Moving your pet overseas can be a very daunting experience. One of the most effective ways to prepare for international relocation with your pet is to research the conditions and requirements. Countries place their own biosecurity and quarantine laws on the importing of animals to protect and preserve their natural environment and agricultural land from pests. Although your pet would never be considered a pest, the effect they can have on the natural landscape and native flora and fauna of New Zealand is something that needs to be considered.
Pet Preparation Process
According to the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the process of importing your pet into the country should begin as soon as possible. From the 22 October 2017, cats and dogs from all countries (including Australia) can no longer fly into Wellington Airport so if you’re moving to the country’s capital, you will need to consider transportation options to get your pet from either Auckland or Christchurch airports to Wellington.
Steps to Reaching Quarantine
1. Check that your cat or dog is eligible for import
Before making all of the preparations to relocate your pet, check that your pet is eligible to be imported into New Zealand by checking on the government’s list of approved animals here.
2. Find a reliable pet removal company
The MPI recommends working with a pet removal company who will help to alleviate the amount of work and stress you have to go through in the relocation process.
3. Apply for a permit
You should apply for a permit, at minimum, 20 working days in advance of the date you require the permit. Your vet will also need to provide a veterinary certificate to include the canine influenza clause. If they do not yet include that, you will need to complete a declaration form and send it at least 72 hours prior to arrival in New Zealand.
4. Notify an official veterinarian in New Zealand
Do this at least five working days before the arrival for cats and dogs from Australia and at least 72 hours before the arrival for cats and dogs from all other approved countries. You’ll also need to declare any medications your pet is taking.
What is Pet Quarantine?
Before your pet can be imported into New Zealand, they need to meet certain health requirements. MPI set these requirements and standards for each pet to prevent unwanted pests, diseases and animals from entering the country. If you have given MPI at least five working days’ advance notification of your pet’s arrival and payment arrangements, your cat or dog will be inspected by a veterinarian on arrival.
Your cat or dog cannot be given clearance to enter the country if ticks or fleas are detected on arrival or in the quarantine facility. If ticks and fleas are found, you have three options. At your cost, your pet will need to:
- go to an approved quarantine facility for treatment or testing
- return to its country of origin (if permitted)
- be euthanised
Your cat or dog will be cleared for entry into New Zealand when:
- it passes final veterinary inspection
- at the border (for cats and dogs from Australia)
- after a minimum of 10-days quarantine for all other approved countries
- all supporting documentation is compliant.
For all required declaration forms and templates to import your pet into New Zealand, click here.
When you’re ready to relocate your pet, get in touch with Grace. We’ll look after the entire process of your pet relocation so you don’t have to. At Grace, we understand how much your family pet means to you. That’s why we work closely with New Zealand’s most trusted domestic pet travel specialists and our extensive network of international relocation partners to tailor a comprehensive pet transport solution to best suit the requirements of your beloved animal. Get in touch with us to arrange your pet relocation today.
