Things to remember with pets 

Pets are loved in New Zealand. Bringing or owning pets in New Zealand (NZ) is a rewarding part of settling in, but it involves strict biosecurity rules to protect the country's unique ecosystem from pests and diseases. As immigrants or work visa holders, you'll need to plan ahead importing a pet can take months and cost thousands of dollars. Focus on dogs and cats, as other pets (e.g., birds, hamsters, gerbils, most reptiles) are often prohibited or heavily restricted.

Importing Your Pet. Key Requirements: 

  • Country of Origin Check: Your pet must come from an approved country (Categories 1-3 based on rabies risk, e.g. Australia = Category 1; UK = Category 2; many others = Category 3). If not approved, relocate your pet to an approved country for 6+ months first. Check MPI's list.  Pets travelling to NZ | NZ Government

  • Microchip, Vaccinations & Tests: ISO microchip (implanted before rabies vaccine); rabies vaccination + titer test (wait 180 days post-vaccination); treatments for internal/external parasites; dog-specific tests (e.g. Brucella canis, Babesia, Leptospirosis). Assistance dogs may get exemptions. Start the process 6-12 months ahead; ~NZ$1,500-2,500 USD for vet visits/tests.

  • Import Permit: Apply to MPI at least 20-30 days before arrival (or 6 weeks for non-cats/dogs). Include quarantine booking confirmation. Permit valid for 10 days from entry date. NZ$268 (incl. GST); processing 1-4 weeks.

  • Health Certificate & Documents: Vet-issued certificate (within 10 days of travel); proof of ownership, prescriptions (if medicated), and Air Waybill from airline. Notify MPI 72 hours (non-Australia) or 5 days (Australia) before arrival for inspection. Free to prepare, but endorsements ~NZ$200-500. 

  • Quarantine: 10+ days at an MPI-approved facility (e.g. Auckland Quarantine). Book in advance. No quarantine from Australia if compliant. Ticks/fleas mean extra treatment at your cost. NZ$2,000-4,000 for 10 days; longer if issues.

  • Customs Clearance: Clear via Customs and MPI on arrival. Provide Exempting Statutory Declaration for unregistered dogs. GST (15%) if pet >NZ$400 value (waived for permanent movers on 3+ year visas).~NZ$100-300 fees; use a broker for commercial imports (e.g. breeding).

Pet Ownership Rules and Responsibilities

Once in NZ, treat your pet like family—but follow local laws to avoid fines (up to NZ$3,000 for non-compliance).

  • Registration & Microchipping: Dogs must be registered annually with your local council (~NZ$100-300/year; discounts for desexed/neutered or responsible owners). Cats don't need registration but should be microchipped. New arrivals: Register within 1 month of arrival.
  • Desexing/Neutering: Strongly recommended (and often subsidized via SPCA) to prevent unwanted litters. Some councils require it for registration discounts.
  • Exercise & Control: Dogs need daily exercise. Must be leashed in public unless in designated off-leash areas. No dogs on beaches during summer in many spots.
  • Prohibited/Illegal Pets: Hamsters, gerbils, most mustelids (except ferrets), sloths, foxes, many reptiles/birds/amphibians banned. Eels or pigeons possible with permits. Check MPI for exotics.
  • Dangerous Dogs: Restricted breeds must be muzzled/leashed. All dogs classified as "menacing" need certification.
  • Cultural Note: Kiwis love pets—join community dog parks or SPCA events for integration.

Healthcare and Veterinary Services

NZ has excellent vet care, but it's private (no public subsidies like human healthcare). New arrivals: Find a local vet via your council or SPCA. SPCA New Zealand • Let's give them a better life

  • Routine Check-Up/Vaccinations - $ 80-150 per visit.
  • Annual boosters for rabies, parvovirus; flea/tick/worm treatments ~ $ 50-100.
  • Emergency/After-Hours. 24/7 clinics in cities; rural areas limited—plan for travel.
  • Desexing/Neutering - $ 200-400 (dog), $ 150-300 (cat). Subsidized via SPCA for low-income families. Book early.
  • Microchipping - $ 50-100. Required for imports; done at most vets. 
  • Medications/Prescriptions - $ 20-100/month. Bring 3 months' supply if needed. Declare on arrival.

Travel and Daily Life with Pets

  • Domestic Travel: Pets allowed on Interislander/Bluebridge ferries (extra fee ~NZ$50-100). Air NZ domestic flights in cabin/cargo (~NZ$100-200). Check NZTA for pet-friendly roads.
  • Housing: Many rentals pet-friendly but declare upfront. Bonds may increase (~1 extra week's rent).
  • Wildlife Protection: Keep pets away from native birds (e.g. kiwi)— fines for harm. Cats must stay indoors at night in some areas.
  • Costs Overview: Annual ownership ~NZ$1,000-2,000 (food, vet, rego). Imports add NZ$5,000+.
  • Support: SPCA (spca.nz) for adoption/education. MPI helpline for queries. Contact MPI | NZ Government

Useful Websites

Practical Tips and Advice 

  • Incessant barking and pets making a nuisance of themselves are frowned upon. This could be an issue when your property is smaller, and fences and walls are not the same as in your home country. Keeping dogs in the property could be an issue. 
  • It's common to see dogs waiting outside shopping malls. Water bowls may be left in a common area for thirsty pets.
  • People take their dogs to work. Owners will however ask before bringing a pet to work.