Import Health Standard  
 
 
Cats and Dogs  
CATDOG.GEN  
9 March 2018  
 
 
  
 
  
 
An import health standard issued under  the Biosecurity Act 1993  Import Health Standard :  Cats and Dogs  
 . 9 March  2018  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  1 of 19 TITLE  
Import Health Standard :  Cats and Dogs  
COMMENCEMEN T 
This import h ealth standard  comes into force on  9th March 2018.  
REVOCATION  
This import health standard revokes and replaces the following:  
a) Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs, CATDOG.GEN, 28 November 2014  
ISSUING AUTHORITY  
This import health s tandard  is issued under  section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993 .  
 
Dated at Wellington this   9th   day of    March 2018     
 
 
 
 
 
 
Howard Pharo  
Manager, Import and Export Animals  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under delegated authority of the Director General)  
 
  
Contact for further information  
Ministry for Primary Industries  (MPI)  
Regulation & Assurance   
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
Email:  animalimports@mpi.govt.nz  
 
 
 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  2 of 19 Contents  Page 
Introduction  3 
Part 1:  General Requirements  5 
1.1 Application  5 
1.2 The outcom e this standard is seeking to achieve  5 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  6 
1.4 Definitions  6 
1.5 Approved exporting countries  6 
1.6 Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  7 
1.7 Inspection and verification  7 
1.8 Transport  7 
1.9 Permit to import  8 
1.10  The documentation that must accompany goods  8 
1.11  Post-arrival quarantine  9 
1.12  Biosecurity clearance  9 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  10 
2.1 Rabies (cats and dogs)  10 
2.2 External parasites (cats and dogs)  10 
2.3 Internal parasites (cats and dogs)  10 
2.4 Babesia canis (dogs that have ever resided in or travelled to South Africa)  11 
2.5 Babesia gibsoni (dogs)  11 
2.6 Brucella canis (dogs)  11 
2.7 Canine transmissible venereal tumour (dogs)  12 
2.8 Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) (dogs)  12 
2.9 Leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola) (dogs) 12 
2.10  Canine influenza  12 
Schedule 1 – Document History  13 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  14 
Schedule 3 – Assistance Dogs  16 
Schedule 4  – Cats and Dogs Arriving on Yachts  17 
Schedule 5 – National or International Emergencies and New Zealand Defence Force 
Activitie s 19 
 
 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  3 of 19 Introduction  
This introduction is not part of the import health standard (IHS) , but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
(1) This IHS specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing cats and dogs  into 
New Zealand.  
Backgro und 
(1) The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating  and effectively 
managing pests and unwanted organisms.  
(2) Import health standards issued under the Act set out requirements to be met to effectively manage 
biosecurity risks associated with importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the 
exporting country, during transit, and during importation, before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Who should read this import health standard ? 
(1) This IHS applies to importers of eligible consignments of  cats and dogs.  
Why is this important ? 
(1) It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure the requirements of this IHS are met. Consignments that do 
not comply with the requirements of this IHS may not be cleared for entry into New Zealand and/or 
further information may be sought from importers. Consignments that do not comply with the 
requirements of this IHS may be re -shipped or destroyed under the Act or  tested/ treated  in accordance 
with this IHS prior to release or equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated 
expenses.   
See guidance docu ment for more information about importer responsibilities . 
Equivalence  
(1) The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may approve measures under section 27(1)( d) of the Act, different 
from those set out in this IHS, that may be applied to effectively manage risks associated with the 
importation of  these goods.  If an equivalent measure is approved a permit to import may be issued 
under section 24D(2) of the Act , if the Director -General considers it appropriate to do so.  
See guidance document for more information about equivalence , and permits . 
Document history  
(1) Refer to Schedule 1.  
Other information  
(1) This is not an exhaustive list of compliance requirements and  it is the importer’s responsibility to be 
familiar with and comply with all New Zealand laws.  
 
 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  4 of 19 Dog Control Act 1996  
(2) Section 30A(1) of the Dog Control Act 1996 (the Act) prohibits the importation into New Zealand of any 
dog that belongs wholly or predomi nantly to one or more of the breeds or type of dog listed in 
Schedule 4 of the Act.  
See guidance document for more information on the Dog Control Act 1996.   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  5 of 19 Part 1:  General Requirements  
1.1 Application  
(1) Cats and dogs may be imported into New Zealand from approved  countries that meet the requirements 
of this IHS. 
See guidance document for the list of approved  exporting countries.  
1.1.1 Eligibility  
(1) Eligibility is restricted to domestic cats ( Felis catus ) and domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ).    
a) Hybrids (offspring of dogs or cats crossed with another species) are not eligible for importation, 
with the exception of Bengal cats. Documentation of five generations of domestic ancestry must 
be provided for Bengal cats.  
b) Dog breeds/types prohibited by New Zealand law, including dogs that wholly or predominantly 
belong to one or more of the prohibited breeds or type of dog, are not eligible for importation. 
Dogs previously registered in New Zealand may be imported if accompanied by evidence of New 
Zealand registration.  
 
See guidance document for information on the Importer Breed Declaration  and the Dog Control 
Act 1996.  
(2) An approved microchip must be implanted in the animal.  
See guidance document for information on approved microchip s. 
(3) Animals must meet the minimum age spe cified on the veterinary certification and not be more than 42 
days pregnant on the date of shipment.  
(4) Animals, except those from Australia, must reside in the country of export for at least the six months 
(or since birth) immediately preceding the date of shipment.   
(5) Animals imported directly from New Zealand into the country or territory of export may be given 
exemption for the residency requirement if they meet the following requirements:  
a) The animal has resided continuously in the country or territory of export since being imp orted 
directly from New Zealand.  
b) The animal was identified by a microchip p rior to export from New Zealand.  
c) A copy of the New Zealand exp ort certificate is supplied.  
d) If resident in a country or territory with measures for rabies, the animal was vaccinated against 
rabies with an approved inactivated vaccine at least one month and not more than six months 
prior to leaving New Zealand when the animal was at least three months of age, and the animal 
was subjected to a serum rabies neutrali sing antibody titre test no greater than 18 months prior to 
leaving New Zealand, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.  
(6) Dogs that have been diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni  or Brucella canis  are not eligible for import, 
regardless of treatment.  
1.2 The outcome t his standard  is seeking to achieve  
(1) The outcome this IHS is seeking to achieve is the effective management of biosecurity risks associated 
with eligible consignments of cats and dogs.  
 
  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  6 of 19 (2) The biosecurity risk organisms associated with cats and dogs  that are managed by this IHS are:  
a) Cats and dogs : 
i) External parasites  
ii) Internal parasites  
iii) Rabies  
iv) Canine influenza  
 
