Quarantine: What you need to know
If you’re planning to bring your pet to New Zealand from the United States, you’ll need to navigate New Zealand’s strict quarantine process. While the process may seem complicated, it’s essential to maintain the country’s disease-free status, especially its rabies-free reputation. However, there’s some good news for those coming from Hawaii!
Why Quarantine?
New Zealand takes biosecurity very seriously to protect its native wildlife and agricultural sector from the threat of diseases and pests. Although the U.S. isn’t classified as a rabies-free country (except for Hawaii), all pets arriving from the mainland U.S. must undergo a 10-day quarantine period upon arrival. This helps ensure that no diseases or parasites are introduced.
On the other hand, pets coming from Hawaii are exempt from quarantine. Since Hawaii is also a rabies-free state, pets arriving from there only need to pass health checks upon arrival, skipping the quarantine process altogether.
What to Do Before Your Pet Travels
There’s a lot to prepare before your pet’s journey to New Zealand, and it’s crucial to start early. Every pet needs an import permit from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Pets must also be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies at least six months prior to travel, and tested to ensure their immunity is up to standard.
New Zealand also requires treatments for parasites before your pet departs. Dogs and cats must undergo thorough treatments for fleas, ticks, and worms, as well as a final health check to ensure they’re fit for travel. We can assist with this entire process by working directly with veterinarians in the U.S. to ensure all requirements are met.
Our services include coordination with U.S. vets, helping to arrange proper vaccinations, treatments, and paperwork, making your pet’s transition as smooth as possible.
How Long Does Quarantine Last?
For pets arriving from the mainland United States, quarantine lasts 10 days, a significant improvement from the previous requirement of 30 days, which was the standard until 2010. This change was made to streamline the process while still maintaining New Zealand’s high biosecurity standards.
Organizing Quarantine in New Zealand
Once your pet arrives in New Zealand, they’ll be housed in one of the MPI-approved quarantine facilities, which are located in Auckland and Christchurch. We work closely with these facilities to ensure that your pet is well cared for during their stay. The quarantine centers are equipped with comfortable environments, climate control, and trained staff who monitor your pet’s health throughout the process.
Our team also assists with the logistics of transporting your pet from the airport to the quarantine facility and can provide updates during the quarantine period to give you peace of mind. Once the quarantine is complete, we help arrange for your pet’s transport to your new home in New Zealand.
Why It’s Worth It
Although the quarantine process may seem like an added layer of complexity, it’s essential for protecting New Zealand’s unique environment. With the right preparation, the process can be much smoother—and that’s where we come in. We’ll take care of the paperwork, coordinate with vets, and ensure your pet’s stay in quarantine is as comfortable as possible.
Bringing your pet into New Zealand is a big step, but with the proper support and preparation, it’s a safe and rewarding journey for both you and your furry friend!
