Taking a dog to New Zealand: official resources

Confirm the process

MPI publishes dog and cat import information, including guidance associated with its 2026 import health standard. Check the applicable process and any transition arrangements directly rather than borrowing an older owner’s checklist.

Coordinate the records

Make a list of the dog’s identification, veterinary records and transport arrangements. Ask MPI or the relevant professional about unresolved steps before booking.

Plan arrival care

Arrange care and onward travel around the official process. Keep trial entries or work commitments flexible until the dog’s travel arrangements are established.

Check whether a return journey needs separate preparations and records. Keep the original paperwork available through travel and arrival rather than assuming a carrier will retain everything needed for a later step.

Use the dog’s exact identity consistently across records and bookings. Ask the relevant authority how to resolve a discrepancy before it reaches the transport or arrival stage.

Track the applicable guidance

MPI’s current resources include material associated with the 2026 import health standard, so identify which process applies rather than mixing forms from different versions. Save the official links and the date you checked them. Ask about a dog that has lived in or travelled through other places instead of assuming its current location alone answers the import question. For a return journey, investigate the destination’s separate requirements early. A short trip for a trial still needs a coherent outward and return plan.

Common questions

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• New Zealand MPI: Bringing cats and dogs to New Zealand (opens in a new tab)

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