b) Dogs only : 
i) Babesia canis  
ii) Babesia gibsoni  
iii) Brucella canis  
iv) Canine transmissible venereal tumour  
v) Filariosis (canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis )  
vi) Leptospirosis ( Leptospira interrogans serovar  canicola ) 
1.3 Incorporation of material by reference  
(1) The following international standards are incorporated by reference i n this IHS under section 142M of 
the Act:  
a) The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for 
Terrestrial Animals  (the Manual ). 
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code ). 
c) The International Air Transport Association  (IATA) Live Animals Regulations  (LAR): a copy is 
available for reading, free of charge, at MPI, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington.  
d) The Australian Marine Orders  Part 43, Issue 6 (equivalent to the New Zealand Marine Rules  Part 
24C) ( available free of charge: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2006L03643 ). 
(2) The following material is incorporated by reference in this IHS under section 142M of the Act:  
a) MPI Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and Post -arrival Testing Laboratories fo r 
Animal Import Health Standards  (MPI-STD-TVTL ). 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is declared that sectio n 142O(1) does not apply, that is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces the above listed standards, guideline or lists has legal effect as part of these documents.  
See guidance document for more information about incorporation by reference and section 142O(1 ). 
1.4 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this standard and the attached guidance document, terms used that are defined in 
the Act have the meanings set out there. The A ct is available at the following website: 
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/    
(2) See Schedule 2 for additional  definitions that apply . 
1.5 Approved e xporting countr ies 
(1) Importers may only import eligible cats and dogs  from countries  where the Competent Authority has 
provided evidence to the satisfaction of a CTO of the following:  
a) The verifiable animal health status of cat and dog  populations in the exporting country, zone or 
compartment, with respect to biosecurity  risk organisms of concern.   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  7 of 19 b) The national systems/programmes and standards in the exporting country for regulatory 
oversight of cats and dogs.   
c) The capabilities and preferences of the exporting country’s Competent Authority with respect to 
achieving equival ent outcomes to requirements stated in this IHS.  
See guidance document for more information about approved exporting countr ies.  
(2) MPI reserves the right to perform an in -country or desk -top audit at any time, including prior to the first 
shipment of cats an d dogs.  
1.6 Diagnostic testing, vaccination and treatment  
(1) Any laboratory conducting the pre -export and/or surveillance testing as specified in the IHS must be 
approved by the Competent Authority of a country approved to export to New Zealand.   
(2) Laboratory samp les must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the 
recommendations in the Code  and/or the Manual  or as described in MPI -STD-TVTL.  
(3) Diagnostic test(s) and vaccines used must be approved by MPI and listed in MPI -STD-TVTL.  
(4) All product names, manufacturers, active ingredients (where applicable), dose and date of treatment 
must be recorded on the veterinary certificate.  
See guidance document (model veterinary certificates) for more information on tests, treatments and 
vaccina tions . 
1.7 Inspection and verification  
(1) Pre-shipment veterinary inspection and compliance verification .  
(2) Post-arrival veterinary inspection and document verification.  
1.8 Transport  
(1) Cats and dogs arriving by air must be transported as cargo unless they qualify as an assistance dog 
(see Schedule 3  – Assistance Dogs ). 
(2) The container must meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA)  standards and be clean, 
dry, and free of pest s.   
(3) The animals must not be carried on an aircraft or vessel with any animals other than those qualified for 
entry into Australia or New Zealand.  
(4) Straw or hay bedding is not permitted. Only inert bedding is permitted, and any material such as 
bedding, toy s or clothing will be destroyed on arrival for ectoparasite control.  
(5) The animal must only transit in approved countries .  
See guidance document for list of specified ( approved ) countries.  
(6) The container door of all animal crates, except those containing ani mals from Australia, must be 
sealed securely with a government -approved seal.  
(7) Cats and dogs arriving by sea must comply with the requirements in Schedule 4 . 
(8) Advance notification of arrival by air or sea must be sent to the port of arrival at least 72 hours  prior t o 
the scheduled time of arrival.   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  8 of 19 1.9 Permit to import  
(1) A permit to import is required prior to the importation of eligible cats and dogs  from specified countries  
(except Australia – no permit required) . 
(2) Permit to import application forms can be found on the MPI website at: 
http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/regs/imports/animals/forms . 
(3) The application form should specify the name and add ress of the transitional  facility in New Zealand 
approved to Standard for Cat and Dog Transitional Facilities (Catdog.tf)  to which the consignment is to 
proceed following importation . 
(4) Completed applications can be submitted to Animal Imports animalimports@mpi.govt.nz .   
(5) A permit to import under section 24 D of the Act is required if a CTO has approved a n equiva lent 
measure prior to import , different from th at set  in the IHS that may be applied to effectively manage 
risks.   
(6) A permit to import is not required where a CTO has approved a n equivalent  measure prior to import , 
different from th at set  in the IHS in the form of a negotiated veterinary certificate.  
See guidance document for further  information about equivalence.  
1.10 The documentation that must accompany goods  
(1) The consignment must arrive in New Zealand with the following:   
a) A permit to import issued by MPI (copy  acceptable) for a single consignment  (except Australia) . 
The importer must supply the following information to obtain a permit:  
i) The name and address of exporter.  
ii) The number, sex, age, species and unique  microchip  identification of the animal.  
iii) The date of proposed importation.  
iv) The name and address of the transitional facility in New Zealand to which the consignment 
is to proceed following importation.  
v) The port of arrival, and route and means of transport to the transitional facility.  
b) Veterinary certificate,  that must include the following:  
i) A unique consignment identifier.  
ii) The description, species, and microchip identification of each animal.  
iii) The name and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor).  
iv) The name, signature and contact details of the Official Veterinarian.  
v) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the general requirements 
outlined in Part 1 of this IHS have been met.  
vi) Certification and endorsement by the Official Veterinarian that the specified requirements  
outlined in Part 2 of this IHS  have been met.  
See guidance document for model veterinary certificates.  
 
c) Original l aboratory reports ; copies of laboratory reports endorsed by the Official Veterinarian 
must include :  
i) Unique microchip  identification for each ani mal, consistent with the veterinary certificate.   
ii) Dates of sample collection.   
iii) Test type.  
iv) Test result.  
d) Importer dog breed  declaration.  
 
