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From the US
Bringing your pet to New Zealand
MPI import permit, rabies blood test, Brucella test for dogs, approved parasite treatments and at least 10 days of quarantine. New ID-check rules apply to pets arriving from 1 April 2027.
Time you needDepends on permit processing — start as early as you can
Easy to get wrong on this route
- Missing the new ID checks for arrivals from 1 April 2027 — the first one is due at least 6 months before export.
- Applying for the MPI import permit late — allow at least 20 business days.
Your New Zealand plan, dated to the day
Every deadline worked out for your travel date, calendar reminders and a travel-day checklist.
Build my plan — free preview$19 to unlock the PDF · 14-day money-back promiseDifficultyVery hard
QuarantineAt least 10 days on arrival
Rabies blood testRequired (RNATT)
PermitMPI import permit (apply ≥ 20 business days ahead)
Rules checked Oct 28, 2026 against official sources · Dogs & cats · Free route check for your date →
Step by step
- At least 180 days (~6 months) beforeFirst microchip ID check (arrivals from 1 April 2027)
Two USDA-accredited vets at two different clinics each scan the chip and photograph your pet with the scanner (parts 1 and 2), at least 6 months before export. USDA endorses part 3 within 2 months of the second scan. - After the 2nd scanRabies blood test (RNATT)
For arrivals from 1 April 2027: blood 6–12 months before shipment, after the second microchip scan — or 3–6 months if the full ID check is done twice. USDA ink-signs the official veterinary declaration for the result. - At least 28 days beforeMPI import permit
Apply at least 20 business days before you need it.
🔒 2 more steps in your personal plan
The rest of the route to New Zealand, with every deadline worked out for your travel date, calendar reminders and a travel-day document checklist. Free preview · $19 to unlock
Build my planThe rest of the route to New Zealand, with every deadline worked out for your travel date, calendar reminders and a travel-day document checklist. Free preview · $19 to unlock
Watch out
- Pets arriving before 1 April 2027 use the current certificates; from 1 April 2027 the new ID-check rules apply.
- You need Health Certificate A (from a USDA-accredited vet) and Health Certificate B, both endorsed by USDA.
- Prohibited breeds include the American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and Perro de Presa Canario.
Official sources: www.aphis.usda.gov · www.mpi.govt.nz. Not legal or veterinary advice — confirm with your vet, your airline and the destination's authority.
Related guides
Personal plan · $19 one-time
Every date for New Zealand, worked out
Enter your travel date and get your pet's full plan: every deadline dated, a PDF to print, calendar reminders before each one and a travel-day checklist. See the free preview before you pay.
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