Official Import Rules
New Zealand has extremely strict biosecurity laws. Cats must arrive as manifest cargo through Auckland or Christchurch airports only.
Requirements:
- MPI import permit
- ISO microchip
- Rabies vaccination, administered at least 30 days before the RNATT blood sample is taken (there is no requirement for the vaccination itself to be given 6 months before import)
- Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) with a result of ≥0.5 IU/ml — the blood draw must be no less than 3 months and no more than 24 months before shipment
- Approved external and internal parasite treatments
- Government-endorsed health certificate
- Mandatory 10-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility
Only cats from approved countries may be imported. Hybrid cats (offspring of cats crossed with another species) are prohibited, with the exception of Bengal cats accompanied by documentation showing at least 5 generations of domestic ancestry.
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Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip required before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Must be administered at least 30 days before the blood sample for the RNATT titre test is taken. There is no separate requirement for the vaccination to be given 6 months before import — overall timing is governed by this 30-day window plus the titre test's 3–24 month validity period before export.
Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT)
Blood drawn at least 30 days post-vaccination. Accepted methods are FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) or RFFIT (Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test). Result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. Lab results take 2–3 weeks.
Waiting period after blood draw
The blood draw must be completed no less than 3 months (and no more than 24 months) before the date of shipment. The cat can travel any time after this 3-month minimum has passed, provided all other conditions are met, such as health certificate timing.
Import permit
Apply at least 30 working days before travel — this is the minimum MPI processing time for a complete and accurate application. MPI also recommends applying at least six weeks before travel to allow time for processing and flight booking.
Health certificate
Issued within 10 days of travel by an accredited vet.
Government endorsement
USDA/official government endorsement required.
Travel
Arrive at designated port of entry only.
Preparation Checklist
6+ months before
3–6 months before
1 month before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
Mandatory minimum 10 days at an MPI-approved facility. Cats must clear all health checks before release. Quarantine costs NZD $1,500-2,500.
City & Housing Tips
Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are cat-friendly cities with excellent vet care. NZ has a strong focus on wildlife protection — many areas require cats to be kept indoors or confined.
Vets & Common Parasites
Excellent veterinary care. NZ Veterinary Association maintains a practice register. Common parasites: fleas and intestinal worms. No rabies in NZ.
Find Vets in New ZealandExit Rules — Leaving New Zealand
Exiting NZ requires compliance with destination country rules. MPI can endorse health certificates. Plan 1-2 months ahead for document processing.
Helpful Videos
Difficulty
High
Lead Time
6+ months
Estimated Cost
NZD $5,000–10,000
All-in estimate
Useful Links
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