Import Health Standard  
Issued under the Biosecurity Act 1993   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cats and Dogs  
CATSDOGS.GEN  
[Document Date]  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  1 of 68 
TITLE  
Import Health Standard : Cats and Dogs  
COMMENCEMENT  
This Import Health Standard  comes into force on  [Effective Date]  
This import health standard amends the Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs , which came into force on 
7 April 2021 and  consolidates all amendments up t o issue date.  
The amendment history to this import health standard is set out in Schedule 1: Document History .  
ISSUING AUTHORITY 
This Import Health Standard  is issued  under section 24A of the Biosecurity Act 1993  and incorporates 
amendments made in accordance with section 24B(1)(a) of that Act.  
 
Dated at Wellington ,  
 
 
Stephen Cobb  
Manager, Animal Health  
Ministry for Primary Industries  
(acting under dele gated authority of the Director -General)  
 
For further information, contact : 
Minis try for Primary Industries (MPI)  
Biosecurity New Zealand  
Animal Imports  
PO Box 2526  
Wellington 6140  
 Email: animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  2 of 68 
Contents  Page 
Introduction 4 
Part 1:  Requirements  7 
1.1 Application  7 
1.2 Incorporation by reference  8 
1.3 Definitions  8 
1.4 Requirements for clearance  8 
1.5 Identification  9 
1.6 Exporting country systems and certification  9 
1.7 Diagnostic tests, vaccines and treatment  11 
1.8 Transport  12 
1.9 Transit and transhipment (air transport)  13 
1.10  Residency  15 
1.11  Pre-export veterinary inspection  15 
1.12  Import permit information  16 
1.13  The documentation that must accompany cats and dogs  18 
1.14  Post-arrival requir ements  20 
1.15  New Zealand- origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less  22 
1.16  Assistance dogs  23 
1.17  Cats an d dogs arriving on a vessel  23 
1.18  Transitional arrangement  Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms 26 
2.1 Rabies  26 
2.2 External parasites  28 
2.3 Internal parasites  30 
2.4 Angiostrongylus vasorum  (dogs)  30 
2.5 Babesia rossi (dogs that have ever resided in or travelled to mainland Africa)  30 
2.6 Babesia gibsoni (dogs)  31 
2.7 Brucella canis (dogs)  31 
2.8 Canine influenza  32 
2.9 Canine transmissible venereal tumour (dogs)  33 
2.10  Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) (dogs)  33 
2.11  Leishmaniasis (dogs)  34 
2.12  Leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola) (dogs)  34 
Part 3:  Model Veterinary Certificates 36 
3.1 Category 1: Cats and Dogs from Australia, including Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) 
Islands  36 
3.2 Category 2: Cats and Dogs from Rabies -Free Countries  42 
3.3 Category 3: Cats and Dogs from Rabies Absent or Well -Controlled Countries  49 
3.4 Short -Stay: New Zealand- Origin Cats and Dogs Overseas for 30 Days or Less  57 
Schedule 1 – Document History  64 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  65 
Schedule 3 – List of Exporting Countries  67 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  3 of 68 
Appendix 1 – Record of Treatment Given Before Export from New Zealand  68 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  4 of 68 
Introduction  
This i ntroduction is not part of this import health standard (IHS)  but is intended to indicate its general effect.  
Purpose  
This IHS  specifies the minimum requirements that must be met when importing cats and dogs  into New 
Zealand.  
The identified risk organisms  associated with cats and dogs  that are managed by this IHS are: 
Cats and dogs:  
a) External parasites  
b) Internal parasites  
c) Rabies  
Dogs only:  
a) Angiostrongylus vasorum  
b) Babesia rossi   
c) Babesia gibsoni  
d) Brucella canis  
e) Canine influenza  
f) Canine transmissible venereal tumour  
g) Dirofilaria immitis, f ilariosis (canine heartworm )  
h) Leishmania infantum  (leishmaniasis)  
i) Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola  (leptospirosis)  
Background  
The Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides the legal basis for excluding, eradicating and effectively managing 
pests and unwanted organisms.  
Import health standards issued under the Act set out requirements to b e met to effectively manage biosecurity 
risks associated with importing goods. They include requirements that must be met in the exporting country  
during transit /transhipment , and  before biosecurity clearance can be given.  
Guidance boxes are  included in th is IHS  for explanatory purpose s. The guidance included in these boxes i s 
for information only and has no legal effect.  
Who should read this import health standard? 
This IHS  should be read by  importers of cats and dogs.  
Why is this important? 
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. Con signments 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  before  release or 
equivalence determined. Importers are liable for all associated expenses.   Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  5 of 68 
The costs  to MPI in performing functions relating to the importation of cats and dogs will be recovered in 
accordance with the Act and any regulations made under that Act. All costs involved with documentation, 
transport, storage and obtaining a biosecurity clearan ce must be covered by the importer or agent.  
Equivalence  
The Chief Technical Officer (CTO) may issue a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that measures 
different from those set out in this IHS may be applied to effectively manage risks associate d with the 
importation of these goods.  
If an equivalent measure is approved, an import permit may be issued under section 24D(2) of the Act if the 
Director -General considers it appropriate to do so. The details of the CTO direction on equivalence will be 
included as notes in the special conditions section of the permit to inform the inspector’s assessment of the commodity.  
MPI’s preference is that the exporting country’s Competent Authority makes equivalence requests. 
Equivalence requests can be lodged wit h animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
. 
Transitional facility  
Following biosecurity authorisation being given under section 25 of the Act, cats and dogs (other than compliant cats and dogs from Australia and assistan ce dogs) will proceed directly to the transitional 
(quarantine) facility named on the import permit.  
The documentation will be checked to ensure it meets all requirements noted under general requirements in Part 1: Requirements and Part 2: Specified Requir ements for Identified Risk Organisms of this IHS.   
Biosecurity clearance 
A biosecurity clearance, under section 26 of t he Act 1993, may be issued when cats and dogs  meet all the 
requirements of this IHS, provided the applicable requirements of section 27 in the Act are met.  
Inspection 
On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an inspector.  
Document history 
Refer to Schedule 1.  
Other information 
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 . 
Import health standards  
Other relevant IHSs  must also be complied with before biosecurity clearance will be issued. These may 
include but are not  limited to the following:  
a) All equipment entering New Zealand with cats and dogs m ust comply with the Import Health 
Standard for the Importation into New Zealand of Equipment Associated with Animal s or Water . 
b) Containers made of timber must comply with : Import H ealth Standard: Woodware from All 
Countries . Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  6 of 68 
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and new organisms  
Importers of new organisms mu st meet all requirements of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms 
(HSNO) Act 1996.  
Harmonised system (HS) codes  
The Harmonised System is an international product numbering classification developed by the World Customs 
Organization (WCO). The New Zeala nd Harmonised System is found here: Tariffs in New Zealand | Ministry 
of Business, Innovation & Employment (mbie.govt.nz)  
Cats and d ogs imported using this IHS will be under the following HS Codes : 
 
Dog Control Act 1996  
Section 30A(1) of the Dog Control Act 1996  prohibits the imp ortation into New Zealand of any dog that 
belongs wholly or predominantly to one  or more of the breeds or type of dog listed in Schedule 4  of this Act.  
See Part 1:  Requirements for more information on the Dog Control Act 1996 . 
Trade Single Window (TSW) and Customs clearance  
All goods imported i nto New Zealand need to be cleared by the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) 
and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). To gain customs clearance, the  required documentation  must be 
lodged through the Trade Single Window (TSW) portal.   
For more info rmation about TSW , please visit https://www.customs.govt.nz/business/trade -single- window/  
 HS Code  Commodity Description  
010619 0019  Mammals; live, dogs  
0106190029  Mammals; live, other than primates, whales, dolphins, porpoises (order Cetacea), manatees, 
dugongs (order Sirenia), seals, sea lions, walruses (mammals of the suborder Pinnipedia), camels, 
other camelids, rabbits and hares.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  7 of 68 
Part 1:  Requirements  
1.1 Application 
(1) This IHS  applies to  all imports of  the following animals from all countries , territories  or regional 
entities1: 
a) Domestic cats ( Felis catus)  and domestic dogs ( Canis familiaris ). 
b) Bengal cats  (Felis catus X Prionailurus bengalensis ), and Bengal cats crossed with domestic 
cats. 
(2) This IHS  also relates to b edding2 that accompanies  cats and dogs in to New Zealand.  
(3) Domestic cats and dogs, and Bengal cats and their crosses , are collectively referred to as cats and 
dogs  in this IHS . 
(4) Cats and dogs must meet the minimum age specified in the model  veterinary certificate applicable to 
the category of the country of export.   
(5) Cats and dogs must not  be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment.  
 
Guidance  for application  
Hybrids  
• Hybrid cats and dogs (other than Bengal cats) are likely to be  considered new organisms by the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An approval is required from the Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) before any new organism is brought into New Zealand.  
https://ep a.govt.nz/industry -areas/new -organisms/  
• Domestic ancestry back to the great, great grandparents of Bengal  cats to be imported should be 
produced at the time of application for an import permit  and before  a veterin ary certificate is 
completed. This will show that a cat is at least five generations  removed from the Asian leopard 
cat (Prionailurus bengalensis ). 
Prohibited dog breeds  and types  
Dog Control Act 1996   
Section 30A(1)  of the Dog Control Act 1996 prohibits the importation into New Zealand of any dog 
that belo ngs wholly or predominantly to one  or more of the breeds or type of dog listed in Schedule 4  
of this  act: 
i) Breeds:  
Brazilian Fila  
Dogo Argentino  
Japanese Tosa  
Perro de Presa Canario  
ii) Type:  
American Pit Bull Terrier  
Note: The prohibition on the import of dogs listed in Schedule 4  of the Dog Control Act  1996 also 
applies to do gs originating from New Zealand, regardless of  whether a dog has been previously 
registered in New Zealand.  
 
 
1 ‘Countries, territories or regional entities’, are her eafter referred to as ‘countries’.  
2 Refer to  Definitions  in Schedule 2.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  8 of 68 
1.2 Incorporation by reference 
(1) The following international standards are incorporated by reference in 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 ), available at the OIE website: Terrestrial Manual Online Access 
- OIE -  World Organisation for Animal Health  
b) The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code  (the Code), available at the OIE website: Terrestrial 
Code Online Access -  OIE -  World Organisation for Animal Health  
c) The International Air Transport Association  (IATA) Live Animals Regulati ons (LAR): a  copy is 
available for reading. Contact MPI for further details.  
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 ). 
e) The rabies import requirements for cats and dogs to Australia, found at: Bringing cats and dogs 
to Australia -  Department of Agriculture  
(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 for 
Animal Import Health Standards, MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(3) Under section 142O(3) of the Act it is declared that  section 142O(1) does not apply. T hat is, a notice 
under section 142O(2) of the Act is not required to be published before material that amends or 
replaces  the standards, guidelines or lists incorporated under clauses 1.2(1) and (2) above has legal 
effect as part of the IHS .   
 
Guidance  for incorporation by reference  
• Incorporation by reference means that standards, guidelines or lists are incorporated into t his 
IHS and they form part of the requirements.  
 
