Bringing Your Pet from Australia to New Zealand: MPI Rules & Costs

26 August 2026

Good news for Australian pet owners: because Australia and New Zealand share the same rabies-free, low-risk status, bringing a cat or dog across the Tasman is one of the simplest pet moves in the world. As at 26 August 2026, cats and dogs from Australia do not need an import permit and, if they clear the border checks, do not need to go into quarantine.

Why the Australia to NZ route is easier

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) groups countries by biosecurity risk, and Australia sits in the lowest-risk group (Category 1) alongside Norfolk Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. As at 26 August 2026, MPI's published guidance states that a permit is not required for a cat or dog coming from Australia, and that compliant animals are cleared at the border without going into an approved quarantine facility, provided they have lived in Australia for the required period beforehand and pass the arrival inspection.

What you still need to do

"No permit, no quarantine" doesn't mean no paperwork. Your pet still needs an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, a veterinary health certificate completed close to your travel date, and to be free of ticks, fleas and any signs of illness at the border, or MPI can direct them into an approved quarantine facility at your cost regardless of origin country. Confirm the exact pre-departure inspection window and paperwork directly with MPI or your vet before booking flights, since requirements are checked at the time of travel, not when you first read about them.

1
Confirm your pet's microchip and vet records
ISO-compliant microchipping and an up-to-date vet history make the pre-departure health check straightforward. Book this early if your pet isn't already chipped.
2
Book a vet health certificate close to departure
MPI requires the certificate to be completed within a set window before travel. Your vet or a pet relocation specialist can confirm the current timeframe.
3
Book pet freight and arrive parasite-free
Use an approved pet transport provider and make sure your pet is free of ticks and fleas before travel. This is the step that determines whether they're cleared at the border or held for inspection.

A standard is changing in 2026

As at 26 August 2026, MPI is rolling out a new Import Health Standard for cats and dogs, with implementation beginning 1 July 2026 and a nine-month transition period during which both the current and new standards apply. New identification checks come into effect from 1 October 2026, and from 1 April 2027 all cats and dogs entering New Zealand must meet the new standard in full. If you're planning a move in that window, check MPI's current guidance close to your travel date rather than relying on older information, including this article.

Key Takeaways

Cats and dogs from Australia don't need an MPI import permit, unlike pets from almost every other country.
Compliant pets are cleared at the border without quarantine, provided they pass inspection and meet residency requirements.
You still need ISO-compliant microchipping, an up-to-date vet health certificate, and a tick and flea-free pet at arrival.
A new Import Health Standard is being phased in from 1 July 2026, with full compliance required by 1 April 2027, so confirm current requirements close to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my pet need to go into quarantine on arrival from Australia?

Not if they're compliant and pass the arrival inspection. MPI can still direct a pet into an approved quarantine facility, at your cost, if it's unwell or has ticks or fleas at the border.

Do I need to apply for an import permit?

No. As at 26 August 2026, MPI's guidance confirms a permit is not required for cats and dogs coming from Australia, which is one of the few origin countries where this applies.

The bottom line

Confirm the current MPI requirements directly before you book flights, since standards are being updated through 2026 and 2027. But relative to almost every other relocation corridor, moving a cat or dog from Australia to New Zealand is about as straightforward as international pet travel gets.

Move Between Guide helps Australians and New Zealanders navigate international relocation. Browse our guides, checklists and visa resources to plan your move with confidence.

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