Cats and dogs must be from approved countries
Cats and dogs can only transit through New Zealand if they're from approved countries. A list of approved countries is in the guidance document for cats and dogs.
Guidance document for cats and dogs [PDF, 521 KB]
A transit permit may be needed
If your cat or dog is staying on the same aircraft in New Zealand and won't be staying longer than 6 hours, then a transit permit isn't needed.
If your cat or dog is changing aircraft or will be in transit for more than 6 hours, it will need:
- a transit permit
- a microchip
- flea and tick prevention
- rabies prevention (unless from a country recognised as rabies free in the guidance document)
Dogs will also need heartworm prevention.
You can apply for a transit permit through our online permit application system.
Animal and plant import permits (APIPS)
Other requirements
Additionally, all dogs and cats transiting for 6 hours or more (up to a maximum of 48 hours) need to have:
- a reservation at an MPI-approved quarantine facility.
- internal parasite prevention effective against tapeworms and nematodes.
Browse a list of MPI-approved quarantine facilities
Apply for a permit using the online import permit application system (APIPS).
Animal and plant import permits (APIPS)
When transit times exceed 48 hours
Should transit time exceed 48 hours, your cat or dog will be treated as a rejected consignment unless eligible for import into New Zealand.