1.3 Definitions  
(1) For the purposes of this IHS , and the associated guidance, terms used that are defined in the Act have 
the meanings set out there. The Act is available at the following website: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/    
(2) See Schedule 2  for additional definitions that apply.  
1.4 Requirements for clearance 
(1) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance, cats and dogs must : 
a) Meet clauses 1.5  and 1.7 to  1.18 Part  1: Requirements , as applicable ; and  
b) Meet clauses 2.1 to 2.1 2 of Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identif ied Risk Organisms, as 
applicable ; and  
c) Be imported from a country that the chief technical officer  is satisfied meets clause 1.6  Exporting 
Country Systems and Certification r equirements ; and 
d) Be accompanied by a model veterinary certificate , or a veterinary certific ate that meets the 
requirements of clause 1.1 3.2, has been agreed by the chief technical officer , and details the 
measures in Part 1 , and Part 2  of this IHS that the importer will meet; and  
e) Be accompanied by an import permit where required by clause 1. 12. 
(2) In order to obtain biosecurity clearance, bedding and any other material that accompanies cats and 
dogs during import must meet clause 1.8 (4) and 1.8( 5) of Part 1: Requirements . 
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  9 of 68 
Guidance for requirements for clearance  
• Refer to clause 1.8  Transport to che ck the information  on Notification of arrival  before  the 
shipment of cats and dogs from c ategory 1  countries  and assistance dogs from c ategory 1, 2 or 3 
countries .  
• Cats and d ogs from category 1 countries  and assistance dogs from category 1, 2 or 3 countries  
should arrive during the following dates and times, unless alternative arrangements have been 
agreed to by MPI:  
Auckland:         Monday to Friday, 7am  to 7pm  
Christchurch:    Monday to Friday, 1pm to 5pm  
Note: Inspec tion times are not available during weekends, public holidays and a period  around 
Christmas and New Year. Contact Animal Imports for exact dates.  
• Cats and  dogs from c ategory 1 countries  and assistance dogs  from category 1, 2 or 3 countries , 
that are not given biosecurity clearance at the border (for whatever reason) will be sent to a n 
MPI-approved transitional ( quarantine ) facility until veterinary inspection is completed by an MPI 
veterinarian  and the animal is compliant with the import req uirements.  
• Category 2 Pacific Island countries: If veterinary services are not available or are limited in the 
country of  export , tests or treatments may  be completed in post -arrival quarantine. This should 
be stated as a  special condition  on an import permit.  
Note: Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni , Brucella canis or Leishmania infantum are not 
eligible for import regardless of treatment. Dogs diagnosed with heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) 
will need to be reshipped from New Zealand as it is not appropriate for these dogs to remain in 
quarantine because they may have to undergo a long peri od of treatment to produce a negative 
test result.   
1.5 Identification  
(1) All cats and dogs must be permanently and uniquely identified with a microchip  that must be scanned 
by a veterinarian prior to shipment from the country of export and on arrival in New Zea land to confirm 
the microchip number in the identification table in the veterinary certificate used for import.  
 
Guidance for identification  
• The microchips that are generally used meet International Standards Organisation  (ISO) 
specifications 11784 or Ann ex A of ISO Standard 11785 . These chips  are required for dog 
registration in New Zealand.  
• If the microchip does not meet the ISO specifications,  it is the importer’s responsibility to ensure 
that the microchip can be read upon entry to New Zealand. This may mean that the importer will 
need to provide a microchip reader (at the importer’s  expense) for  the chip to be read. Some 
ports of entry may ha ve microchip readers capable of r eading other types of microchip. This 
should be checked with the port before travel . Please contact animal.imports @mpi.govt.nz  for 
further information.  
• Microchip numbers must  be unique. Microchip number s starting with 999 are not unique.  
• Refer to the Dog Control  Act 1996  and the Dog Control (Microchip Transponder) Regulations 
2005  for more information on dog registration and microchip re quirements once a dog is in New 
Zealand.  
1.6 Exporting country systems and certification 
(1) Importers may import cats and dogs only if a chief technical officer  is satisfied, on the basis of 
evidence, that the veterinary s ervices of the exporting country are capable of ensuring that cats and 
dogs imported from that country can meet the requirements of this IHS . These countries are listed in 
Schedule 3 as Category 1, 2 and 3 countries.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  10 of 68 
(2) The evidence must include details  about the following  matter  the chief technical officer  considers 
applicable to cats and dogs from that exporting country : 
a) The abil ity of the exporting country ’s competent authority to verify the animal health status of cats 
and dogs  in the exporting country , zone or compartment with respect to the risk organisms 
identified in Part 2: Specified Requirements  for Identif ied Risk Organis ms. 
b) The adequacy of the national systems  and/or programmes and standards in the exporting 
country for regulatory oversight of the cat and dog population.  
c) The capabilities of the exporting country ’s competent authority to support the issue of veterinary 
certificates as required by this IHS.  
(3) Importers may not import from a country where a chief technical officer  has determined that the 
veterinary s ervices of the exporting country are no longer capable of ensuring that ca ts and dogs 
imported from that country can meet the requirements of this IHS. 
 
Guidance  
• The evidence obtained during evaluation of the v eterinary services of the c ompetent authority of 
the exporting country is in accordance with section 3 of the Code , titled  Quality of Veterinary 
Services.  
• Once the chief technical officer  is satisfied with the exporting country’s evidence for exporting 
systems and certification, MPI and the competent a uthority may commence negotiation of the 
country -specific veterinary cer tificate.  
• For the chief technical officer to be  satisfied with the evidence provided , an in-country or desk -top 
audit may be carried out at any time, including prior to  the first shipment of cats or dogs . 
 
Agreed country  specific veterinary certificates  
• Requests from exporting countries to negotiate veterinary certification for import ing cats and 
dogs into New Zealand will be prioritised according to the MPI resources available at the time of 
application.  
• Model veterinary certificates are  provided in this document and can be used by the competent 
authority as a reference for country -specific veterinary certificate negotiation.  
• All count ry-specific veterinary certificates agreed between an exporting country’s  competent 
authority and MPI are i ncluded in the table below.  
 
Country  Link to certificate  S 27 CTO 
direction #  Date agreed  Date applicable for 
use 
     
 
• Country -specific veterinary certificates with equivalent measures will be recorded with a number 
relevant to a chief technical officer  direction under section 27 (1)d(iii) of the Act, to enable border 
staff to clear cats and dogs . 
• When a n ewly negotiated country -specific veterinary certificate replace s one that  is currently in 
use, the application of new import conditions will apply according to the dates listed in the table  
above . At that time , previous veterinary certificates for that country can no longer be used.  
• After this IHS has been issued , the measures may be used by countries that  already have an 
agreed veterinary certificate. Using the measure before a new country -specific veterinary 
certificate is agreed can create challenges at the time of biosecurity clearance. MPI should be 
notified before  their use in order to provide clarification to border staff.  
 
Guidance for i mport fr om a non -categorised country  
• If the country you intend to import your cat or dog from is not included in t he category 1, 2 or 3 
country lists, the options available are:  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  11 of 68 
a) Move you r pet to an approved country for at least six months before import into New 
Zealand, or  
b) Follow the requirements to import from a  non-categorised c ountry via a category 2 or 3 
country  laid out  in Part 2:  Requirements  in this IHS , or 
c) Ask the competent authority  of the non -categorised country  to submit a request for 
country approval.  
i) Requests will be prioritised according to  resource availability.  MPI will assess the 
information provided by the government veterinary authority regarding rabies 
status and control measures, official assurance programmes for veterinary 
certification and diagnostic laboratories, and controls on an imal movement. This 
information will be assessed in cooperation with the Australian competent 
authority. Australia and New Zealand have a formal agreeme nt to harmonise  
country approval for cat and dog imports.  
1.7 Diagnostic tests, vacci nes and treatment  
(1) The microchip identification  of each cat or dog must be verified and recorded  by a veterinarian  at each 
required examination, test, vaccination , and/or treatment performed for import into New Zealand.  
(2) The microchip number of the cat or dog must b e correctly recorded on all vaccination and treatment 
records, laboratory results and certification.  
(3) All pre-export and/or surveillance testing  required by this  IHS, must be conducted at : 
a) A laboratory approved by the c ompetent authority  of a category 1, 2 or 3 country ; or 
b) A laboratory approved by the EU Commission (for rabies testing ); or 
c) An OIE rabies reference laboratory  (for rabies testing ). 
(4) All laboratory samples  must be collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the 
recommendat ions in the Code  and/or the Manual  or as described  in MPI -STD-TVTL ; and 
a) All laboratory samples m ust b e taken in a country that the chief technical officer  has agreed 
meets the requirements of clause 1.6 Exporting Country Systems and Certification of this IHS; 
except sample s for the rabies  neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) taken in a non-
categorised country for the purpose of import via a category  2 or 3 country as per clause 2.1.5 
Rabies  of this IHS . 
(5) All diagnostic test s and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by this IHS  must be those 
that have been approved by MPI for that purpose and documented  in MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(6) Product s and vaccinations required by this IHS  are to be administered  according to the manufacturer’s 
instructions and as required by this IHS  to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2: Specified 
Requirements  for Identif ied Risk Organisms . 
(7) All requirements in this IHS  for the administration of a vaccine entail  either : 
a) The final dose of a primary vaccination course has been administered ; or  
b) The recommended booster to complement the primary course has been administered.  
(8) Where products required by this IHS  have been administered, the product name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the  dose and date of the treatment must be recorded on the 
veterinary certificate.  
 
Guidance  for diagnostic t ests, vaccines and treatment  
• MPI lists all Appr oved Diagnostic Tests,  Vaccines, Treatments and Post -Arrival Testing 
Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards  in MPI-STD-TVTL . Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  12 of 68 
• Where OIE recommended diagnostic tests and vaccines are listed, details can be found in the 
OIE Manual of Diagnostic tests and Vaccines  found on the OIE website:  Terrestrial Manual 
Online Access -  OIE -  World Organisation for Animal Health  
• A list of the European Commission approved rabies serology laboratories can be found on the 
EU Commission website:  https://ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet -movement/approved -labs_en  
• A list of OIE rabies reference laboratories can be found on the OIE website : Reference 
Laboratories -  OIE -  World Organisation for Animal Health  
• It is acceptable to take blood samples for testing in a category 1, 2 or 3 country  and then tes t the 
samples at a laboratory in another category 1, 2 or 3 country.  
• Ensure that the cat or dog has a microchip implanted and that the microchip is scanned,  and the 
number correctly recorded each time a vaccination  is given, or a test, treatment  or inspec tion is 
completed in preparation for import . 
• If a dog  has a suspicious , inconclusive  or positive test result and retesting or trea tment options 
are not specified in this IHS , contact animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  for further advice about 
importing the dog.  
• To calculate the timeframes for the testing, treatments and examinations specified in this IHS , 
count the day of sampling for testing, tr eatment or examination as Day 0, e.g. if a blood sample is 
taken for a test that  must be done in the 20  days before  the date of shipment , Day 0 is the date 
the sample is taken and Day 20 is the date of shipment  from the country of export.  
1.8 Transport  
(1) In the case of transport by:  
a) Air: the transport facilities and arrangements must meet the relevant requirements published in 
the IATA Live Animal Regulations . 
b) Sea: the transport facilities and arrangements must have been inspected and meet the requirements of the Australian Marine Orders Part 43, Issue 6  (which is equivalent to the New 
Zealand Marine Rules Part 24C ).  
Refer to Clause  1.17 Cats and Dogs on Vessels  for further information . 
(2) Cats and dogs arriving by air must be transported as manifested cargo , except  for dogs that are 
assistance dogs (if the airline agrees ). This includes dogs transiting  or transhipping New Zealand.  
a) Assistance dog  must be listed on the Import Permit , or Permission to Transit or Tr anship form.  
Refer to Clause  1.16  Assistance Dog s and 1.12.4 Import P ermit Information  for Assistance Dogs 
for further information . 
(3) Cats and dogs  from category 1 and 2 countries  arriving by air must travel in crates that have been  
sealed securely with a government -approved seal  to ensure that biosecurity is maintained during the 
journey to New Zealand; and 
a) Crates must be resealed if opened during transhipment. The competent authority of the country 
of transhipment must provide a n endorsed document t hat details the circumstance , as well as the 
original and new government -approved seal numbers .  
b) Any crates not intact on arrival must be made secure before the consignment is moved to a 
transitional (quarantine) facility or forwarded for  onward travel.  
(4) Bedding or any other material capable of harbouring external parasites (including eggs and larvae) 
must be:  
a) Destroyed on arrival at the place of first arrival (POFA) or transitional facility; or  
b) Subjected to direct drying (i.e. without washing before drying)  at a high temperature setting (at 
least 54 ° C) for at least 45 minutes, with the following exceptions:  
i) If the bedding is soiled, it must be wash ed at a high temperature setting and then dried  at 
high heat (as stated above) for at least one hour.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  13 of 68 
ii) If the bedding must be temporarily stored before direct drying and/or washing, 0.5% 
permethrin must be applied (following the produc t-specific instructions of the 
manufacturer) . 
c) Free from seeds.  
(5) Straw or hay bedding is not permitted. Only inert bedding is permitted.  
 
