Exports Pets to New Zealand

Exports Pets to New Zealand


If you are relocating to New Zealand and would like to take your pets with you, there is some pre-export preparation required for them to be eligible for export. Paws Resort can assist you with the entire process.

The requirements to begin the pre-export process are as follows:

 All dogs and cats being exported to New Zealand will require an ISO approved microchip to be inserted. The microchips most commonly used in South Africa (BackHome and Identipet), are both ISO approved.  

If the rabies vaccination status of your dog or cat is unknown, or you do not have a certificate to prove their rabies vaccination status, then they will require a Rabies vaccination a minimum of 6 months before they are eligible to travel. If the rabies vaccinations have been kept current, and they have had a rabies vaccination within the past 12 months, then they are eligible to begin the pre-export process. Please note that New Zealand disregards the validity of any rabies vaccination given prior to a microchip implantation. There is also a 6 month waiting period after the first rabies vaccination given at the same time or after a microchip implantation. The same six month waiting period applies if a previous rabies vaccination has lapsed. In this case the six month waiting period applies from the date of the first rabies vaccination following a lapsed vaccination.

A rabies titer test (RNATT test) is performed a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 24 months prior to departure. This test measures the immunity your pets have against rabies and must have a satisfactory result in order for your pet to be eligible for export to New Zealand.

Within 30 days prior to departure, several blood tests, treatments and examinations have to be performed by a veterinarian to further prepare them and ensure they are eligible for export.

In addition to the veterinary tests, treatments and examinations as required by New Zealand, there are also several administrative requirements, including applying for an import permit, and booking your pets into the post-export quarantine station.

Paws Resort can assist with the entire process, and we will be your one-stop facility for completing the entire pre-export preparation of your pets.

Similarly to our Australian pre-export preparation, we offer a two-tiered service:

1. Basic package: For this package you will be required to present your pets at Paws Resort at the dates and times required by Paws Resort in order to have the various tests, treatments and examinations performed by Dr Roy or Dr Kristine to prepare them for export. In addition to the required veterinary preparations, Paws Resort will also do the New Zealand import permit application, the booking of your pets into the New Zealand post-export quarantine station, liaising with the South African State Vet for the certifications and endorsements required, and any other administrative requirements necessary for preparing your pets for export.

2. 30-day-boarding Package: For this package, once their rabies vaccination and microchip implantation status have been assessed, you will be required to either present your pets at Paws Resort for the initial RNATT (rabies) test, which initiates the pre-export preparation of your pet for export, or present them to your local vet to have them perform this test. Then, at 30 days prior to their departure, you will book them into our facility for boarding in our luxury accommodation, during which time they will undergo the many remaining tests, treatments and examinations necessary to prepare them for export. Having them board with us will remove the stress of all the transport backwards and forwards during the last 4 weeks of their pre-export period. They will be right where they need to be, when they need to be there, and it reduces the risk of delays due to not being able to make it to us on time for a particular procedure. We are able to board them for any length of time you may require, in addition to this final 30 days, for example if you are travelling to New Zealand before your pets are eligible to do so, or if you will be away at a time when a required procedure needs to be done. As part of this package, we will also apply for your pets’ import permits, book them into the New Zealand post-export quarantine station, and any other administrative requirements of preparing your pets for export.

Although we do not arrange the transport aspects of your pets’ relocation ourselves, we do work very closely with Aeropets Worldwide, a reputable pet transport company. They will be able to provide the services of booking the flights of your pets to Australia, as well as providing the IATA approved travel crates, and transporting them to the airport on the day of departure. Contact us and we can request a quote from Aeropets on your behalf for the transport aspects of your pets’ relocation.

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