Countries: 
New Zealand

Time to read: Approximately 3 minutes

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is the Animal Quarantine Authority for the entry of dogs to New Zealand.

For New Zealand, read both the Assistance Dog and Standard (pet) Dog Travel Rules provided. For any contradictions, clarify with the Animal Quarantine Authority.

A Hobbit House set into the side of a grassy topped hill with a large round brown door and circular windows. The front garden is highlighted by green shrubs, colourful flowers and a wooden bench seat in the sunshine.
A Hobbit House set into the side of a grassy topped hill with a large round brown door and circular windows. The front garden is highlighted by green shrubs, colourful flowers and a wooden bench seat in the sunshine.

Contact the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI)

  Email the Animal Quarantine Authority for New Zealand

Be prepared

  • Confirm any specific requirements with all Animal Quarantine Authorities before booking your trip. This includes both entering/leaving any country and all airline/cruise line requirements.
  • The Travel Process can take several months so leave plenty of planning time for your trip (except for valid EU Pet Passport travel).

Travel Rules for Assistance Dogs

The links below detail concerns specific to Assistance Dogs. Visiting these links will open another website.

Assistance Dog Eligibility Criteria

There is no standard that all countries follow for recognising Assistance Dogs. Check whether your dog qualifies.

Visit: Assistance Dog Eligibility Criteria

Bringing Assistance Dogs into New Zealand

The process for bringing a recognised Assistance Dog into New Zealand.

Visit: Bringing Assistance Dogs Into New Zealand

Travel Rules for Standard (pet) Dogs

These links detail the process for Standard (pet) Dogs, which Assistance Dogs may still need to follow. Visiting these links will open another website.

Bringing all dogs into New Zealand

The process for bringing all dogs into New Zealand.

Visit: Bringing All Dogs into New Zealand

Taking all dogs out of New Zealand

The process for taking all dogs out of New Zealand.

Visit: Taking all dogs out of New Zealand

Miscellaneous Information

Extra information that is specific to the region or country.

New Zealand Public Access Laws

Requirements and rights covering Assistance Dogs and their Handlers.

Visit: New Zealand Public Access Laws

Transit Requirements

In the New Zealand context, transiting means to pass through New Zealand enroute to another country. If you are travelling by plane, this means that you either change planes in New Zealand or your plane lands in New Zealand before taking off again to another destination.

Per the MPI, dogs may only transit through New Zealand if they are coming from one of the approved countries listed in Guidance Document for Cats and Dogs. Dogs changing planes in New Zealand or who will be in transit for more than 6 hours will require a transit permit. Please note that dogs can only transit New Zealand for a maximum of 48 hours, and transit permit applications must be applied for at least 10 working days prior to travel.

Visit: MPI Rules for Cats and Dogs in Transit
Visit: MPI Guidance Document for Cats and Dogs

Related TravelPaws Countries

TravelPaws has other listings that may also be of interest:

A kangaroo resting on its side in sparse Australian bushland. The background shows another resting kangaroo lying amongst tree logs scattered across the ground.
A kangaroo resting on its side in sparse Australian bushland. The background shows another resting kangaroo lying amongst tree logs scattered across the ground.
Australia