Guidance  for transport  
• Cats and dogs arriving by air c an only arrive at  Auckland or Christchurch  airport.  
• Visit International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA)  for a list of international pet 
transport companies . 
• Check transport arrangements with your airline and/or pet transporter , including processes for 
MPI and Customs clearances and collection at the New Zealand border.  
• For more information on crate  requirements, contact your pet transporter or refer to the 
International Air Travel  Association (IATA)  regulations.  
1.8.1 Notification of arrival  
Guidance  
Note: Notification of arrival does not need to be sent to MPI  for cats and dogs that are being 
transferred to an MPI -approved transitional (quarantine) facility i.e. from a category 2 or 3 country.  
• Advance notification of arrival by air or sea needs to be given to MPI  at least 5 working days 
before the scheduled tim e of arrival : 
a) For animals from  Category 1 countries : 
Send advanced notification to: ozdogsandcats@mpi.govt.nz  
b) For d ogs that have met the MPI eligibility criteria for assistance dogs  from Category 2 
or 3 countries : 
Send advanced notification to:   
Auckland:  liveanimalsauckland@mpi.govt.nz  
Christchurch:  liveanimalsch ristchurch@mpi.govt.nz  
• Include the following information in the advanced notification:  
a) Flight/ship number  
b) Date and time of arrival  
c) Name and address of the person importing the animals (the consignee ) 
d) Species and breed  
e) Number of animals in consignment  
f) Country of origin  
g) Quarantine facility booked (if applicable)  
h) Bill of lading (if known  and applicable )  
i) Whether  the importer or agent is on the same flight  as the animal.  
1.9 Transit  and transhipment (air transport)  
1.9.1 En-route to New Zealand  
(1) Cats and dogs may tr ansit (remain on the same aircraft) in all countries , including non- categorised 
countries.  
(2) Cats and dogs must  only tranship (change aircraft) in category 1, 2 or 3 countries , and  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  14 of 68 
a) Must not come in contact with other animals; and  
b) Must not leave the international side of the airport; unless being transferred under the supervision 
of the competent authority in the country of transhipment to a government -approved quarantine 
facility for cats and dogs for the period of transhipment; and 
c) Must comply with  clause 1.8  (3)(a) Transport  of this IHS  for requirements for replacing seals on 
crates  (if applicable) . 
1.9.2 Through New Zealand 
(1) Cats and dogs may only transit  or tranship from category 1, 2 or 3 countries and must meet the 
following requirements:  
a) Animals must be implanted with a microchip.  
b) Dogs must be t reated with a product for heartworm prevention as per clause 2.10 Heartworm  of 
this IHS . 
c) External parasite s: 
i) The cat or dog must be treated by a veterinarian in the four days before  the date of 
shipment to New Zealand with a product registered for the control of fleas and ticks at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose and the cat or dog must be found free from visi ble 
signs of external parasites.  
d) Internal parasite s: 
i) The cat or dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a product (or combination of products) registered for the control of nematodes (including Angiostrongylus vasorum  - 
dogs only) and cestodes (includi ng Echinococcus species ) at the manufacturer’s 
recommended dose in the four days before  transhipment through New Zealand.  
e) Rabies ( from category 3 countries only):  
i) The cat or dog must c omply with clause 2.1  Rabies  of this IHS  or the rabies import 
requireme nts for entry into Australia.  
f) Animals must b e accompanied by:  
i) An MPI  Permission to Transit  or Tranship  form.   
ii) An import permit issued by the competent authority in the country of destination (where 
applicable ). 
iii) Health documentation issued in the country of origin and  required by the country of final 
destination . 
g) Transhipment must occur within the validity period of the MPI Permission to Transit or Tranship  
form.  
h) Cat and dogs transhipping for 6 hours or longer must be sen t to a transitional facility for cats and 
dogs.  
i) Transhipment must not exceed 48 hours , unless otherwise authorised by MPI.  
 
Guidance  for transit and transhipment  
• Transit : An animal remains on board the aircraft during travel through  a country en -route fr om 
the country of export to the destination country.  
• Transhipment : An animal changes aircraft during travel through  a country en -route from the 
country of export to the destination country.  
• For transits or transhipments en -route to New Zealand, c heck with a pet transporter or the 
competent  authority  in the country of export  or transit/transhipment  to see : 
− if cats and dogs  can tranship ; and 
− if there is a holding facility to accommodate cats and dogs during transhipment  and how 
long cats and dogs  can stay in the facility; and 
− if there are any additional conditions for transhipment.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  15 of 68 
• Apply online to get  a Permission to Tr ansit or Tranship form  for travel through New Zealand : 
https://animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz/  
 
1.10  Residency  
(1) Cats and dogs must be free from all quarantine restrictions  immediately  before  shipment  from the 
country of export to New Zealand.  
(2) Cats and dogs from category 1 countries must be imported directly from a category 1 country.  
(3) Cats and dogs exported from category 2 countries  must have only  been resident in category 1 or 2 
countries : 
a) Since birth or direct importation from New Zealand; or  
b) For at least six months before the date of shipment; or  
c) If arriving on a vessel: for at least six months before the date of arrival in New Zealand .  
d) Unless import into New Zealand is from a non -categorised country via a category 2 or 3 country 
(refer to clause 5 below).  
(4) Cats and dogs from c ategory 3 countries must have been in category 1, 2 or 3 countries only for at 
least six months before shipment  to or arr ival in  New Zealand , with the exception of cats and dogs 
imported from non -categorised countries via a category 2 or 3 country as per clause 5 below.  
(5) Cats and dogs from non -categorised countries via a category 2 or 3 country must have remained 
continually resident in the category 2 or 3 country of export for at least 45 days before shipment . 
(6) New Zealand -origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less must have remained continuously 
resident in category 1, 2 or 3 countries only  whilst overseas.  
 
Guidance  for residency  
Category 1  Category 2  Category 3  Non-categorised  NZ-origin cats 
and dogs on a 
short- stay 
overseas  
No quarantine 
restrictions 
before export  No quarantine 
restrictions before 
export  No quarantine 
restrictions before 
export  No quarantine 
restrictions before 
export  No quarantine 
restrictions 
before export  
Imported 
directly from a 
category 1 
country  In category 1 or 2 
country:  
• For at least six 
months before 
shipment to or arrival in New 
Zealand; or  
• Since birth; or  
• Since direct 
importation from 
New Zealand  In category 1, 2 
or 3 country:  
• For at least 
six months 
before shipment to or 
arrival in New 
Zealand  
 • At least six 
months from the 
date of rabies 
vaccination to 
shipment to New Zealand; and  
• In a category 2 
or 3 country for 
at least 45 days 
before shipment 
to New Zealand.  • Remained 
continuously 
resident in 
category 1, 
2 or 3 countries 
only whilst 
overseas.  
 
1.11 Pre-export veterinary inspection  
(1) Cats and dogs must be inspected by a veterinarian  in the two days before  the date of shipment  and be 
found to be:   Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  16 of 68 
a) Healthy and fit to travel.  
b) Free from visible sign s of external parasites , dirt, insects and any other organic material.  
c) Free from clinical signs of infectious and contagious disease that may be caused by an y of the 
identified risk organisms in this IHS . 
(2) For dogs only:  
a) Entire dogs (male or female) must be  free from any visible signs of canine transmissible venereal 
tumour on examination of external genitalia (which includes examination of the extruded penis)  
and found to have no lesions suggestive of canine transmissible venereal tumour:  
1.12 Import permit  information  
(1) An import permit under section 24D of the Act is required before  importation as per the following:  
a) Cats and dogs from c ategory 2 and 3 countries . 
b) Assistance dogs f rom category 1, 2 and 3 countries.   
c) Cats and dogs arriving on vessels f rom category 2 and 3 countries.  
d) Cats and dogs imported from a non -categorised country via a category 2 or 3 country . 
(2) An import permit under s ection 24D of the Act issued by the Director -General is required for cats and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
dogs  from category 1 countries if a chief techni cal officer  has, pursuant to section 27(1)(d)(iii) , 
approved an equivalent measure prior to  import  differ ent from t hat set in this IHS  that may be applied 
to effectively manage risks.  
(3) An import permit is not required  for cats and dogs  from category 1 countries where a chief technical 
officer  has issued a direction under section 27(1)(d) for a measure that is different from that  set in this 
IHS during negotiation of a count ry-specific veterinary certificate and the equivalent measure is 
incorporate d into that certificate.   
1.12.1  For cats and dogs from category 2 countries  
(1) The following documentation must be included as part of the import permit application : 
a) Signed q uarantine booking confirmation form.  
1.12.2  For cats and dogs from category 3 countrie s 
(1) The following documentation must be included as part of the import permit application : 
a) Rabies vaccination records/certificates as per clause  2.1.3 Rabies . 
b) Rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) results.  
c) Official veterinarian declaration (OVD ). 
d) Signed q uarantine booking confirmation form.  
1.12.3  For cats and dogs fr om a non- categorised country via a category 2 or 3 country 
(1) The following documentation must be included as part of the import permit application:  
a) Rabies vaccination records/certificates as per clause 2.1.5 Rabies . 
b) The initial and second  rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) laboratory reports.  
c) Official veterinarian declaration (OVD).  
d) Signed quarantine booking confirmation form.  
(2) The import permit must sp ecify that the cat or dog is being imported fr om a non -categorised country 
via a category 2 or 3 country .  
1.12.4  For assistance dog s 
(1) In addition to clauses 1.1 2.1 - 1.12.3 above (as applicable ), the following documentation must be 
included as part of  the import permit application:  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  17 of 68 
a) An A ssistance D og D eclaration  form, completed by the handler (or caregiver of the handler), 
declaring that the dog has been in the co ntinuous service of the handler for at least six months 
before the date of shipment.  
b) The Medical H istory F orm, completed by a medical practitioner, and providing evidence of a 
handler’s disability and ongoing dependence on an assistance dog.  
c) The Assistance D og Training  form completed by an assistance dog training organisation 
confirming that the dog has been certified as having received specialised traini ng. This training 
organisation must be:  
i) A member of the International Guide Dog Federation  (IGDF) ; or 
ii) A member of Assistance Dogs International  (ADI) ;  
Or the dog must be:  
iii) Certified as a disability assist dog by an authorised organisation in New Zealand (as per 
the Dog Control Act 1996 ); or 
iv) Accredited under a law  (including public transport legislation or regulations) of an 
Australian s tate or territory that provides for the accreditation of animals trained to assist a 
person with a disability to alleviate the effect of the disability . 
d) Confirmation that the handler will be travelling with the assistance dog.  
(2) The import permit or permission to transit/tranship form must specify that the dog is an assistance dog.  
1.12.5   For cats or dogs  on a vessel  
(1) In addition to clauses 1.1 2.1 - 1.12.3 above (as applicable ), the following documentation must be 
included as part of the import permit application:  
a) The name and type of vessel.  
b) The estimated date of arrival.  
c) The place  of first arrival (POFA).  
d) Documentation  that shows, to the satisfaction o f MPI, the countries  the cat or dog has visited in 
the six months before arriving  in New Zealand.  
(2) The import permit must state the name and type of vessel tha t the cat or dog is arriving  on, the 
approximate date of arrival  and the place of first arrival ( POFA) . 
1.12.6  For N ew Zealand -origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less  
(1) In addition to cl auses 1.12.1 to  1.12.2 and 1.12 .4 above (as applicable ), the following documentation 
must be included as part of the import permit application:  
a) A copy of the veterinary certificate used to export the cat or dog from New Zealand . 
b) A copy of the R ecord of T reatment  as per Appendix 1  of this IHS . 
 
