How long does it take to prepare a pet to move from United States to New Zealand?

Plan for at least 200 days before the flight based on the official rules checked 2026-10-30.

Does New Zealand require a rabies titer test for pets from United States?

RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml required (United States is Category 3). Exact timing windows: check the Import Health Standard.

Is there quarantine for pets entering New Zealand from United States?

Minimum 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine facility.

Moving your dog or cat from United States to New Zealand

Short answer: start at least 200 days before your flight. Rules last checked against official sources on 2026-10-30.

This page and the planner are generated automatically from official government sources. Planning tool only — not veterinary, legal or professional advice; no human expert reviews your plan. Always confirm with your vet, the official authority and your airline.

Free pet move planner

Moving from

Moving to

Pet

Flight date

United States → New Zealand pet import requirements

Requirement	Status	Details	Source
Microchip	required verify	Microchip required.	official
Rabies vaccine	required verify	Rabies vaccination required for Category 3 countries.	official
Rabies titer test (RNATT)	required	RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml required (United States is Category 3). Exact timing windows: check the Import Health Standard.	official
Health certificate / endorsement	required verify	Veterinary certificate endorsed by the exporting country's government; a USDA-accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and USDA APHIS endorses it (VEHCS online or by mail).	official
Import permit / pre-notification	required	MPI import permit required (all approved countries except Australia).	official
Quarantine	required	Minimum 10 days in an MPI-approved quarantine facility.	official
Other	required verify	Pre-export parasite treatments and tests per the Import Health Standard.	official

Order of steps

Microchip your pet — at least 200 days before the flight. Before vaccination and blood test.
Rabies vaccination — at least 180 days before the flight. Required before the RNATT.
RNATT blood test at an approved lab — at least 150 days before the flight. Result ≥0.5 IU/ml; check the IHS for exact validity windows.
Apply for MPI import permit — at least 90 days before the flight. Required before travel.
Book MPI-approved quarantine (min 10 days) — at least 90 days before the flight. Facilities fill up; book early.
Pre-export treatments and vet exam — between 30 and 2 days before the flight. Follow the IHS windows exactly.
Endorsed veterinary certificate — between 10 and 1 days before the flight. A USDA-accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and USDA APHIS endorses it (VEHCS online or by mail).
Arrive; minimum 10 days quarantine — at least 0 days before the flight.

Items marked “verify” could not be fully confirmed; check the official source and your vet.