See guidance document for information about the Importer Breed  declaration .  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  9 of 19 (2) All documents must:  
a) Be identified with the animal’s microchip number.  
b) Be original, unless otherwise stated.  
c) Accompany the imported goods.  
d) Be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible.  
e) Be endorsed on every page by the Official Veterinarian with their original stamp, signatu re and 
date or be endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper based alternative security 
features.  
(3) Documentation copies must be sent to the New Zealand Official Veterinarian at the airport/port of 
arrival at least 72 hours in advance of import ation.  
1.11 Post -arrival quarantine  
(1) Following biosecurity authorisation being given, cats and dogs  from all countries, other than Australia, 
must proceed directly to the transitional facility  named on the permit to import , for a minimum of 10 
days , or until al l biosecurity requirements have been met . 
(2) The animal will be transported directly to the approved transitional facility named on the permit by the 
approved operator or agent of that facility using a transport method approved by the supervisor of the 
facility.   
(3) All non -compliant animals from Australia, and those arriving outside the hours scheduled for veterinary 
inspection, will be sent to an approved transitional facility and remain there until all non -compliances 
are resolved and/or until biosecurity cle arance is given . 
(4) The documentation will be checked to ensure it meets all requirements noted under Part 1 General 
Requirements and Part 2  Specified Requirements (v eterinary certific ation) of this IHS. 
See guidance document for a list of MPI -approved quaran tine facilities . 
1.12 Biosecurity clearance  
(1) A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of t he Act 1993, may be issued when the cats and dogs 
meet all the requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable requirements of section 27 in the Act are 
met.  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  10 of 19 Part 2:  Specified R equirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
(1) The Veterinary Authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated 
veterinary certificate containing declarations regarding the following diseases:  
2.1 Rabies (cats and dogs)  
(1) The animal has been resident in a rabies -free country (as defined in the OIE Code ) since birth or for 
the six months immediately prior to the date of shipment; and  
a) The animal shows no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment; or  
(2) The animal has been vaccinated against rabies with a government approved inactivated virus vaccine 
or recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein:  
a) In the case of a primary vaccination, the vaccine was given not less than six months and not 
more than one year prior to the date of shipment, when the animal was at least three months old. 
A copy of the vaccine certificate is required; or  
b) If a booster vaccination, the vaccine was given not more than one year prior to the date of 
shipment. A copy of the most recent and previous vaccination certificate is required.  
Note:  rabies vaccination must be kept up -to-date from the date of sample collection for the 
rabies titre test to the date of shipment; and  
(3) The animal has been subjected to a rabies antibody  test (as prescr ibed in the Manual ) on a sample 
collected not less than three months and not more than 24 months prior to the date of shipment, with a 
result of at least 0.5 IU/ml; and  
(4) The animal shows no clinical signs of rabies on the day of shipment.  
2.2 External parasites  (cats and dogs)  
(1) The cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian twice  with a topical product registered for the control of 
ticks and fleas at the manufacturer’s recommended dose and certified as free from external parasites 
at each treatment :  
a) The first treatment was given in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment and at least two we eks 
before the second treatment.   
b) The second treatment was given in the two day s prior to the date of shipment.  
(2) The cat or dog was inspected and found to be free of externa l parasites post arrival.  
2.3 Internal parasites (cats and dogs)  
(1) The animal has been treated twice  with a product (or combination or products) registered for the 
control of nematodes and cestodes at the manufacturer’s recommended dose :  
a) The first treatment was  given in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment and at least two we eks 
before the second treatment.  
b) The second treatment was given in the four days prior to the date of shipment.   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  11 of 19 2.4 Babesia canis (dogs that have ever resided in or travelled to 
South Afric a) 
(1) The dog has been inspected and found to be healthy and free of ticks prior to each of the two 
treatments required for external p arasites.  
(2) The dog has been given an approved treatment for Babesia canis  in the 16 days prior to the date of 
shipment; or  
(3) The dog has been subjected to an IFA or ELISA test for Babesia canis  in the 16 days prior to the date 
of shipment with a negative result; or  
(4) The dog has been subjected to PCR tests for Babesia  spp. or Babesia canis  with negative results on 
samples collecte d 30-37days apart, with the second sample collected in the 16 days prior to the date 
of shipment.  
2.5 Babesia gibsoni (dogs)  
(1) The dog has been inspected and found to be free of ticks and healthy prior to each of the two 
treatments required for external parasite s. 
(2) The dog has been subjected to an IFA or ELISA test for Babesia gibsoni  with a negative result in the 
16 days prior to the date of shipment; or  
(3) The dog has been subjected to two PCR tests for Babesia  spp. or Babesia gibsoni  with negative 
results on sampl es collected 30 -37days apart, with the second sample collected in the 16 days prior to 
the date of shipment.  
 Note : Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
2.6 Brucella  canis (dogs)  
(1) The dog has been subjected to a rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT) with a negative result in the 16 
days prior to the date of shipment; or  
(2) The dog has been subjected to a tube agglutination test (TAT) with a negative result in the 16 days 
prior to the date of shipment; or  
(3) The dog  has been subjected to a cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test (CPAg -AGID) with a 
negative result in the 16 days prior to the date of shipment; or  
(4) The dog had a positive or inconclusive RSAT or TAT result and has been subjected to a cytoplasmic 
agar ge l immunodiffusion test (CPAg -AGID) for Brucella canis  with a negative result in the 16 days 
prior to the date of shipment; or  
(5) The dog had a suspicious TAT result and the test was repeated at least 30 to 42 days after the first 
test with a negative result i n the 16 days prior to the date of shipment; and 
(6) For entire dogs only, an owner declaration that the dog has not been mated in the 44 days prior to the 
date of shipment unless to a dog of equal Brucella canis  health status. Any artificial insemination must  
be done with semen that meets the relevant New Zealand import health standard for semen.  
 Note : Dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  12 of 19 2.7 Canine transmissible venereal tumour (dogs)  
(1) Entire male or female dogs  have been subjected to examination of the external genitalia in the two 
days prior to the date of shipment and have no lesions suggestive of canine transmissible venereal 
tumour.  
2.8 Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) (dogs)  
(1) If six months of age or older on the date of shipment, the dog has been subjected to a heartworm 
antigen ELISA test with a negative result in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment.  