Guidance  for import permit  
• New Z ealand- origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less: It is important that cats and  dogs 
only travel to Category 1, 2 or 3 countries whil e overseas.  
• Apply for an import permit online at:  https://animalplantimportpermit.mpi.govt.nz/ . You will need 
to have all the required supporting documents ready to upload during this electronic application 
process.  
• Allow a minimum of 10 working days ( at least two  weeks) for a permit to be processed  once all 
required documents have been received  by Animal Imports . If you need the permit to book  
flights, make sure you allow time for the permit to be processed when planning.  
• Imports permits are  sent electronically.  Copies are acceptable for import.  
• An import permit is not required to import cats and d ogs into New Zealand from category 1 
countries  (except for dogs that have met the MPI eligibility criteria for assistance dogs ), provided 
the requirements of this IHS are met .  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  18 of 68 
• If an equivalence to the requirements in this IHS is granted , it will need to be placed as a specia l 
condition on an import permit.  
• Cats and dogs can  only arrive in New Zealand during  the validity period of the import permit, i.e. 
the entry date into quara ntine and the expiry date stated on the import permit . If the entry date is 
changed but still within the validity period of the import permit, the quarantine facility needs to be 
contacted  to check  the new date of arrival  is acceptable.  
• Examples of documen tation that can be used to show where a cat or dog arriving on a vessel 
has travelled to or resided during the six months before  arrival in New Zealand are: ship’s log, 
passports, customs clearance documents, GPS tracking websites or country admission 
docu ments. If supporting documentation is not to the satisfaction of MPI, it is likely the cat or dog 
will not be permitted to enter New Zealand.   
• Contact details for the Animal Imports team:  
Email:  animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz  
Address:  MPI Animal Imports  
   PO Box 2526  
   Wellington 6140  
   New Zealand  
Phone:  From overseas, + 64 4 894 0100  and ask  for Animal Imports.  
   From New Zealand, 0800 008 333  and a sk for Animal Imports.  
1.13 The documentation that must accompany cats and dogs  
(1) The consignment containing the animal must arrive in New Zealand with the documentation that is 
specified in and  meets the requirements of  1.13.1 to 1.13. 6 below .   
(2) All documentation that is required by clause 1.13 to accompany cats and dogs must, unless otherwise 
stated:  
a) Be original, unless otherwise stated.  
b) Be in English or have an English translation that is clear and legible . 
c) Be identified with a microchip number for each cat or dog, consistent with the veterinary 
certificate.  
(3) Documentation that is in a paper format must, unless otherwise stated, be endorsed on every page by 
the official veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and date or be endorsed in the space 
allocated and all pages have paper based alt ernative features.  
(4) Documentation that is in an electronic format must, unless otherwise stated , be transmitted directly 
from the competent authority of the exporting country to MPI, using an electronic system approved by 
MPI for that purpose.  
1.13.1  Import perm it 
(1) An import permit (copy acceptable)  for a single consignment where required under this IHS . 
Refer to clause  1.12 Import Permi t Information . 
1.13.2  Veterinary certificate  
(1) A veterinary certificate from an official veterinarian in the exporting country . The veteri nary certificate 
must include the following:  
a) A unique consignment identifier , with the certificate number on each page.  
b) The species, breed, sex ( desexed  or entire), microchip number  and location, and age of each cat 
or dog . 
c) Name and address of the importer (consignee) and exporter (consignor).  
d) Name, signature and contact details of the official veterinarian . Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  19 of 68 
e) Certification and endorsement by the official veterinarian that the general requirements outlined 
in Part 1: Requirements  of this IHS  have been  met. 
f) Certification and endorsement by the official veterinarian that the relevant  requirements  outlined 
in Part 2: Specified Requirements  for Identif ied Risk Organisms  of this IHS  have been met .  
 
Guidance  for veterinary certificate s 
• Refer to Part 3  for Model  Veterinary C ertificates .  
• We recommend that importers check whether the competent authority of the exporting country 
has an established veterinary certificate  for export of cats and dogs to New Zealand  rather than  
the model veterinary certificate  included in this IHS. An established veterinary certificate needs to 
accurately reflect the requirements in t he applicable model veterinary certificate .  
• Where equival ent measures have been negotiated and agreed with MPI, and a chief technical 
officer has , before import, issued a direction under section 27(1)(d) of the Act that is different 
from those in this IHS  in the form of a negotiated veterinary certificate, a cou ntry-specific 
veterinary certificate must accompany the consignment.  
• For N ew Z ealand- origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less: Only the Model V eterinary 
Certificate for N ew Z ealand -Origin C ats and D ogs O verseas for 30 D ays or L ess needs to be 
comp leted, i.e . a category 1, 2 or 3 model veterinary certificate is not required.  
• See Equivalence  in the introductory section of this IHS  for more information on equivalence and 
country -specific veterinary certificates.  
1.13.3  Rabies vaccination record s (category 3 and non- categorised countries  only)  
(1) Each r abies vaccination record  (copy acceptable) must include:  
a) Unique microchip  number identification  consistent with the v eterinary certificate and other 
documentation required in this IHS . 
b) Date of administ ration of rabies vaccination (s). 
c) Name of vaccine (s) used . 
d) Date vaccination(s) is valid until ( duration of immunity - as per the manufacturer’s instructions).  
e) Batch number and expiry date  of vaccine (s). 
 
Guidance  for rabies vaccination records  
• Ensure the rabies vaccination record includes the correct period of time the vaccination is valid 
for (i.e. the duration of immunity) . This may differ from  the period of time required by national  or 
state regulations in the country the vaccination was given in .   
1.13.4  Laboratory reports  
(1) Laboratory reports (copies acceptable) must include:   
a) Dates of sample collection  and receipt at the laboratory .  
b) Test type.  
c) Test result.  
1.13.5  New Zealand e xport certificate  
(1) For New Zealand origin  cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less: A copy of the veterinary certificate 
used to export the cat or dog from New Zealand.  
1.13.6  Record of treatment s given before  export from New Zealand for N ew Zealand -origin 
short stays  
(1) For N ew Z ealand- origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less: A copy of the Record of 
Treatment  of the external parasite given before export from New Zealand  (as per Appendix 1  of this 
IHS). Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  20 of 68 
 
Guidance  for documentation  
• Check that all  the documents listed above meet the requirements in clauses 1.13(2) ( a-c) above.  
• It is recommended that the importer retains a copy of all documentation relating to the import or 
export o f a cat or dog to or from New Zealand.  
• The certifying official vete rinarian should be satisfied that copies of documents (where 
acceptable) are true copies  of the original.  
1.14 Post -arrival requirements  
(1) Following biosecurity authorisation being given under section 25 of the Act : 
a) The following animals must be inspected by an MPI official veterinarian and have documentation 
verified upon arrival in New Zealand:  
i) Cats and dogs from category  1 countries that arrive by air; and  
ii) Assistance  dogs from category 1, 2 and 3 countries  that arrive  by air or sea . 
b) Cats and do gs from category 1 countries t hat arrive by sea  must be transported directly to the 
transitional (quarantine) facility named on the import permit by the approved operator or staff 
member of that facility using a transport method approved by an MPI inspecto r, until  veterinary 
inspection and documentation verification is completed  on the next available working day, and 
until all applicable  requirements in this IHS have been met.  
c) Cats and dogs  from category 2 or 3 countrie s that arrive by air  or sea must be t ransported 
directly to the transitional (quarantine) facility named on the import permit by the approved operator or staff member  of that facility using a transport method approved by an MPI inspector , 
for a minimum period of 10 days, and until all applica ble requirements  in this IHS  have been met . 
i) Cats and dogs must be inspected by an MPI official veterinarian in the 72 hours of arrival 
at and departure from the tra nsitional (quarantine) facility . 
ii) For health and safety, and animal welfare reasons, aggressi ve cats and dogs will only be 
inspected once.  
 
Guidance  for post -arrival requirements  
 Clearance at the 
border*  Transfer to 
quarantine facility  Minimum 10 days 
quarantine  
From category 1 countries 
by air  Yes No No 
From category 2 and 3 
countries by air  No Yes Yes 
From category 1 countries 
by sea  No Yes No 
From category 2 and 3 
countries by sea  No Yes Yes 
Assistance dogs from 
category 1, 2 and 3 
countries arriving by air or 
sea Yes No No 
 
• Inspection and clearance at the border  are subject to arrangements made with MPI official 
veterinarians to ensure availability  and compliance with the import requirements .  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  21 of 68 
 
