It can be quite a challenge to bring your furry friends with you to New Zealand.
Unfortunately, New Zealand has its border closed, and we do not know precisely when we will be able to move there.
What you need to do to bring your pets
• Ensure your pet is Microchipped. MUST BE IMPLANTED before RABIES VACCINE TO VALIDATE TREATMENT
• Airline-approved pet travel crate.
• Rabies Vaccination #1 – This Vaccination begins the 6-month countdown to travel
(if the Rabies Vaccination is older than one year at the time of travel, a booster will be required).
• Rabies Titre Test – RFFIT or FAVN – Must be completed by a USDA accredited vet – to be drawn a minimum of 3 months before travel date. Test results are valid for up to 2 years.
• OVD Endorsement (Official Veterinary Declaration) – to be completed by USDA Accredited Vet.
• Book Quarantine Facility for a mandatory ten-day stay.
• Apply for Import Permit – note this takes approximately 27 business days to complete.
#1 Veterinarian appointment
One month before travel
– Please ensure that your dog has received the necessary vaccinations for DHPP and Bordetella before their Quarantine stay. Additionally, ensure that they have been vaccinated for Canine Influenza: Vaccination (CIV) #1 / Worming Treatment #1 / Flea & Tick Treatment #1.
In addition – if your dog has been vaccinated for Leptospirosis, a blood test will be performed at the second vet visit. If not vaccinated for Leptospirosis, begin Doxycycline Treatment for 14 consecutive days.
#2 Veterinarian appointment
The following tasks should be completed 14-16 days prior to traveling:
- CIV #2,
- Heartworm Antigen Test,
- Leptospirosis Blood Test (if required),
- Babesia Gibsoni Test,
- and Brucellosis Canis Blood Tests
Travel time
For New Zealand, the pets will stop at LA for the final Vet appointment
- Clinical Flea & Tick exam,
- Worming #2,
- Flea & Tick Treatment #2
USDA Endorsement of Veterinary Health Certificate
Create a seal at USDA
Travel to New Zealand
Arrival in New Zealand
Stay in quarantine for ten to sixty days (usually ten days only if the animal presents microorganisms or diseases).
The cost of all these steps is expensive. So far, I only have done the Rabies Titre Test; it costs $380 for each dog.
A USDA veterinarian must do this rabies test, which means not all veterinarians can do it. When you start to call the veterinarian clinic and ask if the vet can perform this test, you’ll find it very frustrating because it’s difficult to find anyone knowledgeable to give you the correct information.
I found a website from USDA, where you can find an accredited vet in your area. Here is the link:
https://vsapps.aphis.usda.gov/vsps/public/VetSearch.do
* You can choose the State where you live and find the veterinarian you need, not only for cats and dogs but for other animals.
New Zealand has only two airports where pets can land: Auckland and Christchurch.
This website gives you the MPI-approved facility where you can reserve your pet. www.mpi.govt.nz
Australia has a different procedure.
When it comes to bringing pets into Australia, the paperwork is the same up until the Rabies Titre Test. However, the process diverges from there, as there are different fees and a lengthier waiting period for shipping your furry friends.
• Once your pet has undergone the Titre test, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period before they can be exported to Australia.
• RNATT (Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test) Declaration 2-4 weeks.
• Import Permit 6-8 weeks.
• Travel to LA
• Quarantine booking –Already booked into Feb 2022.
• Vet appointment schedule is 57 days.
There is ONLY one quarantine facility in Australia: Mickleham, Melbourne. www.awe.gov.au
Be aware
I suggest preparing your pet’s documentation six months before your travel date. Unfortunately, limited options may be available due to the pandemic and associated lockdowns.
