Country Requirements New Zealand

In order to travel with any pet around the world proper identification of the specific pet is needed. A name and photo is not sufficient. Before ANY vaccinations are done or blood is drawn a certified microchip needs to be inserted into the pet. The microchip links a unique identification code to YOUR specific pet and will verify that all necessary treatments have been conducted on your pet. This serves as their “ID”.

The rabies titres test is an important step in the international pet relocation process, and it is crucial that this test is conducted at the exact recommended time by an authorised laboratory. Why do you need a rabies titre test? When your pet received a rabies vaccination, the only proof of this vaccination is the paper immunisation record which the vet completes. Sometimes, there is a need for further proof that the vaccination has been administered, and a titre test is performed to test if your pet has been immunised against rabies.

What happens? After your pet has received his/her microchip blood can be drawn by your vet and this is then sent to an authorised laboratory. At the laboratory the blood is tested for the presence of the antibody that neutralises rabies in your pet’s blood. The presence of this antibody in sufficient amounts proofs that the pet has been sufficiently vaccinated against and is immune to rabies. This amount is then reflected on the rabies titre test certificate that you will receive to use as proof for the process of travelling with your pet.

A pet travelling to New Zealand must have microchip identification. This needs to be implanted before any treatment is performed. The microchip must be implanted. Vaccinations and the rabies titre test can now follow. As veterinarians ourselves you are in the best hands and you will need 4 or five visits and we will provide discount.

1. 5-in-1 (Canine distemper virus, canine infectious hepatitis, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza virus and canine parvovirus)
2. Rabies
3. Bordetella bronchiseptica

Please ensure that your veterinarian provides a certificate that states the vaccine duration.

Anti-body titre test after receiving a booster of the rabies vaccine.

It is important to make sure all documentation is done properly. Failure to comply can result in a 180 day quarantine period or the return of your pet to South Africa.

Please take note that NZ requires a special endorsement called an OVD (Official Veterinary Declaration). This will be sent, together with your other documentation to the USDA to get your OVD approved. This approval may take more than 20 days and early planning is important.

There is a compulsory quarantine period that your pet must undergo when entering NZ. There are various private quarantine facilities to choose from on the MPI website. As soon as your OVD has been approved you can book your pet into any MPI-approved quarantine facility.

The list of banned species is constantly updated. Please ask us for the current list. The following breeds are not allowed into NZ: American Pitbull, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila, Perro de Presa Canario.

• Microchip (please keep ALL original documentation).
• Up to date vaccination booklet (5-in-1 dogs, 3-in-1 cats, rabies for cats and dogs). More than 30 days and less than 12 months.
• RNATT test certificate (proof of rabies neutralising antibody titration test).
• Quarantine: minimum of 10 days (Auckland or Christchurch). (No quarantine needed if entering from Australia or Norfolk Island). (Quarantine: Approximate costs: NZ$1400-NZ$2000/animal)
• Entry into NZ is only allowed a minimum of 3 months after the date of the blood drawn for the rabies titre test. This result must be valid. If this is a primary vaccination the pet will only be allowed to travel 6 months after date of vaccination.
• The additional blood tests to be drawn in the last 30 days prior to departure will be done according to a personalised schedule depending on the date of departure.