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New Zealand
Reptiles Regulations
Vaccinations
Vaccination and testing requirements depend on your country/territory category under New Zealand’s Cats and Dogs Import Health Standard (IHS). Follow the IHS and its guidance for country categories (Category 1: Australia; Category 2: Rabies-free; Category 3: Rabies-absent or well controlled). Rabies vaccination and rabies antibody testing (RNATT) apply as specified by the IHS for your category.
Certifications
An import permit from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is generally required for cats and dogs. The MPI step-by-step guide explains when a permit is needed (cats and dogs from Australia are generally exempt).
- Apply for the MPI import permit according to the MPI step-by-step guide.
- Carry the permit and any other IHS-required documents with your pet.
Use the veterinary certificate(s) specified in the current Cats and Dogs IHS (Certificate A and, where applicable, Certificate B). Ensure all IHS conditions are met.
- Complete and present the veterinary certificate(s) from the Cats and Dogs IHS that apply to your origin category.
- Ensure all health checks, treatments, and laboratory tests required by the IHS are documented on the certificate(s).
- Crate seal requirement update: MPI notes crate seals are no longer required for Category 3 arrivals effective March 1, 2026; ensure Certificate B reflects this update.
For pets exported from the United States, use a USDA APHIS–accredited veterinarian and obtain APHIS endorsement (typically via VEHCS) in accordance with MPI’s IHS.
- Use a USDA APHIS–accredited veterinarian for exams, tests, and forms.
- Obtain APHIS endorsement of the veterinary certificate(s) before export (per APHIS guidance).
Microchip
A permanent microchip is required and must match all identification on the veterinary certificate(s) and other documents, in accordance with the Cats and Dogs IHS.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Entry, quarantine, and logistics
Cats and dogs must arrive at approved airports (Auckland or Christchurch). For most Category 2–3 imports, a minimum quarantine period of 10 days at an MPI-approved facility applies. Follow MPI’s pre-arrival notification process and all instructions in the step-by-step guide and IHS guidance document.
- Enter New Zealand via Auckland or Christchurch international airports.
- Category 2–3 pets generally complete at least 10 days of quarantine at an MPI-approved facility.
- Follow MPI’s pre-arrival notification requirements.
- Book quarantine (if required) in advance as per MPI guidance.
Country/territory categories
MPI groups origins into three categories for cats and dogs: Category 1 (Australia), Category 2 (Rabies-free), and Category 3 (Rabies-absent or well controlled). Requirements differ by category; consult the IHS and its guidance.
Prohibited breeds/types (Dog Control Act 1996)
New Zealand law prohibits the import of certain dog breeds/types. Check the MPI step-by-step guide for the current list under the Dog Control Act 1996.
- American Pit Bull Terrier (type) is prohibited.
- Brazilian Fila is prohibited.
- Dogo Argentino is prohibited.
- Japanese Tosa is prohibited.
- Perro de Presa Canario is prohibited.
Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Assistance dogs are subject to New Zealand’s import rules for dogs. Follow the Cats and Dogs IHS and MPI step-by-step guide. Contact MPI well in advance for any additional guidance specific to assistance dogs.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Requirements mirror those for other dogs and depend on origin category. Quarantine and permits may apply as set out in the Cats and Dogs IHS and MPI guidance.
Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Rabbits have a species-specific IHS. Follow the MPI page for pets other than cats and dogs to find the current IHS and permit instructions.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Import conditions for rabbits are strict and may include an import permit and other measures. Refer to MPI’s guidance for other pets.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Guinea pigs have a species-specific IHS. Use the MPI ‘other pets’ page to access current requirements and permits.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Conditions may include permits and other measures. Consult MPI’s ‘other pets’ guidance and the applicable IHS.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Chinchillas have a species-specific IHS. Refer to MPI’s ‘other pets’ page for the current IHS and permit information.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Import conditions are strict and may include permits and other measures. Review the applicable IHS before planning travel.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Pet birds are tightly controlled. Check MPI’s ‘other pets’ page for the applicable IHS, species eligibility, and permit requirements.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules for birds. Species eligibility and origin restrictions apply. Consult the IHS before making plans.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Check MPI’s ‘other pets’ page for current rules for ferrets, including whether import is permitted and any IHS/permit requirements.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Restrictions may be significant. Verify eligibility and conditions via MPI’s official guidance before any arrangements.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Mice may have specific IHS conditions. Use MPI’s ‘other pets’ page to locate current requirements and permits.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Strict biosecurity controls apply. Review the IHS and MPI guidance before travel.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Rats may have specific IHS conditions. Refer to MPI’s ‘other pets’ page for current rules and permits.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Strict biosecurity controls apply. Review the IHS and MPI guidance before travel.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Snakes are not permitted to be imported as pets into New Zealand under MPI biosecurity rules.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Reptile imports are highly restricted. Check MPI’s ‘other pets’ page for current eligibility and IHS/permit requirements.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Many reptile species may not be eligible. Confirm specifics with MPI guidance and the IHS before any planning.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Ornamental fish and aquatic species have specific rules. Consult MPI’s ‘other pets’ page for IHS and permit information.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Species eligibility and strict conditions apply. Review the applicable IHS prior to import.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Aquatic animals are tightly regulated. Use MPI’s ‘other pets’ page to find the applicable IHS and permit steps.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Species and origin restrictions apply. Review MPI’s IHS for details.
Import-Specific Links
MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Not specified.
Import-Specific Links
Govt.nz – Bringing pets into New Zealand (overview)Official Source(s)
USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel Pet Travel Process Overview Frequently Asked Questions New Zealand's website New Zealand's website-2 MPI – Bringing pets to NZ (other than cats and dogs) USDA APHIS – Pet travel process overview (U.S. to another country)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Not specified.