(2) All dogs (regardless of age) have either been treated with a product registered for heartworm 
prevention at the manufacturer’s recommended dose in the four days prior to the date of shipment or 
are up -to-date with a sustained -release injection registered for heartworm prevention.  
2.9 Leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola) (dogs)  
(1) The dog has been tre ated with an approved course of treatment  in the 30 days prior to the date of 
shipment; or  
(2) The dog has been subjected to a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira  canicola  with a 
negative result in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment; or  
(3) The dog had a positive MAT of 1:400 or less for Leptospira  canicola  in the 30 days prior to the date of 
shipment and has been subjected to a second MAT for Leptospira  canicola  at least 14 days after the 
first test and showed no increase above the titre of the first test.  
2.10 Canine influenza   
(1) For at least 21 days prior to shipment : 
a) The cat or dog was not kept in a place where there were cats or dogs showing clinical signs of 
infectious respiratory disease; and  
b) The cat or dog showed no clinical signs of  infectious respiratory disease.  
See guidance document for specific details of each requirement   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  13 of 19 Schedule  1 – Document History  
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
24 July 2013  Cats and Dogs  CATDOG.GEN  
Date of Issued A mendments  Title Shortcode  
28 November  2014  Cats and Dogs  CATDOG. GEN  
9 March 2018  Cats and Dogs  CATDOG.GEN   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  14 of 19 Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Biosecurity Authority  
Written authority from an inspector, given under Section 29 of the Act, to move restricted organisms from a 
transitional facility, biosecurity control area or containment facility to another transitional facility, biosecurity 
control area or containment facility or to export those goods from New Zealand . 
Biosecurity Clearance  
A clearance under section 26 for the entry of goods into Ne w Zealand.  
Explanatory note: Goods given a Biosecurity Clearance by an Inspector are released to the importer without 
restriction . 
Competent Authority  
The Veterinary or other Governmental Authority of an OIE Member, that has the  responsibility and 
compet ence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, 
international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the Code  in the whole 
territory . 
CTO Direction  
Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Direct ion - equivalent measures recorded by number under section 27(1)d(iii) of 
the Act, to enable border staff to clear the goods and record the number in the MPI database . 
Director -General  
The chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries . 
IATA  
The International Air Transport Association .  
Inspector  
A person who is appointed an inspector under section 103 of the Act.  
Explanatory note: An Inspector is appointed to undertake administering and enforcing the provisions of the Act 
and controls imposed un der the Hazardous Substances and New Organism Act 1996, and the Convention on 
the International Trade in Endangered Species . 
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries , New Zealand.   
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the Competent Authority of th e country to perform certain designated official 
tasks associated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 
appropriate, to certify in conformity with the provisions of the OIE Code  Chapter for certification procedure s. 
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health . 
The Code  
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code as found on the OIE website .   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  15 of 19 The Manual   
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial 
Animals . 
Permi t to Import  
A permit issued by the Director General of MPI pursuant to section 24D(2) of the Act .   
Veterinary Certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of the Code  Chapter for certification procedures, 
describing the animal healt h and/or public health requirements which are fulfilled by the exported 
commodities .  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  16 of 19 Schedule 3 – Assistance Dogs  
(1) This schedule  must be used in conjunction with the Import Health Standard:  Cats and Dogs . 
Assistance dogs must comply with all of the requirem ents listed in the veterinary certificate for the 
country they are exported from.  
(2) Dogs that meet the definition of an assistance dog may travel in the cabin with their assisted handler, if 
acceptable to the airline.  
(3) Additionally, if quarantine is require d for dogs from the country of export, a home quarantine 
agreement will be arranged to allow the dog to complete the quarantine at home under the supervision 
of an official veterinarian, provided the dog is compliant with all of the tests and treatments re quired for 
the country of export.   
See guidance document for Assistance Dog Home Quarantine form . 
Eligibility  
(4) Assistance dogs are defined as highly trained dogs for the purpose of assisting persons with a 
disability in the course of their daily lives. These dogs are trained and certified by a recognised and 
accredited national and/or international organisation. On ly active (in use) assistance dogs that are 
accompanying their assisted handler are eligible under this import health standard.  
(5) For Guide Dogs : the importer must provide official documentation from a member school of the 
International Federation of Guide Dog Schools that states that the guide dog has been in the service of 
its handler at and/or under the supervision of the school for at least the six months prior to the date of 
importation.  
(6) For other assistance dogs : the importer must provide official doc umentation from a recognised and 
accredited assistance organisation that states that the assistance dog has been in the service of its 
assisted handler at and/or under the supervision of the organisation for at least the six months prior to 
the date of imp ortation.   
Permit to Import  
(7) All assistance dogs, except those from Australia, must have a permit to import issued prior to arrival.  
Advance Notice of Arrival  
(8) Notification of arrival must be sent to the port of arrival and to the official veterinarian at least 72 hours 
prior to arrival to ensure that an official veterinarian is available to complete the post -arrival inspection 
and issue a home quarantine agreement or biosecurity clearance.  
See guidance document for contact details . 
Biosecurity Clearance  
(9) Assistance dogs must pass post -arrival inspection and document verification before receiving 
biosecurity clearance or becoming eligible for a home quarantine agreement. If ticks or fleas are found, 
the dog will be sent to an approved transitional facility.  
(10) If applicable, the assisted handler must sign the declaration for home quarantine. The period covered 
will be equal to the period of post -arrival quarantine specified in the veterinary certification of the 
country of export.   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  17 of 19 Schedule 4 – Cats and Dogs Arri ving on Yachts  
(1) This appendix must be used in conjunction with the Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs . Cats and 
dogs arriving on yachts must fulfil specific biosecurity requirements, or remain offshore. Yachts arriving 
with cats and dogs must comply with  one of the following options:  
a) For importers planning to bring their pet onshore, the cat or dog must meet all of the eligibility 
requirements in the import health standard and comply with all of the requirements listed in the 
veterinary certificate for ei ther specified countries where rabies is absent or well -controlled, or 
Australia. See guidance docum ent for veterinary certificates; or  
 
