TLDR: As of March 1, 2026, New Zealand removed the crate seal requirement for pets traveling from Category 3 countries including the US mainland. Crates no longer need to be sealed before departure. However, Certificate B still contains the seal wording from before…
TLDR: New Zealand requires an ELISA blood test for heartworm for all dogs 6 months of age or older, completed within 30 days of shipment. Dogs under 6 months are exempt from the blood test but must have the required preventative medication instead.…
TLDR: New Zealand requires all dogs to meet leptospirosis requirements before travel. There are two options: a negative MAT blood test within 30 days of shipment, or doxycycline treatment for at least 14 consecutive days within 30 days of shipment. We recommend doxycycline.…
TLDR: In New Zealand, any dog ever diagnosed with Brucella canis or Babesia gibsoni is permanently banned from entry regardless of treatment or recovery. There is no appeal process and no pathway back once either condition has been diagnosed. New…
TLDR: If your pet travels to New Zealand with any medication, the ACVM 21 form must be completed and physically presented in hand to the border inspector on arrival. The form cannot be submitted remotely or pre-lodged before travel. If a…
TLDR: New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries requires a minimum of 30 working days to process a pet import permit application. The USDA quotes a 20-day processing timeframe, but that figure does not apply to New Zealand. Owners who plan…
TLDR: New Zealand's RNATT is valid for up to 24 months before shipment, far longer than Australia's 12-month window, but the sample must also be at least 3 months old at the time of shipment and pets must be at…
TLDR: A rabies booster given even one day after the previous vaccine expires is classified as a primary vaccination under New Zealand import law, triggering a six-month waiting period before export. The recommendation is to wait three to four weeks…
