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What this import process covers

Follow this process if you want to bring an assistance dog into New Zealand from another country.

New Zealanders travelling overseas

If you are a New Zealander travelling overseas with an assistance dog and you plan to bring it back into New Zealand, you'll need to comply with both the:

How to import an assistance dog

1. Check the import process for all dogs

The import process for assistance dogs is similar to the process for all dogs. However, there are some important differences explained on this page relating to:

  • documentation – you will need to send in information to MPI to show that your dog meets the assistance dog requirements when you apply for an import permit
  • advance MPI notification of arrival – MPI contact numbers and required details differ
  • request for inspection – you will need to request an inspection for your dog during the available inspection times using the MPI veterinary inspection form
  • export documentation – you will need to send copies of the veterinary health certificates and laboratory reports at least 1 working day prior to departure (which may be prior to endorsement by the official government official veterinarian) 
  • clearance at the border if your dog is compliant with the import requirements.

Steps to importing dogs

Full details for importing dogs (including assistance dogs) are in the Import Health Standard (IHS): Cats and Dogs and the Guidance document: Cats and dogs.

Import Health Standard (IHS): Cats and Dogs [PDF, 282 KB]

Guidance document: Cats and dogs [PDF, 521 KB]

Assistance Dog Support document [PDF, 2.1 MB]

2. Apply for a permit to import

You'll need a permit to import your dog unless it is from Australia.

Before applying for a permit, ensure that you have booked your dog in for a veterinary inspection using the MPI veterinary inspection form.

Application for MPI veterinary inspection [PDF, 130 KB]

Apply for a permit using the online import permit application system (APIPS)

The permit fee will be reimbursed if your dog has met the assistance dog documentation requirements.

Provide proof that your dog is an assistant dog

You'll need to send in supporting information with your import permit application to show that your dog meets the MPI documentation requirements for an assistance dog.

  • For guide dogs: provide documentation from a member school of the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools to show that your dog has been trained and certified as a guide dog.
  • For other assistance dogs: provide documentation to show that your dog has been trained and certified as an assistance dog by a recognised and accredited national or international organisation. Examples of recognised and accredited assistance dog organisations can be found through Assistance Dogs International. A letter from a doctor or therapist is not enough to meet this requirement.

Assistance Dogs International

Provide proof of your dog's service

You'll also need to supply documentation from the relevant organisation, confirming your assistance dog has been in your service and used in your daily life (or under the supervision of the organisation) for at least the 6 months before the arrival date.

3. Notify MPI in advance of your arrival

You need to apply for an MPI veterinary arrival inspection using the MPI veterinary inspection form (see step 2).

Inspection times are available on normal MPI working days, which are Monday to Friday, with the exception of:

  • New Zealand public holidays
  • the days between the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The inspection times for assistance dogs on normal MPI working days are:

  • Auckland – 7am to 7pm
  • Christchurch – 8am to 5pm

No inspections are done on weekends.

Advance notification allows MPI to make sure an official veterinarian is available to:

  • complete the post-arrival inspection
  • complete biosecurity clearance for your dog.

MPI contact details at arrival ports

Assistance dogs can only be cleared for entry at Auckland and Christchurch/Lyttleton.

Auckland Airport / Auckland Sea Port
Email: liveanimalsauckland@mpi.govt.nz
Phone: + 64 9 909 2706

Christchurch Airport / Lyttleton Sea Port
Email: liveanimalschristchurch@mpi.govt.nz
Phone: + 64 3 943 1777

4. Provide veterinary health certificates and laboratory reports

Sending the veterinary health certificates and laboratory test results to MPI at least 1 working day prior to departure allows the official veterinarian to identify and inform you of any issues that may affect your dog getting clearance to enter New Zealand.

This documentation needs to be certified and endorsed by an official government veterinarian before departure.

What to expect on arrival

Arrangements can be made for an official MPI veterinarian to meet you and your dog during the available inspection times in the passenger terminal to minimise delays. Your dog may travel with you in the cabin of the aircraft if it has been assessed by MPI as an assistance dog and is acceptable to the airline.

Assistance dogs that comply with New Zealand’s import requirements are eligible for clearance into New Zealand, without any post-arrival quarantine.

Non-compliances and contingency plans

Although every effort is made by MPI to communicate New Zealand’s import requirements and to pre-check documentation, non-compliances may be identified after departure or on arrival.

If your dog is not compliant with New Zealand’s import requirements, it may be directed to a quarantine facility for treatment, testing, or inspection.

It is advisable to contact a quarantine facility to make arrangements for such a contingency plan ahead of time.

Find out more

To bring your guide or assistance dog into New Zealand, you may need other information, such as where you can take your dog in New Zealand. Visit these websites for further information: 

Who to contact

If you have questions about bringing your assistance or guide dog to New Zealand, email animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz

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