Moving pets overseas

Moving pets to New Zealand

Moving pets to New Zealand is complicated and the country has stringent regulations. Your removals company will be able to advise and facilitate the process.

Microchip identification is required for dogs and cats and vaccination for rabies, which must be carried out at least a month before export.

Dogs must have blood tests for brucella canis, ehrlichiosis, heartworm and leptospirosis within 30 days of departure. The tests can be arranged through your local vet who then sends the samples away for analysis. Two additional blood tests, taken 10 days before export, are required for babesia.

Two faecal hookworm tests, carried out at least a fortnight apart but within 30 days of export, are required with negative results.  To avoid the risk of delay it is strongly advised that de-worming treatments are carried out at least six weeks prior to export.

The animal will also need to undergo a stipulated regime of treatments against internal and external parasites.

Additionally, all pets must have the relevant DEFRA export papers accompanying them, signed by a vet within 96 hours of export.

Although the Pet Travel Scheme’s (PETS) passport is not needed for New Zealand it is suggested that you obtain one, particularly if you intend to travel back or permanently return to the UK with your pet.