Bringing a dog or cat from Germany to New Zealand
Under New Zealand's rules, pets from Germany are in the group “Category 3: rabies absent or well-controlled countries”. A dog from Germany needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine, a rabies titer test, an import permit and an official health certificate. Expect at least 10 days of quarantine on arrival. Plan for about 4 months (112 days) from the first vaccine to arrival.
About New Zealand: Strict but predictable. Pets from Australia arrive with no permit and no quarantine. Everyone else from an approved country needs an MPI permit and at least 10 days in an approved quarantine facility, and Category 3 pets also need a rabies vaccine and titer test at least 3 months before shipment. A new import standard (2026 IHS) took effect on 1 July 2026, and from 1 April 2027 it is the only one accepted.
Category 3: rabies absent or well-controlled countries Quarantine
- Titer test
- Required
- Wait after blood test
- 3 months
- Import permit
- Required
- Quarantine
- 10+ days
Minimum preparation: about 4 months (112 days) from the first rabies vaccine to arrival.
Step by step
Microchip and official ID scan
Implant an ISO chip. If the blood sample will be taken 6–12 months before shipment, an official vet scans the chip before sampling. If it will be taken less than 6 months before, scan once at least 6 months before shipment and again before sampling.
Vaccinate against rabies
Use an MPI-listed vaccine given at 12 weeks or older, at least 6 months before shipment. Keep it continuously valid.
Do the RNATT blood test
Wait 3–4 weeks after vaccination, then draw blood 3–12 months before shipment. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/mL. Get the Rabies Certification Form endorsed by an official vet.
Book quarantine and apply for a permit
Apply at least 8 weeks ahead with the vaccine records, RNATT result, Rabies Certification Form and quarantine booking. Processing takes 30 working days.
Do the dog tests and parasite treatments
Dogs need heartworm, Babesia gibsoni, Leptospira and Brucella canis steps, plus canine influenza vaccination or a test. All pets need internal and external parasite treatments timed before shipment.
Final exam and certificate within 2 days
A vet inspects the pet within 2 days of shipment and the government endorses the Category 3 certificate.
Arrive at Auckland or Christchurch
Transit only through Category 1–3 countries. The pet goes into quarantine for at least 10 days.
At least 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine facility
Good to know
- Cats
- Mostly the same as dogs: microchip, permit, quarantine, and rabies vaccine plus RNATT for Category 3. Cats skip the dog-only tests (heartworm, Babesia, Leptospira, Brucella, canine influenza), and their external parasite treatment is a single treatment within 16 days of shipment. Bengal cats are allowed; other hybrid cats generally need EPA approval as new organisms.
- Banned breeds
- Brazilian Fila (Fila Brasileiro), Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier type, Crosses of the above, Wolf-dog and wild-cat hybrids other than Bengal (need EPA approval)
- How many pets
- Not specified
- Parasite treatment
- Internal (nematodes + cestodes): two treatments, the first within 30 days and at least 14 days before the second, which must be within 5 days of shipment. External: cats get one treatment within 16 days. Dogs get two, the first at least 14 days before the Babesia sample and the last within 16 days. Dogs also need heartworm prevention within 5 days and Angiostrongylus treatment within 5 days.
- Arrival
- By air: Auckland or Christchurch only, usually as manifested cargo. Category 2 pets need a government-sealed crate. By sea: the place of first arrival must be named on the permit (Opua for yachts under the 2021 guidance). Transit only through Category 1–3 countries.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to bring a dog from Germany to New Zealand?
Germany counts as "Category 3: rabies absent or well-controlled countries" for New Zealand. Starting from a pet with no rabies vaccine, the minimum is about 4 months (112 days): rabies vaccine, a blood test at least 21 days later, then the waiting period before arrival.
Does my pet need a rabies titer test to travel from Germany to New Zealand?
Yes. The blood sample must be taken at least 21 days after the rabies vaccine, and the pet can arrive 3 months after the sample.
Will my pet be quarantined in New Zealand?
Yes. Pets from Germany spend at least 10 days in quarantine on arrival.
Do I need an import permit?
Yes. New Zealand requires an import permit, and you need to apply or notify at least 56 days before arrival.
Are the rules the same for cats?
Mostly the same as dogs: microchip, permit, quarantine, and rabies vaccine plus RNATT for Category 3. Cats skip the dog-only tests (heartworm, Babesia, Leptospira, Brucella, canine influenza), and their external parasite treatment is a single treatment within 16 days of shipment. Bengal cats are allowed; other hybrid cats generally need EPA approval as new organisms.
Sources
Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Full rules: New Zealand pet import rules.