of approved ectoparasite and endoparasite treatments (DOCX 37 KB).
- Note
- New Zealand MPI considers a month to be a calendar month and not just four weeks. Exporters may want to use an online date calculator to assist.
In December 2024, NZ MPI advised the Department that the product ‘Fidos Fre Itch Rinse Concentrate’ is not acceptable for the purposes of preparing dogs and cats for export to NZ due to its short duration.
Examination
The registered veterinarian must conduct a final examination within the
two days prior to the animal’s departure from Australia.
The registered veterinarian
must vigorously examine the animal for external parasites.
They must comb through the coat of the animal thoroughly to inspect for any indication of ticks, fleas or flea dirt. If ticks or fleas are found on the animal upon arrival in New Zealand, the animal cannot be given biosecurity clearance. At the exporter’s expense, the animal may need to go to an approved quarantine facility for treatment or testing or return to Australia (if permitted).
Transport requirements
The importing country may have specific transport requirements and you should check this.
If your animal is returning to Australia, you should make yourself familiar with the
Department's requirements for importing live animals into Australia. This is important as your animal may have been exposed to diseases that do not occur in Australia.
Based on importing country website and information.
Entry last reviewed 20 December 2024.
