Intact Dogs Going to New Zealand: The 44-Day Mating Declaration

TLDR: Non-desexed dogs traveling to New Zealand require the owner to sign a declaration confirming the dog has not mated in the 44 days prior to shipment. There is one exception: mating with a dog of equal Brucella canis health status does not trigger the declaration requirement. The rule catches breeders most often, but it applies to any intact dog regardless of whether the owner considers the dog to be actively used for breeding.

New Zealand's mating declaration requirement is one of those rules that does not come up until it does, and by then the 44-day window may already be closing. Owners of intact dogs need to know this requirement exists before the preparation process begins, not after.

What Is the 44-Day Mating Declaration?

For non-desexed dogs traveling to New Zealand, the owner must sign a declaration certifying that the dog has not mated in the 44 days prior to shipment. This is a mandatory requirement for all intact dogs, not only those used for breeding.

The declaration is the owner's certification. It is not a veterinary test or a laboratory result. The owner signs to confirm the mating history of the dog in the period leading up to travel.

Who Does This Requirement Apply To?

The 44-day mating declaration applies to all non-desexed dogs traveling to New Zealand. It does not matter whether the dog is actively used for breeding or has never been bred. If the dog is intact, the declaration is required.

This is one of the most common points of surprise for owners of intact dogs who do not consider their pet a breeding dog. The requirement is tied to the dog's desexed status, not its breeding history or intended use.

Is There an Exception?

Yes. The mating declaration requirement does not apply if the dog mated with a dog of equal Brucella canis health status. This is the only exception to the 44-day mating declaration requirement.

If this exception may apply to your dog, confirm with your relocation coordinator whether it covers your situation before assuming it applies.

How Does This Compare to Australia's Intact Dog Rules?

Australia's rules for intact dogs are significantly more complex. For Australia, an intact dog cannot be mated or artificially inseminated within 21 days before the Brucella canis blood sample is collected. After the sample is collected, the dog cannot be mated again before export. If the dog is pregnant, it must be no more than 30 days pregnant on the date of travel.

New Zealand's requirement is simpler: a single 44-day mating-free window before shipment, with one exception for equal Brucella canis health status. Owners moving an intact dog to New Zealand rather than Australia will find the mating rules significantly more straightforward, but the declaration is still a mandatory step that must not be overlooked.

What Should You Do Before the 44-Day Window Opens?

If you are planning to move an intact dog to New Zealand and the dog has recently mated or may mate before the preparation process begins, identify the travel date early and work backward from it to establish the 44-day window.

If the dog mates within 44 days of the planned shipment date and the exception does not apply, the shipment date will need to be moved. Identifying this conflict early avoids a last-minute schedule change after other time-sensitive preparation steps have already been completed.

The 44-day mating declaration is a straightforward requirement but one that needs to be identified early, particularly for breeders with active dogs. If you want help mapping your intact dog's preparation timeline for a New Zealand move, our team manages the full process. Get a free quote to start planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the mating declaration apply to all intact dogs or only breeding dogs?

It applies to all non-desexed dogs traveling to New Zealand, regardless of whether the dog is used for breeding. If the dog is intact, the declaration is required.

What is the exception to the 44-day mating declaration?

The only exception is if the dog mated with a dog of equal Brucella canis health status. If this exception may apply, confirm with your relocation coordinator whether it covers your situation before assuming it applies.

What happens if an intact dog mates within 44 days of the shipment date?

If the dog mates within 44 days of shipment and the exception does not apply, the shipment date will need to be rescheduled. Identify the travel date early and establish the 44-day window before the preparation process begins.

Are New Zealand's intact dog rules the same as Australia's?

No. Australia's rules for intact dogs are more complex and involve specific timing restrictions around the Brucella canis blood draw, post-sample mating restrictions, and pregnancy limits on the date of travel. New Zealand's requirement is a single 44-day mating-free window before shipment with one exception. Confirm the full requirements for your destination with your relocation coordinator.