Guidance post -arrival quarantine  facilities  
• The following are private ly owned facilities approved by MPI . Each operator set s their own 
charges  and policies  e.g. visiting hours.  
Auckland Quarantine Limited  
235 Brookby Road  
RD 1  
Manurewa  
Auckland  
New Zealand  
Proprietor: Graeme Bell  
Ph: + 64 9 216 6012  
Email: info@aucklandquarantine.co.nz  
Website: www. aucklandquarantine.co.nz  Canterbury Quarantine Services   
Highfield Road  
Aylesbury  
Christchurch  
New Zealand  
Proprietors: Karen and Mark Bayliss  
Ph +64 3 318 1279  
Email: info@canterburyquarantine.co.nz  
Website: www.canterburyquarantine.co.nz  
Pethaven Quarantine Services  
71a Homestead Road  
RD 1 Pokeno  
Auckland  
New Zealand  
Proprietor: Robyn van den Brink  
Ph +64 9 233 6301  
E-mail: pethaven@xtra.co.nz  
Website: www.pethavenkennels.co.nz   Qualified Pet Services   
150 A irfield Road  
Takanini  
Auckland  
New Zealand  
Proprietor: Carol O’Neil  
Ph +64 9 299 9539  
E-mail: qualifiedpetservices@gmail.com  
Website: www.qualifiedpet.co.nz  
• On arrival, all documentation accompanying the consignment will be verified by an MPI inspector.  
• MPI i nspectors (official veterinarians) can inspect and verify due to their au thorised powers under 
the Act.  
• All cats and dogs, except for compliant cats and  dogs from category 1 countries and assistance 
dogs, are required to go into a quarantine for at least 10 days.  
• The privately -run quarantine facilities regularly monitor cats and dogs in their care. If a facility is 
concerned about the health or wellbeing of a cat or dog, a private clinical veterinarian's services 
may be requested, and the facility staff will let the owner/importer and MPI know.  
• It is important to check what vaccinations are required for cats and dogs to enter the quarantine 
facility.  
• A recent leptospirosis vaccination may produce a weak positive test result when a dog is tested in 
line with the Leptospirosis section of this IHS. It is recommended that the importer has a 
contingency plan in place to cover this eventuality.  
• Make sure animal s are fit to travel and undergo quarantine (if applicable).  
• Let the quarantine facility know about any medical conditions or behavioural issues a cat or dog may have before arrival.  
• The minimum quarantine period for cats and dogs is 10 days. But the period  may be longer if:  
− the quarantine period ends outside of normal business hours  
− the import requirements have not been met  
− a cat or dog is unwell or has been exposed to a suspected exotic disease (at any stage during transport or quarantine)  
− a cat or dog is found to have external parasites  
− an aggressive cat or dog cannot be adequately examined.  
• It is possible that the facility could find an issue when a cat or dog is due for release from 
quarantine. Releases may be delayed at short notice.   
• An MPI veterin arian will inspect a cat or dog within 72 hours of arriving at the quarantine facility. 
After a 10 -day period, an MPI veterinarian will perform a final inspection of the cat or dog.  
Note: This inspection only occurs during normal business hours. As such, a cat or dog may need 
to remain in quarantine for longer than 10 days.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  22 of 68 
• The facility will not release a cat or dog if it is sick during the quarantine period and an exotic 
disease is suspected. Further testing or treatment may be required to rule out or co nfirm exotic 
disease. This may significantly increase costs to the owner/importer.   
• If a cat or dog has been exposed to a highly contagious exotic disease, the animal may be treated 
as also having the disease. Further tests and treatments may be required.  This may significantly 
increase costs for to the owner/importer.  
• If the facility finds that a cat or dog has fleas or ticks, the animal will require more treatments and 
inspections. This cat or dog will not be released until it is found to be free from f leas or ticks and 
any associated diseases. Dogs found with ticks require more testing. This is likely to result in a 
delayed release from quarantine, and significantly increased costs to the owner/importer.  
• Aggressive cats and dogs are difficult to manage and examine and pose a health and safety risk 
to the people caring for them. Make sure you let the facility know about any potential anxiety or aggression issues a cat or dog may have before arrival in New Zealand. A veterinarian might 
need to sedate a cat  or dog to complete necessary inspections. The animal may also need 
sedation for any other treatments or testing that may be required.  
• If a cat or dog becomes unwell or external parasites are found once it has been released from 
quarantine ,  
− The importer s hould contact a veterinarian and inform them of the animal’s import history; 
and 
− MPI must be notified of any suspected exotic disease or pest  on the  Pest and Disease 
Hotline on 0800 80 99 66 ; and 
− Ensure that veterinary care is undertaken, with care to cont ain any potential risk due to a 
suspected exotic disease or pest.  
 
Guidance  for inspection and clearance at the border (Category 1 countries and assistance 
dogs)  
• Cats and dogs from category 1 countries and assistance dogs need to be available for inspection 
upon arrival by an MPI official veterinarian as follows:  
− Auckland: Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm  
− Christchurch: Monday to Friday, 1pm to 5pm   
• It can take up to 90 minutes for animals to be moved from the aircraft to the MPI inspection room. 
This extra time needs to be taken into account when arranging flights.  
• Contingency plans such as arrangements to pick up and transfer to a quarantine facility should be 
considered for cats and dogs from Australia; and assistance dogs, in case inspection cannot  be 
completed e.g. due to a flight delay or cancellation.  
Inspection and clearance at the border are not available on public holidays and the period 
between Christmas and New Year. This period is notified on the MPI website mid -year:  
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/live -animals/pets/steps -to-importing -cats-and-dogs/  
1.15 New Zealand- origin cats and dogs overseas for 30 days or less  
(1) The Short -stay certificate: N ew Z ealand Origin Cats and Dogs Overseas for 30 D ays or Less  in Part 3  
of this IHS must be completed before shipment from the country of export  to New Zealand.  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  23 of 68 
1.16 Assistance dogs 
Guidance for assistance dogs  
• Note that applicants should not assume their dog will meet MPI’s assistance dog eligibility 
criteria for the purpose of import, even if the dog is recognised as an assistance dog in the 
country of export.  
• Dogs that do not meet the MPI -assistance dog eligi bility criteria may be imported under the 
regular procedure for importing dogs.  
• Dogs that have met the MPI assistance dog eligibility criteria will have assistance dog  noted on 
their import permit.  
• It is likely that an assistance dog  will be directed to a transitional (quarantine) facility if:  
− An MPI veterinarian is not able to perform an inspection and provide biosecurity clearance; or 
− The dog is not compliant with the applicable requirements in this IHS.  
• Assistance dogs arriving by air can only arrive in New Zealand through Auckland or Christchurch 
airport, unless otherwise considered and agreed to by MPI.  
• MPI must be given advance notification of arrival by air or sea at least 5 working days before the 
scheduled time of arrival.  
• A copy  of the veterinary certificates , laboratory reports and any other supporting documentation 
should  be sent  to MPI (at the relevant email address below)  at least o ne working day before the 
date of shipment. This will help to ensure that an assistance dog can be given clearance upon 
arrival and does not need to be placed in a transitional (quarantine) facility.  
Auckland:   liveanimalsauckland@mpi.govt.nz
 
Phone:   +64 9 909 2706  
Christchurch:  liveanimals christchurch@mpi.govt.nz  
Phone :  +64 3 943 1777  
• See clause 1.8 Transport  for more details on Notification of Arrival.  
• Inspection times by an MPI veterinarian are as follows, unless otherwise agreed with MPI.  
Auckland:   Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm  
Christchurch:   Monday to Friday, 1pm to 5pm  
− It can take up to 90 minutes for animals to be moved from the aircraft to the MPI inspection 
room. This extra time needs to be taken into account when arranging flights.  
− Contingency plans such as arrangements to pick up and transfer to a quarantine facility 
should be considered in case inspection cannot be completed e.g. due to a flight delay or 
cancellation.  
• If external parasites (live or dead) are  found  on a n assistance dog  on arrival in New Zealand, the 
dog will be transferred to a transitional (quarantine)  facility for cats and dogs until further external 
parasite trea tment is given and the animal  is found to be free from ext ernal parasites, at t he 
importer’s expense.  
• Additionally, any dog  found with ticks on arrival will require further testing for Babesia gibsoni  
while  the dog is in a transitional (quarantine) facility . Further testing or treatment is likely to result 
in an extended period in a transitional (quarantine) facility at the handler’s expense.  
1.17 Cats and dogs arriving on a vessel  
1.17.1  General requirements  
(1) Cats and dogs must remain secured on board the vessel at pole mooring or anchor until the cat or dog is transferred to a transitional (q uarantine) facility; or  
a) If on board a berthed commercial vessel, cruise ship or superyacht, cats or dogs must remain 
secured below deck until transfer to a transitional (quarantine) facility, or veterinary inspection Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  24 of 68 
and documentation verification is compl eted (as applicable), and biosecurity requirements are 
met. 
 
Guidance for cats and dogs on vessels from a category 1 country  
• Compliant cats and dogs from category 1 countries are required to stay in quarantine until a 
veterinary inspection has taken place  and document verification has been completed on the next 
available working day. Clearance into New Zealand will be given as long the cat or dog is 
compliant with the import requirements.  
1.17.2  From a category 2 country  
(1) If veterinary services are not available or are limited in the country of export, tests, treatments and 
examinations as set out in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  of this IHS 
may be completed in an MPI -approved transitional (quarantine) facility for cats and dogs upon arrival in 
New Zealand.  
  
Guidance for cats and dogs on vessels from a category 2 country  
• If veterinary services are not available or are limited in  the category 2 country of export and tests 
or treatments are to be completed in post -arrival quarantine , this should  be stated as a special 
condition on the import permit  to avoid any confusion upon arrival .  
• Dogs diagnosed with heartworm ( Dirofilaria imm itis) will need to be reshipped from New 
Zealand . It is not appropriate for these dogs to remain in quarantine because they may have to 
undergo a long period of treatment before they produce a negative test result.    
• Dog diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni , Brucella canis  or Leishmania infantum  are not eligible for 
import regardless of treatment.  
1.17.3  No clearance  
(1) Cats and dogs that do not meet the biosecurity requirements must be secured on board the vessel  at 
pole mooring or anchor at the place of first arrival (POFA) until shipment from New Zealand.  
a) Cats and dogs must be exported from New Zealand as soon as practicable.  
b) Cats and dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites (including heartworm for dogs) 
within 72 hours of arrival by a veterinarian and under MPI supervision.  
c) Cats and dogs must have internal and external parasite treatments (under MPI supervision) in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions for the duration of stay in New Zealand.  
d) Compliance inspections will be required.  
1.17.4  On-board a superyacht  
(1) Cats and dogs may remain on board a superyacht (the vessel).  
a) A service agreement must be entered into between the importer/agent, and MPI at least 30 days 
before  the vessel arrives in New Zealand waters.    
b) An M PI official veterinarian, warranted as an MPI i nspector, must remain on the vessel at all 
times until biosecurity clearance is given for the cat or dog.  
c) The cat or dog must remain secured on -board the vessel in a designated escape -proof area until 
biosecurity clearanc e has been given by the MPI veterinarian.  
d) The vessel may travel to other ports within New Zealand once the vessel has been cleared for entry into New Zealand.  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  25 of 68 
Guidance  for bringing a cat or dog into New Zealand on a vessel  
• MPI considers a cat or dog to have visited a country even if a cat or dog remained on the vessel 
and/or the vessel travelled through the territorial waters of a country but did not berth in that 
country.  
• The import requirements depend on where a cat or dog has been in the six months before  arrival 
in New Zealand. For example:  
− If a cat or dog has visited both a  category 2 and 3 country  during the six months before  
arrival in New Zealand, the regular c ategory 3  import requirements will apply.  
− If a cat or dog has visited a non -categorised country in the six months before arrival in New 
Zealand, the requirements for importing from a non -categorised country apply, or the cat or 
dog is not eligible for entry into New Zealand and needs to be ex ported fro m New Zealand 
as soon as practicable.  
• The requirement to be in a categorised country for at least six months before arrival in New 
Zealand is taken from the date a cat or dog arrived at and remained in a category 1, 2 or 3 
country until arrival in New Zeal and. 
• Cats and dogs that are not compliant with the rabies requirements in this IHS are not able to 
enter a transitional (quarantine) facility and will need to remain at pole mooring or anchor until reshipment from New Zealand.  
• The period that a vessel may  remain at pole mooring or anchor with a non -compliant cat or dog 
on-board will be considered on a case -by-case basis. The cat or dog may need to be 
immediately reshipped from New Zealand by sea or air.  
• Dogs on -board superyachts: non -compliance with the se rvice agreement without the prior written 
agreement of MPI is likely to result the dog being reshipped from New Zealand.  
• Refer to the following website for details on bringing a vessel into New Zealand: 
https://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/importing/border -clearance/vessels/
 
