Shipping to New Zealand

Shipping Puppies to New Zealand from Australia

New Zealand has stringent biosecurity requirements for the importation of all animals. While Australia is one of the approved countries for dog imports, the process is detailed and requires careful planning well in advance.

Import Permit

An import permit must be obtained from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before any travel arrangements are made. The permit specifies all requirements that must be met before the dog can enter the country.

Rabies Requirements

Despite Australia being rabies-free, dogs travelling to New Zealand must have a valid rabies vaccination followed by a blood titre test (FAVN or RNATT) demonstrating adequate antibody levels. A minimum 180-day waiting period applies from the date of the satisfactory titre test result.

Quarantine

All dogs entering New Zealand must undergo a minimum 10-day quarantine period at the MPI-approved facility in Auckland. During quarantine, dogs are examined, tested, and treated for various parasites and diseases.

Practical Timeline

Due to the vaccination, titre testing, and waiting period requirements, the practical minimum age for a puppy to travel from Australia to New Zealand is approximately 9 months. We recommend beginning the process early and working closely with our logistics team to ensure a smooth journey.

Costs

Import costs to New Zealand are significant and include permit fees, veterinary examinations, laboratory tests, transport, and quarantine facility charges. We provide transparent cost estimates as part of our shipping consultation.