Charges from 18 September 2015
The charges for vet inspections for imported pets are changing. From 18 September 2015, the vet inspection fee will increase to an hourly rate of $214.25 (including GST) to better reflect the actual cost of providing this service.
Cats and dogs from Australia
Pet imports from Australia between 1 December 2014 and 30 June 2015
We have recently identified an issue with fee regulations for veterinary inspections of pet cats and dogs imported from Australia, during the period of 1 December 2014 to 30 June 2015.
This means that we have charged an incorrect fee for veterinary inspections on arrival for imported cats and dogs from Australia during this period. Applications made during 1 December 2014 to 30 June 2015 should only have been charged at a fixed fee of $40.88 (GST inclusive) per pet, rather than the hourly rate which has been charged.
We are working through a process to resolve this issue as soon as possible and will take all reasonable steps to reimburse anyone who has been incorrectly charged.
Anyone who has imported a pet dog or cat from Australia during the period of 1 December 2014 to 30 June 2015 should contact MPI by emailing costrecoverypets@mpi.govt.nz.
What our fees cover
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) calculates fees on a cost-recovery basis.
Activities and services we may charge for include:
- border clearance inspections
- veterinary inspections of your pets
- travel costs for MPI inspectors.
Not all the fees on this page may apply to you and there could be other charges not listed here – like transport costs.
Pets that can be imported
Animals imported for commercial use do not qualify as pets under the Biosecurity (Costs) Regulations 2010. Check the other live animals importing pages for fees and charges for these animals.
Common pets that can be imported into New Zealand can include:
- cats and dogs (from approved countries)
- rabbits and guinea pigs (only from Australia)
- chinchillas (only from the UK).
For further information on what types of pets that can be imported, email info@mpi.govt.nz
Import permit
Pets, apart from cats and dogs from Australia, need an import permit.
| Application fee | Fee (excl GST) | Fee (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|
|
$233.25* | $268.24* |
* If processing your application takes longer than one-and-a-half hours, additional time will be charged at an hourly rate of $155.50 excluding GST or $178.83 including GST.
Border clearance charges
Fee for initial pet inspections
In most cases, when arriving in New Zealand your pet(s) will be inspected at the border. This inspection is required to determine if an animal should be cleared or directed to a transitional (quarantine) facility. There may be other specific requirements your animal must meet set out in import health standards.
For inspection of your pets the following rates apply:
| Charges for | Rate excluding GST | Rate including GST |
|---|---|---|
| First pet animal (cat or dog) | $279.45 | $321.37 |
| Each additional animal (cat or dog) | $93.15 | $107.13 |
| Additional inspection time in excess of 90 minutes for the first cat or dog or 30 minutes for each additional cat or dog | $186.30 per hour | $214.25 per hour |
| Cancellation charges of $46.575 ($53.56 including GST) may apply for missed appointments where insufficient notice of cancellation has been given. | ||
If your pet is not given clearance on arrival, it will be directed to an MPI-approved transitional (quarantine) facility and you will incur the hourly veterinary inspection charges.
In some cases, you may be charged an additional fee if your inspection results in additional costs, for example, your pet has to be treated for parasites.
Veterinary inspection charges
In the following situations, your pet will be inspected by a vet at an MPI-approved transitional (quarantine) facility and hourly veterinary inspection charges will apply:
- If your pet is not given clearance on arrival and is directed to an MPI-approved transitional facility; and/or
- If an import health standard specifies that your pet must be inspected and monitored at an MPI-approved transitional facility.
Search import health standards
| Hourly rate for veterinary inspectors * | Fee (excl GST) | Fee (incl GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinarians inspecting or monitoring pets from all countries (within normal working hours) | $186.30 | $214.25 |
* Hourly rates also apply to waiting times; after-hours, call-out, and penalty rates may also apply.
Travel charges
If the MPI inspector has to travel to a transitional facility, travel charges may apply:
