If you’re relocating to New Zealand with a pet, you’ve probably already heard that quarantine is part of the process.
New Zealand takes biosecurity seriously because it’s one of the few countries in the world free from many animal diseases, and the government intends to keep it that way.
In this guide, we’ll explain clearly what quarantine really involves, what to expect and how to make the process as safe and straightforward as possible for you and your furry friend.
How Long Do Pets Need to Quarantine When Entering New Zealand?
Pets travelling from the United Kingdom to New Zealand must complete a minimum 10-day quarantine at a Ministry for Primary Industries-approved facility. This applies to all cats and dogs entering from the UK, as New Zealand classifies it as rabies absent, well-controlled.
When Does it Start?
The 10-day period starts the day your pet arrives at the New Zealand quarantine facility. During this time, MPI vets review import paperwork, check microchip and vaccination details, making sure all pre-export tests meet New Zealand’s import standards.
If everything is correct, your pet will usually be cleared after 10 days. But if documentation is missing or health checks are incomplete, quarantine could be extended until all conditions are satisfied.
In short, most UK pets spend about 10 days in quarantine, but the exact duration depends on preparation and compliance, the better your paperwork, the smoother (and shorter) the stay. We recommend working with a reputable pet relocation company to ensure everything is in order when your cat or dog lands in New Zealand.
What Happens During Pet Quarantine in New Zealand
When your pet arrives in New Zealand, they’re taken directly to an MPI-approved quarantine facility. These facilities are developed specially for animal safety and biosecurity, with qualified staff who manage international arrivals every day.
Once there, MPI vets will carry out a full check to confirm your pet’s microchip, review health certificates and make sure all vaccinations and blood tests meet New Zealand’s import requirements. Every animal entering the country must be healthy to prevent the introduction of diseases.
During their stay, pets are housed in individual kennels or cat units. They have clean bedding, food, water and daily care. Staff observe them closely and keep records of feeding, behaviour and any signs of illness.
Some facilities may offer updates or photos, allowing owners to see how their pet is doing.
If a health concern does come up, an on-site vet assesses the situation and contacts you before any treatment is given. Otherwise, most pets simply rest, adjust to the time zone and complete the required observation period without issue.
Once MPI gives final clearance, your beloved pet can leave quarantine and travel home with you or your agent. But remember, this process will be straightforward and stress-free when everything is prepared correctly.
Preparing Your Pet for Quarantine in New Zealand
Good preparation makes quarantine much easier for both you and your pet. The process begins months before travel, ideally with the assistance of a pet relocation company, and getting the timing right can prevent delays later.
Check the import rules
Go through the Ministry for Primary Industries requirements carefully. They outline the exact health checks and documents needed.
For pets travelling from the UK, the first and important step is the rabies vaccination (to be given at least six months before travel) and subsequent antibody blood test, which must be completed and meet MPI requirements at least three months before travel.
Make sure the microchip scans
The microchip is your pet’s ID for the entire process. Have your vet check it and make sure the number appears correctly on all documentation.
Book quarantine space early
You’ll need a confirmed booking at an MPI-approved facility before your import permit can be issued. These spaces fill up quickly, so secure a place well ahead of your move.
Keep your documents in order
Bring both printed and digital copies of test results, vaccination records, your import permit and booking confirmation. Quarantine officers can work more quickly when paperwork is clear and consistent.
Prepare your pet (as well as the paperwork)
Crate training, familiar bedding and a steady routine before travel help your pet cope better with the journey and their first few days in quarantine.
Final Tips for a Smooth Pet Move to New Zealand
By this stage, most of the hard work is done, but these final checks will help make sure your pet’s arrival and quarantine release go as smoothly as possible:
- Review every MPI requirement to ensure that nothing has expired or is missing.
- Check that the microchip number appears correctly on each document.
- Ensure the import permit matches the details on the veterinary certificates.
- Confirm your quarantine booking and save the facility’s direct contact number.
- Re-read the airline’s pet travel rules, like carrier size, water dishes, labelling and temperature limits.
- Keep printed copies of everything and a digital folder you can open on your phone.
- Label the pet travel carrier clearly with your name, contact and destination details.
- Line the crate with absorbent bedding and include one familiar item that smells like home, for example, a T-shirt (no toys allowed).
- Attach simple feeding or care notes to the crate if the journey is long.
- Touch base with the quarantine facility a few days before departure to confirm arrival plans.
- Have your vet double-check that all health certificates are signed, dated and stamped.
- Avoid last-minute treatments or vaccinations unless required by MPI.
- Keep airline and agent contact numbers handy in case flight details change.
- Stay reachable while your pet is in transit and during quarantine intake.
- Arrange who will collect your pet after release and confirm times in writing.
- Follow MPI’s instructions exactly upon arrival, as this speeds up clearance.
Pet Relocation Experts Can Simplify the Process
Just as with moving your pets to other countries, such as Australia, quarantine is an essential part of moving a pet to New Zealand.
But with the right preparation, it can be a smooth, well-run process that protects both your pet and the country’s strict biosecurity standards.
For many pet owners, managing every document, test and booking can feel like a lot. That’s where a trusted pet relocation company can help. They can handle the details, staying across MPI requirements and keeping the move on track from start to finish.
Organisation and the right support make the difference between a stressful move and a straightforward one.
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