Moving to New Zealand is an exciting adventure, but if you're a cat owner, you're probably wondering how to bring your feline friend along for the journey. The good news? It's entirely possible to bring cat to New Zealand. The less-good news? The process involves careful planning, strict requirements, and a fair bit of paperwork.

New Zealand takes biosecurity seriously to protect its unique ecosystem from foreign diseases and pests. That means your cat will need to meet specific health standards, undergo mandatory quarantine, and arrive via approved pathways. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bring your cat to New Zealand safely and legally.

Understanding New Zealand's Import Requirements

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) oversees all pet imports into the country. To bring your cat to New Zealand, you'll need to comply with their import health standards, which are designed to prevent the introduction of rabies and other diseases.

The requirements vary slightly depending on which country you're traveling from. Cats coming from "approved countries" (including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and most EU nations) face a more streamlined process than those arriving from other regions.

Key Requirements at a Glance

Before your cat can enter New Zealand, they must:

• Be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip

• Have a valid rabies vaccination (with specific timing requirements)

• Undergo blood tests to confirm rabies antibody levels

• Receive treatments for parasites and other health conditions

• Spend at least 180 days in an approved country after rabies vaccination

• Complete a mandatory quarantine period upon arrival

These aren't suggestions—they're legal requirements. Failing to meet any of them could result in your cat being refused entry or facing extended quarantine at your expense.

Step-by-Step Process to Bring Your Cat to New Zealand

Step 1: Microchip Your Cat

Your cat must be microchipped before any vaccines or treatments are administered. The microchip needs to be ISO 11784/11785 compliant (a 15-digit chip). If your cat already has a non-compliant chip, they'll need a second, compliant one implanted.

Make sure to record the microchip number—you'll need it for every piece of documentation moving forward.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

At least 24 hours after microchipping, your cat needs a rabies vaccination. This vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and recorded with the microchip number.

If your cat has been vaccinated before, you may be able to use that vaccination record, but it must meet New Zealand's specific requirements. The vaccine must be current and cannot be expired at the time of travel.

Step 3: Rabies Blood Test

At least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, your cat must undergo a rabies antibody titration test (RNATT or FAVN test). This blood test confirms that the vaccine worked and your cat has sufficient rabies antibodies.

The test must be performed at an approved laboratory, and the results must show a titer level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. Keep the original lab report—you'll need it for your import permit application.

Step 4: Wait 180 Days

After the successful blood test, your cat must remain in an approved country for at least 180 days before traveling to New Zealand. This waiting period cannot be shortened, so plan your move accordingly.

This is often the most frustrating part of the process, especially if you're eager to relocate. However, it's a critical biosecurity measure.

Step 5: Pre-Export Treatments

Within specific timeframes before departure, your cat must receive treatments for:

• Internal parasites (tapeworm and roundworm)

• External parasites (fleas, ticks, and lice)

• Any other conditions as specified by MPI

These treatments must be administered by a veterinarian and documented on an official health certificate. Timing matters—treatments given too early or too late won't meet the requirements.

Step 6: Veterinary Health Certificate

Within 48 hours of your cat's departure, an accredited veterinarian must complete a health certificate confirming that your cat meets all import requirements and is fit to travel. This certificate must be endorsed by the relevant government authority in your country (such as the USDA in the United States).

Step 7: Apply for an Import Permit

You'll need to apply for an import permit through MPI at least 60 days before your cat's arrival. The application requires all your documentation, including microchip records, vaccination certificates, blood test results, and treatment records.

The permit costs around NZD $200 and is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.

Step 8: Book Approved Transport

Your cat must arrive in New Zealand via an approved pathway—typically by air through Auckland International Airport. You'll need to use an airline that accepts live animal cargo and can meet MPI's requirements for animal transport.

Many cat owners work with pet relocation specialists who handle the logistics of international pet transport. While this adds to the cost, it can reduce stress and ensure compliance with all regulations.

Quarantine Requirements

Upon arrival in New Zealand, your cat must complete a minimum 10-day quarantine at an MPI-approved facility. If your cat comes from an approved country and meets all pre-arrival requirements, the 10-day period applies. Cats from non-approved countries may face longer quarantine periods.

The quarantine facility near Auckland Airport is equipped to care for cats during their stay, but you'll need to pay quarantine fees (currently around NZD $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the length of stay).

During quarantine, your cat will be monitored for signs of disease. If they pass all health checks, they'll be released to you at the end of the quarantine period.

Costs to Bring Your Cat to New Zealand

Bringing a cat to New Zealand isn't cheap. Here's a rough breakdown of costs:

• Microchip: $50–$100

• Rabies vaccination: $20–$50

• Blood test: $100–$200

• Pre-export treatments: $100–$300

• Health certificates and endorsements: $200–$500

• Import permit: $200

• Airfare for cat: $200–$1,000 (depending on airline and route)

• Quarantine fees: $1,500–$2,000

• Pet relocation service (optional): $1,000–$3,000

Total estimated cost: $3,000–$7,000 USD

The exact amount depends on where you're traveling from, which services you use, and whether you hire a pet relocation company.

Tips for a Smooth Process

Start Early: The 180-day waiting period alone means you need to begin preparations at least six months before your move. Starting earlier gives you buffer time for unexpected delays.

Keep Detailed Records: Organize all documentation in a binder or digital folder. You'll need to reference these records multiple times throughout the process.

Use an Accredited Vet: Make sure your veterinarian is familiar with New Zealand's import requirements. Not all vets are accredited to complete the necessary certificates, so confirm this early.

Consider a Pet Relocation Service: If the process feels overwhelming, professional pet relocation companies specialize in international moves and can handle much of the paperwork and logistics.

Check Airline Policies: Not all airlines accept cats in cargo, and some have breed or size restrictions. Book your cat's flight as early as possible.

What Happens After Quarantine?

Once your cat completes quarantine and is cleared by MPI, you're free to take them home. New Zealand doesn't have additional restrictions on cat ownership, though some rental properties may have pet policies you'll need to navigate.

Be aware that New Zealand has unique wildlife, and outdoor cats can pose a threat to native birds. Many communities encourage or require cats to be kept indoors or in enclosed outdoor spaces. Research local regulations and consider your cat's safety and the impact on local wildlife.

Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead is Everything

The process to bring your cat to New Zealand requires patience, organization, and financial investment. But for most cat owners, the effort is worth it to keep their furry family member by their side.

Start planning early, follow each step carefully, and don't hesitate to reach out to MPI or a pet relocation specialist if you have questions. With the right preparation, your cat will be snuggling up in your new Kiwi home before you know it.