Note : Cats and dogs that have travelled to or from approved countries other than Australia in the 
six months preceding arrival in New Zealand must comply with the rabies requirements, including 
microchip implantation, rabies vaccination (given at least six months before coming onshore), 
and rabies titre test (sample collected at least three months before coming onshore) be fore 
entering a quarantine facility. The remaining tests and treatments may be completed in the 
quarantine facility, and the animal may be given clearance once all tests and treatments are 
completed, with a minimum quarantine period of 10 days. Once biosec urity clearance is given the 
animal may travel freely throughout New Zealand on land or sea.   
 
b) For cats or dogs that do not meet the eligibility requirements, or have not completed the 
microchip and rabies vaccination and test requirements, the animal must  remain secured 
onboard the yacht at anchor or pole mooring at an approved port. Movement to one other 
approved port may be approved if necessary, and the vessel must leave New Zealand within six 
months. Inspection and treatment for parasites will be requi red, along with scheduled compliance 
inspections. Failure to comply with the requirements will result in the animal being reshipped or 
destroyed.  
Eligibility  
(2) For cats or dogs to be eligible for biosecurity clearance, the yacht must have only travelled to a pproved 
countries or territories listed in the guidance document in the six months immediately prior to arrival in 
New Zealand, and meet all of the other eligibility requirements listed in the IHS. 
Permit to import  
(3) To obtain biosecurity clearance, all cats  and dogs on yachts, except those from Australia, must have a 
permit to import issued prior to arrival.  
Advance notice of arrival  
(4) Notification must be sent to the port of arrival at least 72 hours prior to arrival for all vessels.  
See guidance document for contact details . 
On arrival  
(5) All yachts arriving with animals on board must not berth in New Zealand, but must go directly to one of 
the ports approved as a place of first arrival.  
See guidance document . 
(6) Animals must be secured below deck on arrival at  the port. The importer must immediately notify MPI 
of the presence of an animal on board and whether or not arrangements have been made for the 
animal to go to an approved quarantine (transitional) facility.  
  