• For further information on exporting a cat or a dog back to Australia, please refer to the following 
website: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/exporting/animals/pets/cats -and-dogs -to-australia/  
1.18 Transition period  
(1) From [ date of final issue ] to [6 months after date of issue ], the requirements of this import health 
standard for importing cats and dogs may be met by complying with the requirements of the Import Health Standard for Cats and Dogs, CATDOG.GEN  dated 7 April 2021 in force immediately before the 
replacement of the Import Health Standard for Cats and Dogs CATDOG.GEN  dated 7 April 2021.  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  26 of 68 
Part 2:  Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  
(1) Cats and dogs must comply with the following measures for identified risk organisms, where required:  
2.1 Rabies  
2.1.1 From Category 1  and 2 countries  
(1) The country of export is free from infection with rabies virus  (as defined by the Rabies  chapter of the 
OIE Code) . 
2.1.2 From Category 1, 2 and 3  countries  
(1) The cat or dog  must be free from clinical signs of rabies in the two days before  the dat e of shipment .  
2.1.3 From Category 3 countries  (rabies absent or well -controlled)  
 Option 1  
(1) The cat or dog must be:  
a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of both vaccination 
and sample collection for the rabies neutralising antibody titration test  (RNATT); and  
b) Vaccinated or revaccinated by a veterinarian when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a vaccine listed  in 
MPI-STD-
TVTL . The vaccination (s) must remain  continuously valid until shipment.  
c) In the case of a primary vaccination, the vaccine must be given not less than 6 months before the  
date of shipment .  
(2) The cat or dog must be subjected to  a rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL  on a sample taken by a veterinarian not less than 3 months and not more than 12 month s 
before the  date of shipment, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL . 
 Option 2   
(3) Where a cat or dog was not identifiable by microchip  (the number was not able to be verified and 
recorded ) at the time of the rabies vaccination  before  sample collection for the rabies neutralising 
antibody titration test (RNATT), the cat or dog must be:  
a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of sample collection 
for the rabies neutralising antibody titr ation  test; then  
b) Revaccinated by a veterinarian, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of  
a vaccine listed MPI-STD-TVTL . The vaccination(s) must remain continuously valid until 
shipment.  
(4) The cat or dog must be subjected to a rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL , on a sample taken by a veterinarian not less than 6 months  and not more than 12 
months before the date of shipment with a r esult of at least 0.5  IU/m L. 
2.1.4 New Zealand -origin cats and dogs returni ng from a category 3 country  
(1) The rabies requiremen ts from a category 3 country apply  as per clause  2.1.3 above ; or 
(2) The cat or dog must be identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of 
both vaccination and sample collection  for the rabies neutralising antibody titration  test (RNATT); and  
a) The cat or dog must have been v accinated or revacci nated by a veterinarian, before  export 
from New Zealand, when the animal w as at least 12 weeks of age in accordance with the 
recommendations of the manufacturer, with a rabies virus vaccine listed in MPI -STD-TVTL . The Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  27 of 68 
vaccination(s) must remain  continuously valid  between the date of export from and shipment 
back to New Zealand.  
b) The cat or dog must be s ubjected to a  rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL  on a sample taken by a veterinarian before  export from New Zealand  and in 
the 12 months before  the date of shipment back to New Zealand with a result  of at least 0.5  
IU/m L. The RNATT must remain continuously valid between the dates of export from and 
shipment back to New Zealand.  
 
Guidance  for N ew Zealand -origin cats and dogs returni ng from a category 3 country  
• It is a very good idea to have cat s and dogs  travelling overseas to category 3 countries 
vaccinated against rabies and to get a  rabies titration  test done before  export from New Zealand . 
This will protect  your cat or dog from  rabies and allow them to return to New Zealand without 
delay . 
• Rabies vaccinations and rabies neutralising antibody titrations  tests (RNATT) done in New 
Zealand are acceptable for import back into New Zealand.  
• Ensure that rabies neutralising antibody titration tests done whilst overseas are performed in 
either:  
− A laboratory approved by the competent  authority  of a category 1, 2 or 3 country; or  
− A laboratory approved by the EU Commission;  or 
− An OIE rabies reference laboratory.  
• The term ‘remain continuously valid’ means the time since the vaccination was given has not 
exceeded  the manufacturer’s duration of immunity either before shipment or before  another 
vaccination was  given.  
• The rabies neutralising antibody titrat ion test can be repeated whist a cat or dog is overseas if  
the sample is taken no longer than 12 months after the previous satisfactory RNATT sample was 
taken . 
• Contact the c ompetent  authority  in the category 3 country that you intend to export your cat or 
dog from to find out who the approved veterinarians and laboratories are that can prepare your cat or dog for export.  
• Ensure all  parties involved  understand the requirements.  Misunderstanding the requirements 
may cause d elays, which may lead to your cat o r dog arriving in New Zealand later than you 
wish.  
2.1.5 Cats and dogs from non- categorised countries  via a category 2 or 3 country  
(1) The certifying veterinarian must sight rabies vaccination records and the rabies neutralising antibody 
titration test laboratory  (RNATT) report from the non -categorised country . After due enquiry , the 
veterinarian must be  satisfied that the cat or dog was:  
a) Identifiable by microchip at the time of vaccination or revaccination and at the time of sample 
collection for the rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT); and  
b) Vaccinated or revaccinated when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with 
the recommendations of the manufacturer, at least 6 months before the date of shipment to New 
Zealand, with a rabi es virus vaccine listed in MPI -STD-TVTL . The vaccination(s) must be 
continuously valid until shipment to New Zealand.  
c) Subjected to an initial neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  on a 
blood sample taken by a veterinarian with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ mL. The sample must have 
arrived at the laboratory  not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months before  shipment 
to New Zealand.  
(2) In the 45 days before the date of shipment to New Zealand, in a category 2 or 3 country, the cat or dog 
was: 
a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of sample collection 
for the rabies neutralising  antibody titration test (RNATT) and vaccination stated below; and  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  28 of 68 
b) Subjected to an additional rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) listed in MPI-STD-
TVTL  on a blood sample taken by a  veterinarian with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ mL, and then 
c) Revaccinated by a veterinarian, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of  
a rabies virus vaccine listed in MPI-STD-TVTL. 
 
Guidance  for import ing from a non -categorised country (via a category 2 or 3 country ) 
• The term ‘remain continuously valid’ means that the vaccination has not expired beyond the 
manufacturer’s duration of immunity either before  shipment or before  another vaccination was  
given.  
• Contact the c ompetent  authority  in the category 2 or 3 country that you intend to export your dog 
from to find approved veterinarians and laboratories that can prepare your dog for export.  
− Ask if there are any additional requireme nts imposed by the country of export.  
• The second antibody t itration  test and rabies vaccination need to be done in a category 2 or 3 
country.  
• It is recommended to w ait 3-4 week s after the rabies vaccination to allow time for an immune 
response to develop, before taking a sample for the antibody titration test. If your cat or dog  has 
been previously vaccinated against rabies this may not be necessary. Discuss this further with 
your veterinarian.  
• Ask your veterinarian to ensure that the correct microchip number is written on the blood sample 
tube and the laboratory s ubmission form for the antibody titration  test.  
• If the initial or second neutralising antibody titration  test is less than 0.5 IU/m L, your cat or dog 
will need to be revaccinated and retested and the cat or dog will not be eligible for shipment to New Zea land until at least  6 month s from the date the blood sample arrived at the laboratory 
(with a satisfactory result ). Contact  Animal Imports for further information  at 
animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
.   
• Ensure all parties understand the requirements. Misunderstanding the requirements may cause 
delays, which may lead to your cat or dog arriving in New Zealand later than you wish.  
 
Guidance  for general rabies requirements  
• It is recommended to w ait 3- 4 weeks a fter the rabies vaccination to allow time to develop an 
immune response, before taking a sample for the antibody titration test . If your cat or dog  was 
vaccinated against rabies  previously , this may not be necessary. Discuss this further with your 
veterinarian.  
• Ask your veterinarian to e nsure that the correct microchip number is written on the blood sample 
tube and the laboratory submission form for the antibody titration  test. 
• If the antibody titration  test produces a result of less than 0.5 IU/m L, revaccination and retesting 
will be necessary. Contact  Animal Imports for further information.  
• Ensure all parties involved understand the requirements . Misunderstanding the requirement s 
may cause delays, which may lead to your cat or dog arriving in New Zealand later than you 
wish.  
2.2 External parasites  
(1) The cat  must be treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks 
and fleas :  
a) The treatment must be given in the 15 days before  the date of shipment . 
b) The cat must have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and 
fleas from the date of the first treatm ent to the date of shipment.  
c) The cat must be certified as free from visible signs of external parasites at the time of the  
treatment and in the two days before the date of shipment.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  29 of 68 
(2) The dog must be treated twice by a veterinarian with a  product  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for the con trol 
of ticks and fleas : 
a) The first treatment must be given at least 21 days before  the date the blood sample is taken for 
the Babesia gibsoni  test, and the Babesia rossi test (if applicable).  
b) The second treatment must be given in the 15 days before  the date of shipment .   
c) The dog must have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and 
fleas from the date of the first treatm ent to the date of shipment.  
d) The dog must be certified free from visible signs of external parasites at each treatment and in 
the two days before  the date of shipment.  
(3) If the dog is being exported from a country that has had indigenous cases of leishmaniasis caused by 
Leishmania infantum , and established populations of competent vectors for leishmaniasis in the 12 
months before export : 
a) The dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control 
of sand  flies: 
b) The treatment must be given before the blood sample is taken for the Leishmania infantum  test 
required in  clause 2.11  Leishmaniasis  in this IHS . 
i) The dog must have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from the date of this  treatment to the date of shipment.  
2.2.1 New Zealand -origin animals overseas for 30 days or less:  
(1) In the five  days before  export from New Zealand the cat or dog must be treated by a veterinarian 
with a  product (or combination of products) listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks and fleas :   
a) The cat or dog  must have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from the 
date of the first treatment to the date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
b) A record of this treatment  (refer to Appendix  1) listing the name of the product, active 
ingredient (s), and date of treatment must be signed and dated by a New Zealand registered 
veterinarian and must accompany the cat or dog during shipment  back to New Zealand.  
(2) If the dog is being exported from a country that has had indigenous cases of leishmaniasis caus ed by 
Leishmania infantum , and established populations of competent vectors for leishmaniasis in the 12 
months before export :  
a) The dog must be treated by a veterinarian in the two days after arrival  in the overseas country 
with a product listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  that is considered effective against sand flies  and must 
have continuous protection  (as per the manufacturer’s directions) until shipment back to New 
Zealand.  
(3) The cat or dog must be treated by a veterinarian with a  product listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for the control 
of ticks and fleas  in the  15 days before  the date of shipm ent to New Zealand . 
a) The cat or dog must be certified free from visible signs of external parasites at treatment and in 
the two days before  the date of shipment  to New Zealand .  
 
