Bringing a dog or cat to New Zealand in 2026 falls into the strict category for international pet travel. New Zealand is in Oceania. Pets entering New Zealand face quarantine on arrival (typically 10 days). A rabies titer (FAVN/RNATT) test is mandatory, with a 180-day waiting period between the blood draw and arrival.
Reviewed by Clifford Wilson, Founder of ClearToFly.pet. Compiled from official government and airline documentation. Last reviewed 2026-06-08.
Beyond rabies, New Zealand requires or recommends these vaccinations:
Plan to present the following at check-in and on arrival:
The following dog breeds are prohibited from entering New Zealand. Crossbreeds and look-alikes may also be denied entry:
These breeds face additional rules (muzzle requirements, registration, permits, or insurance) but are not outright banned:
Very strict biosecurity. Only cats and dogs from approved countries. Process starts 6+ months before travel. All animals must go through MPI-approved facility. Banned breeds under the Dog Control Act 1996.
Use the ClearToFly Trip Planner to build a personalized checklist with exact deadlines for your route into New Zealand. Compare carriers that fly your route on the airline pet policy directory, or get expert eyes on your paperwork with a Route Review.
Government pet import rules change without notice. Before booking flights, confirm requirements directly with the New Zealand veterinary authority. We also recommend cross-referencing the USDA APHIS Pet Travel database for U.S.-origin pets.
Data last verified 2026-06-08 from National Authority. Country code: NZ.