Moving from Canada to New Zealand is exciting, but when your pet is coming along, the to-do list gets a lot longer. New Zealand’s animal import rules are among the strictest in the world, meaning every step, from microchips to paperwork, must be timed and completed precisely.
We’ve guided Canadian families to navigate this process, ensuring their pets make the long journey safely and settle in comfortably. Here’s a clear overview of what’s involved, so you know what to expect before you even book your ticket.
Understanding the Pet Import Requirements
New Zealand takes biosecurity very seriously to protect its unique environment and agriculture. Canada is classified as a Category 3 country by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), which means the import process is more detailed than for pets arriving from some other countries.
Before your pet can enter New Zealand, you’ll need:
- An import permit issued by MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand’s government authority for biosecurity and animal import regulations).
- ISO-compliant microchip (International Organization for Standardization microchip) for pet identification, which meets globally recognized technical standards for scanning.
- Up-to-date vaccinations, as required by New Zealand’s MPI regulations, including rabies, core canine or feline vaccines, and any additional disease-specific vaccinations. These must be administered within the approved timeframes and documented on official veterinary records for entry approval.
- Government-issued veterinary health certificates.
The Quarantine Process
All pets entering New Zealand from Canada must complete quarantine upon arrival. The standard stay is 10 days, though it can be longer if there are any issues with paperwork or health checks.
During quarantine, pets are housed in MPI-approved facilities where trained staff monitor their health, complete inspections, and ensure all entry requirements are met before release.
Choosing the Right Pet Travel Specialist
Relocating a pet to New Zealand involves far more than booking a flight since every detail must align perfectly with MPI’s requirements.
That’s where WWAT comes in. Our team handles:
- Coordination with accredited veterinarians.
- Accurate, on-time completion of all paperwork.
- Booking flights that meet New Zealand’s approved entry routes.
- Supplying IATA-compliant travel crates to keep pets safe and comfortable.
- Managing customs clearance and transfer to quarantine facilities.
With years of experience relocating pets to New Zealand, we know how to anticipate challenges and keep your move on track.
What Travel Looks Like for Pets
Most pets fly into Auckland, where MPI officials meet them and transfer them directly to their quarantine facility. Since travel from Canada often includes one or more layovers, it’s important to prepare your pet for a long-haul journey.
Helpful preparation tips include:
- Crate training well in advance to reduce stress.
- Including familiar bedding or toys in the crate.
- Ensure your pet is in good health before travel.
Settling Your Pet in Their New Home
Once quarantine is over, your pet can finally join you in your new home. Cities like Wellington, Christchurch, and parts of the Bay of Plenty offer easy access to parks, beaches, and walking trails, but there are a few steps to complete first.
Dogs must be registered annually with the local council where they live. Registration involves a small fee and a tag that must be worn at all times. Councils also enforce bylaws requiring dogs to be leashed in most public areas, except in a designated off-leash zone. Even off-leash, dogs must be under control, and owners must clean up after them.
Cats don’t require nationwide registration, but microchipping is strongly encouraged and sometimes mandated by councils. You’ll also want to find a veterinarian, consider pet insurance, and follow dog park etiquette: friendly greetings, supervised play, and respecting nervous pets by giving them space.
Following these rules helps make settling in smoother for you and your pet while building a good relationship with your new community.
Ready to Start the Journey?
Relocating your pet from Canada to New Zealand is a complex process, but with the right planning and our support, it’s entirely achievable. Get in touch with us today to start planning your pet’s relocation to New Zealand. We’ve got you covered.
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