Guidance  for external p arasites  
• Veterinarians administering treatment  for internal and external parasites should take into 
consideration any tolerance/resistance issues when deciding which  product should be used to 
prepare a cat or dog for import into New Zealand . 
• If external parasite treatments for dogs do not provide cont inuous protection from at least 21 
days before the date of blood sampling for the Babesia gibsoni  and Babesia rossi  tests, the 
external parasite treatment and test s will need to be repeated.  
• Cats or  dogs should not be washed during the two days before and two days following the 
application of a topical treatment for parasites.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  30 of 68 
• If fleas or ticks (live or dead) are detected on arrival in New Zealand, the cat or dog will be kept in 
a transitional (quarantine)  facility for cats and dogs for further treatment and until the animals is 
found to be free from external parasites.  
− In addition, d ogs will undergo further testing for  Babesia gibsoni , and  B.rossi (if the dog has  
resided in or travelled from mainland Africa ). This will extend the quarantine period . 
− This will significantly increase the costs that you, as the importer, will pay.  
2.3 Internal parasites  
(1) The cat or dog has been treated twice by a veterinarian with a  product (or combination of products) 
listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , for the control of nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus  species ).  
a) The first treatment must be given in the  30 days before the date of shipment and at least two 
weeks before the second treatment.  
b) The second treatment must be given in the four days before  the date of shipment.  
2.3.1 New-Zealand origin animals overseas for 30 days or less:  
(1) If the cat or dog is overseas  for two weeks or less, the cat or  dog must be treated by a veterinarian with 
a product (or combination  of products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of nematodes and 
cestodes (including  Echinococcus species ), in the two  days before the date of shipment  back to New 
Zealand . 
(2) If overseas for greater than two weeks, the IHS  requirements in clause 2.3 (1)  Internal Parasite s apply.  
2.4 Angiostrongylus vasorum  (dogs)  
(1) The dog  must be treated by a veterinarian with a product as listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  effective against 
Angiostrongylus vasorum , with the final treatment given  in the four days  before  the date of shipment.  
2.5 Babesia rossi  (dogs that have ever resided in or travelled to 
mainland Africa)  
(1) An owner declaration is required to confirm that the  dog has never resided in or travelled to mainland 
Africa; or  
(2) The dog must be inspected by a veterinarian and found to be healthy and free of ticks before  each of 
the two treatments required for external parasites, and either : 
a) The dog must be treated with a product and by a protocol listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  effective 
against Babesia rossi, in the 20 days before the date of shipment ; or 
b) The dog must be subjected to  tests  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Babesia rossi , with negative 
result s on sample s taken at least 21 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 
days before  the date of shipment . 
2.5.1 New Zealand -origin dogs overseas (in South Africa) for 30 days or less  
(1) No testing is required if the dog has met the requirements in clause 2.2.1 External Parasite s: New-
Zealand origin  animals overseas for 30 days or less .  
 
Guidance  for Babesia rossi  
• Sometimes the  man ufacturer’s directions for the i midocarb dipropionate dosage are for a one- off 
dose of 6.6 mg /kg of bodyweight. This dose rate is not acceptable for import. Veterinarians who Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  31 of 68 
do not wish to administer the higher dose rate of 7.5 mg/kg bodyweight may use the two 
treatm ent option of 6.0 mg/kg per treatment  as specified in MPI-STD-TVTL . 
• If external parasite treatments do not provide continuous protection from at least 21 days before 
the date of blood sampling for the Babesia rossi test, the external parasite treatment and test(s) 
will need to be repeated.  
• If an owner is unable to confirm whether  a dog has resided in or travelled to mainland Africa , 
treatment or testing for Babesia rossi  will need to be done before the dog arrives in New Zealand.  
• If ticks (live or dead) are detected on arrival in New Zealand, the dog will be kept in a transitional 
(quarantine) facility for further treatment until the dog is found to be free from external parasites. Dogs will undergo further testing for Babesia gibsoni , (and Babesia  rossi , if applicable) . This will 
extend the quarantine period, which will significantly increase the costs that you, as the 
importer/owner, will pay.   
2.6 Babesia gibsoni (dogs)  
(1) The dog must be inspected by a veterinarian and found to be healthy and free of ticks before each of the two treatments required for external parasites ; and  
(2) The dog must be subjected to  tests  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL
 for Babesia gibsoni with  negative result s 
on sample s taken at least 21 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 days before  
the date shipment :  
a) If a result is positive, inconclusive or suspicious, the dog must be subjected to tests for Babesia gibsoni  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL
 with negative results on a sample taken at least 21 -28 days after 
the first  sample above and in the 20 days before  the date of shipment.  
2.6.1 New Zealand -origin dogs overseas for 30 days or less  
(1) No testing is required if the dog has met the requirements in clause 2.2.1 External Parasite s: New 
Zealand- origin a nimals o verseas for 3 0 days or l ess.  
 
Guidance  for Babesia gibsoni  
• If external parasite treatments do not provide continuous protection from at least 21 days before the date of blood sampling for the Babesia gibsoni  test, the external parasite treatment and 
test(s) will need to be repeated.  
• It is not uncommon for the indi rect fluorescent antibody ( IFA) and enzyme -linked immunosorbent 
assay ( ELISA ) tests  for Babesia gibsoni to  produce positive  test results. I n this situation, further 
testing is required to determine the health status of the dog . This will result in a delay in 
shipment. Please contact animal.imports@mpi.govt.nz
 for further details about retesting.  
• Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
• If ticks (live or dead)  are detected on arrival in New Zealand, the dog will be kept in a transitional 
(quarantine) facility for further treatment until the dog is found to be f ree from external parasites. 
Dogs will undergo further testing for Babesia gibsoni . This will extend the quarantine period, 
which will significantly increase the costs that you, as the importer/owner will pay.    
2.7 Brucella canis (dogs)  
(1) The country of export is free from Brucella canis  as recognised by the competent authority and agreed 
by MPI ; or 
(2) Male or  female entire dogs  must be subjected to a test for Brucella canis  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with 
a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  32 of 68 
a) If the result is positive, inconclusive or suspicious, the dog must be subjected to a test for 
Brucella canis listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with a negative result on a sample taken at least 30 -42 
days after the first sample and in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
(3) In addition , a male or female entire dog:  
a) Must not be mated in the 45 days before  the date of shipment; or  
b) If naturally mated , it must be to a dog that has been subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  
for Brucella canis  with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before mating; or  
c) For a bitch : Any artificial inseminat ion must be done with frozen semen that meets the current  
IHS for semen from dogs.  
(4) For desexed dogs: A  record , signed by a veterinarian , must  show that the dog has been spayed or 
neutered.  
2.7.1 New Zealand -origin dogs overseas for 30 days or less  
(1) The country of export is free from Brucella canis  as recognised by the competent authority and agreed 
by MPI ; or 
(2) After due enquiry of the certifying veterinarian, a male or female entire dog:  
a) Must not naturally mate in the period between export from New Ze aland and shipment back to 
New Zealand, or  
b) If naturally  mated, it must be to a dog that has been subjected to a test for Brucella canis  with a 
test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before  
mating; or  
c) For a bitch : Any artificial insemination was done with frozen semen that meets the current IHS for 
semen from dogs.  
(3) For desexed dogs: A record, signed by a veterinarian, must show  that the dog has been spayed or 
neutered.  
 
Guidance  for Brucella canis  
• It is not uncommon, for the  indirect  fluorescent  antibody  test ( IFAT), rapid slide agglutination test 
(RSAT ) or tube agglutination test ( TAT) for Brucella canis to  produce positive test results. In this 
situation, further testing is required to determine the health status of the dog . This will result in a 
delay in shipment.  
• Entire d ogs diagnosed with Brucella canis  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.   
• A single positive IFAT, RSAT or TAT is not considered a ‘diagnosis’ and further testing will be 
required (see note  above).  
• The 2 -mercaptoethanol rapid slide agglutination test  and 2 -mercaptoethanol tube agglutination 
tests (2ME -RSAT and 2ME -TAT) cannot be used as sole screening test s due to  their low 
sensitivity. In addition, a positive RSAT and negative 2ME -RSAT, or a positive TAT and negative 
2ME-TAT is not acceptable for imp ort without further testing.  
2.8 Canine influenza 
(1) The country of export must not have had any cases of canine influenza diagnosed in the three months 
before the date of shipment; or  
(2) The dog must be  fully vaccinated against canine influenza  using a vaccine li sted in MPI-STD-TVTL  
between 12 months and 14 days  before  the date of shipmen t; and  
a) The vaccination must remain continuously valid for the entire post-arrival quarantine period; or  
(3) The dog must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for canine influenza viral antigens , with a 
negative result on a sample collected in the 5 days before  the date of shipment.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  33 of 68 
(4) Based on a dec laration from the owner , for at least 21 days before  the date of shipment : 
a) The cat or dog must not have  been kept in a place where there were cats or dogs showing 
clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease; and  
b) The cat or dog must not have  shown clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease.  
 
Guidance  for canine influenza virus  
• The term ‘remain co ntinuously valid’ means that the vaccination has not expired beyond the 
manufacturer’s duration of immunity either before  the end of the post -arrival quarantine period or 
before  another vaccination was given.  
2.9 Canine transmissible venereal tumour (dogs)  
(1) If the dog is an entire male or female , it must be subjected to an examination of th e external genitalia 
(which in the case of a male dog includes examination of the extruded penis)  and found to have no 
lesions suggestive of canine transmissible venereal tumour : 
a) In the two days before the date of shipment ; and  
b) On arrival in New Zealand.  
2.10 Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) (dogs)  
(1) If seven  months of age or older on the date of shipment, the dog must  be subjecte d to a test  listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL  for heartworm , with a negative result on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date 
of shipment , and  
(2) All dogs must be either:  
a) Treated by a veterinarian with a  product listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for heartworm prevention in the 
four days before t he date of shipment; or  
b) Up to date with a sustained -release injection  administered by a veterinarian and listed in MPI-
STD-TVTL  for heartworm prevention.  
 
Guidance for heartworm  
• Dogs that are diagnosed with heartworm whilst in quar antine in New Zealand e.g. from a 
Category 2 Pacific Island country, cannot remain in quarantine whilst awaiting a negative test. 
This is due to the amount of time it may ta ke to produce a negative result.  Dogs infected with 
heartworm will need to be reshi pped from New Zealand.   
• Angiostronglyus vasorum  can cause false positive heartworm test results. If your dog has a 
positive heartworm result, discuss this further with a veterinarian.  
2.10.1  New Zealand -origin animals overseas for 30 days or less  
(1) All dogs (regardless of age) must be treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  
for heartworm prevention , in the five  days before  export from New Zealand; or  
a) The dog must be up to date  with a sustained -release injection listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for 
heartworm prevention  and administered by a veterinarian .  
 
Guidance  for New Zealand -origin animals overseas f or 30 days or less (heartworm)  
• No testing is required.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  34 of 68 
2.11 Leishmaniasis (dogs)  
(1) There have been no indigenous cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum  and 
established populations of competent vectors for leishmaniasis in the country of export during the 12 
months before export; and  
a) The dog has been continuously resident in the country of export since birth, or since it was 
imported from New Zealand; or  
(2) The dog must be subjected to test(s) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for Leishmania infantum , with a negative 
result(s) on a sample taken in the 20 days before  the date of shipment.  
a) If the result is positive, inconclusive or suspicious the dog must be subjected to test(s) for 
Leishmania infantum  listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  with negative result(s) in the 20 days before  the 
date of shipment . 
(3) The dog must be certified as showing no clinical signs of leishmaniasis in the two days before  the date 
of shipment.  
 
