Animals & Animal Products
All pets exported out of New Zealand must meet the requirements of the importing country. The Ministry for Primary Industries has negotiated export requirements and certificates for most animals. Export requirements describe the contents of an export certificate. Certificates are forms that need to be completed, are signed off by official veterinarians, and travel with your pet.
Pets being taken out of New Zealand may also require an Animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC) that includes checking the pet’s welfare is provided for.
Search for the export requirements for the pet you wish to take or send overseas.
Here are the common destinations people are taking their pets to:
- Dogs and Cats to Australia
- Dogs and Cats to United Kingdom
- Dogs and Cats to other parts of the European Union
- Dogs and Cats to United States of America.
Information on commercial exporting of live animals , germplasm, or livestock.
Returning with your pet from overseas
Learn about the import requirements before you export your pet from New Zealand. Sometimes it is harder to return your pet back into New Zealand than it is to leave.
You can find this information in the Your Pets section:
Or contact the Animal Imports Team on:
animalimports@mpi.govt.nz
Taking your pet overseas
An authorised person (official veterinarian) completes the export certificate.
An animal Welfare Export Certificate (AWEC) may also need to be completed by the authorised person (official veterinarian).
A registered pet exporter can organise the relocation of your pet. Some airlines will not deal directly with the public and require the use of a pet exporter. Contact your airline for their requirements.
The Food Safety Verification Agency (Live Animal Sector) can organise an authorised person (official veterinarian) to sign the export certificate and AWEC prior to export if you are not using a pet exporter. Their contact details are:
Auckland:
Ph: 09 909 2706
mqsakav@mpi.govt.nz
Wellington:
Ph: 04 894 4208
Diana.Watson@mpi.govt.nz
Christchurch:
Ph: 03 943 1777
LiveAnimalGroup@mpi.govt.nz
Costs of exporting your pet overseas
The Ministry for Primary Industries suggests you talk to a registered pet exporter and airline for an indication of the full costs involved.
A fee schedule is available for the costs charged.
Further help
Contact the Animal Exports Team on:
animalexports@mpi.govt.nz
Page last updated: 30 April 2012