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  18 of 19 Biosecurity clearance  
(7) Cats and dogs arriving o n yachts must remain secured on board at anchor or pole mooring at an 
approved port until they:  
a) Are transferred under biosecurity control to a quarantine facility, where, after they have met all 
requirements in the veterinary certificate for cats and dogs from specified countries, they can be 
given biosecurity clearance;  or 
b) Meet all of the requirements for cats and dogs from Australia and are given biosecurity 
clearance;  or 
c) Leave New Zealand within six months of arrival.  
 
Note : Cats and dogs arriving on com mercial vessels and cruise ships are subject to biosecurity 
requirements, and arrangements must be made with a MPI Inspector to ensure animals are 
secured on board while the vessel is docked.   
Ministry for Primary Industries    Page  19 of 19 Schedule 5 – National or International Emergencies and New 
Zeala nd Defence Force Activities  
Importing Working Dogs for a National Emergency  
Scope  
(1) In the case of a national emergency declared by the Government of New Zealand, for example a 
natural disaster, working dogs from other countries may be required to provide search and rescue or 
other services. In such cases there may not be time or resources to issue permits to import and 
complete all pre -export requirements.  
Eligibility  
(2) Dogs must come from an approved country included in the Import Health Standard: Cats an d Dogs.   
(3) Dogs should be from countries free of rabies, or have completed the pre -export rabies requirements for 
specified countries where rabies is absent or well -controlled. If the need exceeds the number of dogs 
that meet these specifications, dogs must as a minimum have a current rabies vaccination and remain 
under the direct control of their handler for the entire duration of their stay in New Zealand.  
(4) Prior to export, or on arrival, the dogs should be treated with products registered for internal parasites, 
external parasites, and heartworm prevention.  
(5) While in New Zealand the dogs should be prevented from direct contact with all other animals, 
includi ng New Zealand search and rescue dogs if possible. Waste material from the dogs should be 
collected and disposed of when possible, and the dogs should not be allowed to eliminate in or near 
any bodies of water.  
Advance notification and permit to import  
(6) If possible, advance notification of the dog’s arrival should be given to the port of arrival and a permit to 
import should be issued.  
Biosecurity clearance  
(7) Working dogs allowed into New Zealand for emergency measures will not be given biosecurity 
clearan ce. They will be exported as soon as possible once their work is completed.  
Return of New Zealand Working Dogs used for International 
Emergency or New Zealand Defence Force Activities  
(8) New Zealand working dogs used during an international emergency or New Zealand Defence Force 
activities, and held under restricted conditions whilst overseas, may be returned from any country. 
These dogs will be subject to specified conditions prior to re -entry into New Zealand as noted in the 
permit to import.