Guidance  for leishmaniasis  
• Dogs vaccinat ed against canine leishmania sis are likely to produce a positive test result .  
• If a veterinarian is takin g a sample for a conjunctival PCR test , the swab should  be rubbed 
vigorously on the conjunctiva . 
• Dogs diagnosed with Leishmania infantum  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
2.11.1  New Zealand -origin dogs  overseas for 30 days or less  
(1) In the 12 months before the date of shipment , the exporting country must not have had any cases of 
leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum ; or 
(2) The dog must comply with the clause 2.2.1  External P arasites  of this IHS . 
(3) The dog must be certified as showing no clinical signs of leishmaniasis in the two days before  the date 
of shipment.  
2.12 Leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola) (dogs)  
(1) In the 12 months before the date of shipment, the exporting country must not have had any cases of 
leptospirosis caused by Leptospira interrogans serovar  canicola ; or 
(2) The dog must be treated with a course of treatment listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for leptospirosis, in the 30 
days before  the date of shipment; or  
(3) The dog must be subjected to a test listed in MPI-STD-TVTL  for Leptospira canicola , with a negative 
result on a sample taken in the 30 days before  the date of shipme nt. 
(4) The dog had a positive test result for Leptospira canicola  on a sample taken in the 30 days before the 
date of shipment; and either must be:  
a) Subjected to a second test listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for Leptospira canicola. The sample was 
taken at least 14 days af ter the first sample. The test result showed no increase above the titre of 
the first test; or  
b) Treated with a course of treatment listed in MPI-STD-TVTL , in the 30 days before  the date of 
shipment.  
2.12.1  New Zealand -origin dogs  overseas for 30 days or less  
(1) In the 12 months before the date of shipment , the country of export must not have had any cases of 
leptospirosis caused by Leptospira interrogans serovar  canicola ; or Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  35 of 68 
(2) The dog must comply with clause 2.12  Leptospirosis (2) or (3)  of this IHS , or 
(3) If the length of stay overseas does not allow testing or treatment  for leptospirosis  listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL  to be done before returning to New Zealand, the dog must be tested or treated in post -
arrival quarantine.  
 
Guidance  for leptospirosis  
• Doxycycline treatment needs to  be prescribed by a veterinarian,  but the tablets may be 
administered by the owner/importer. The dates the treatment was given n eed to be re corded and 
the prescription  (or letter ) from the veterinarian who prescribed the drug , retained  for import .  
• A recent leptospirosis vaccination may produce a weak positive test result  when a dog is tested.  
Have a contingency plan in place in case this happens.  
• For N ew Z ealand- origin dogs overseas for 30 days or less , completing the test or treatment in 
post-arrival quarantine is likely to extend the quarantine period.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  36 of 68 
Part 3:  Model Veterinary Certificates  
3.1 Category 1: Cats and Dogs from Australia, including Norfolk 
Island, Cocos (Keeling)  Islands  
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for cats and dogs from c ategory 1 countries: Australia , including 
Norfolk Island, and Cocos (Keeling ) Islands . 
(2) Each page of the veterinary certificate must be signed , stamped , dated and identified with a unique 
certificate reference number.  
(3) This model veterinary certificate format is based on the Code chapter for model veterinary certificates 
for international trad e in live animals.  
 
1. Consignor (exporter)  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 2. Certificate reference number:  
 
 
3. Competent authority:  
 
 
4. Consignee: (importer)  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 5. Country of origin:  
ISO Code*:  
 
6. Country of destination: NEW ZEALAND  
ISO Code*:  
 
7. Date of departure:  
 8. Place of shipment:  
 
 
9. Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
  10. Means of transport  
☐   Aeroplane 
☐   Ship 
 
Identification:  
 
11. Expected border post:  
 
 12. Description of commodity:  
13. Total number of animals:  
 14. Country of transit/transhipment (if applicable):  
 
 
15. Permit number:  
 
  
16. Identification of commodity:   Cats (Felis catus)  and/or Dogs (Canis familiaris)  
  
Species  Breed  Microchip 
Number  Microchip 
Location  Age Sex Desexed or 
Entire  
       
       
       
       
       
       
*optional  
  
 
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  37 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
The competent authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated veterinary certificate attesting 
the following:  
The undersigned official veterinarian certifies that the animals described above satisfy the following requirements:  
Specified requirements  
(1) After due enquiry and inspection, I am satisfied that the cat or dog:  
(a) Is not a hybrid (offspring of dogs or cats crossed with anot her species) with the exception of a Bengal cat : 
(i) Documentation of five generations of domestic ancestry has been provided for purebred Bengal cats.  
(b) Will be at least 8 weeks of age at the date of shipment.  
(c) Will not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment.  
(d) Has not been under quarantine restriction immediately before shipment.  
(e) Is not a dog that belongs  wholly or predominantly to one or more of the prohibited breeds or type of dog:  
(as per the Dog Control Act 1996) : 
Breed:  
(i) Brazilian Fila  
(ii) Dogo Argentino  
(iii) Japanese Tosa  
(iv) Perro de Presa Canario 
Type:  
(v) American Pit Bull Terrier.  
(2) To the best of my knowledge:  
(a) In the 12 months before the date of shipment there has been no cases of leptospirosis caused by Leptospira 
interrogans serovar canicola;  
(b) In the 3 months before the date of export there have been no cases of canine influenza caused by CIV H3N8 or 
CIV H3N2 in cats or dogs in this country.  
(3) No cases of infection with rabies virus have been diagnosed in this country before the date of shipment (as defined the Rabies chapter of the OIE Code) . 
(4) Australia/Cocos (Keeling) Islands/Norfolk Island (delete as appropriate) is free from Brucella canis  as recognised by the 
competent authority and agreed by MPI.  
Testing, vaccines and treatments  
(5) The cat or dog is permanently and uniquely identified with a microchip that was scanned by a veterinarian prior to 
shipment  to confirm the microchip number in the identification table above.  
(6) The microchip number of the cat or dog was verified and recorded by a veterinarian at each examination, test, vaccination and/or treatment required for import into New Zealand.  
(7) The microchip number of the cat or dog is correctly recorded on all vaccination and treatment records, laboratory results 
and certification.  
(8) All pre -export testing required by the import health standard was conducted at  
(a) A laboratory approved by the competent authority  of a category  1, 2 or 3 country.  
(9) All laboratory samples were collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the recommendations in the Code and/or 
the Manual  or as descri bed in MPI -STD-TVTL
. 
(10) All diagnostic test(s ), treatment(s)  and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by the import health standard 
are those that have been approved by MPI for that purpose and documented in MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(11) Product s and vaccinations required by the import health standard were  administered according to the manufacturer’s 
instructions and as required to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified 
Risk Organisms.   
(12) All requirements in the import health standard for the administration of a vaccine ent ail that either ; 
(a) The final dose of a primary vaccination course was administered;  or  
(b) The recommended booster to complement the primary course was administered.  
(13) Where products required by the import health standard have been administered, the product name,  manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the dose and date of the treatment is recorded on the veterinary certificate (where 
specified) . 
Documentation  
(14) All documentation required to accompany the cat or dog is:  
(a) Original (unless stated other wise).  
(b) In English or translated into English and is clear and legible.  
(c) Identified with a microchip number for each cat or dog, consistent with this veterinary certificate.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  38 of 68 
(15) Documentation that is in a paper format must, unless otherwise stated, be endorsed on every page by the official 
veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and date or endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper -
based alternative security features.  
(16) Documentation that is in an electronic format must, unless otherwise stated, be transmitted directly from the competent authority of the exporting country to MPI, using an electronic system approved by MPI for that purpose.  
(17) Laboratory reports include the following (copies acceptable):  
(a) Dates of sample collection and receipt at the laboratory.  
(b) Test type.  
(c) Test result . 
Inspection  (delete as appropriate)  
(18) The cat or dog was inspected by a veterinarian in the two days before the date of shipment and found to be:   
(a) Healthy and fit to travel.  
(b) Free from visible signs of external parasites, dirt, insects and any other organic material.  
(c) Free from clinical  signs of infectious or contagious disease that may be caused by any of the identified risk 
organisms in the import health standard.  
(d) If the dog is an entire male or female, it was be subjected to an examination of the external genitalia (which in the 
case of a male dog included examination of the extruded penis) and was found to have no lesions suggestive of 
canine transmissible venereal tumour . 
Transport  (delete as appropr iate) 
(19) In the case of transport by air:  
(a) The transport facilities and arrangements meet the relevant requirements published in the IATA Live Animal 
Regulations . 
(b) The cat or dog is travelling in a crate that has been sealed securely with a government -approved seal, bearing the 
seal number or marks: ….………………………………………………………………………….  
(20) In the case of transport by sea:  
(a) Sea: the transport facilities and arrangements were inspected and meet the requirements of the Australian Marine 
Orders Part 43, Issue 6 (which is equi valent to the New Zealand Marine Rules Part 24C ).  
(21) The cat or dog will be exported directly from this category 1 country to New Zealand.  
 
(22) Bedding or any other material capable of harbouring external parasites (including eggs and larvae) was free from seeds.  
(23) Straw or hay bedding has not been used.  
For external  parasites (delete as appropriate)  
(24) The cat was treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL
 for the control of ticks and fleas at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose:  
(a) The treatment was given in the 15 days before the date of shipment.  
(b) The cat will have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and fleas from the date of 
the first tre atment to the date of shipment.  
(c) The cat was free from visible signs of external parasites at the time of  this treatment(s).  
Treatment/inspection date: ……………………………………………………………… ………………………….  
Product name: …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………..  
Active ingredient(s): ……………………………………………………………………… ………………………….  
Weight of cat at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………….  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
(25) The dog was treated twice by a veterinarian with a  product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks and fleas at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose:  
(a) The first treatment w as given at least 21 days before the date the blood sample was taken for the Babesia gibsoni , 
and Babesia rossi  test (if applicable).  
(b) The second treatment was given in the 15 days before the date of shipment.  
(c) The dog will have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and fleas from the date of 
the first treatment to the date of shipment.  
(d) The dog was free from visible signs of external parasites at the time of each treatment.  
First treatment/inspection date: …………………………………………… ………………… ……………………..  
Product name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..  
Active ingredient(s): ………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Second treatment/inspection date: ………………………………………………………………………………... . 
Product name: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..  
Active ingredient(s): ………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Weight of dog at time of treatment s:  .……………………………………………………………………………...  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  39 of 68 
For interna l parasites 
(26) The cat or dog was treated twice  by a veterinarian with a  product (or combination or products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for 
the control of nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus  spp.) at the manufacturer’s recommended dose:  
(a) The first treatment was given in the 30 days before the date of shipment and at least two weeks before the second 
treatment.  
First treatment date: …………………………………………………………………………... ..............................  
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………….  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………… ……………………..  
Dose given: …………………………………………………………………………………………….……………..  
(b) The second treatment was given in the four days before the date of shipment.  
Second treatment date: ……………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… ………… ……….  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..  
For Angiostrongylus  vasorum  (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(27) The dog was treated by a veterinarian wi th one of the following products:  
(a) Fenbendazole 25- 50 mg/kg orally once daily for at least 21 days, with the final treatment in the four days before the 
date of  shipment; or  
(b) Milbemycin oxime 0.5 mg/kg orally once weekly for 4 weeks, with the final treatment in the four days before the 
date of shipment; or  
(c) Moxidectin, 2.5 mg/kg (0.1 ml/kg of 2.5% spot on) once in the four days before the date of shipment.  
Date(s) of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Active ingredient used: ….…………………………………………………………………………………………...  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………...  
Dose given at each treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………………...  
For Babesia rossi (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(28) Based on a declaration from the owner, has the dog ever resided in or travelled to mainland Africa?  
☐  Yes   
☐  No  
□ Unknown  
 
If yes or unknown, complete one  of the following (delete as appropriate):  
(a) The dog was treated by a veterinarian with a single dose of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 7.5 mg/kg body 
weight in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Date of treatment: …………………………………………………………………….…………… ……….............. 
Weight of dog at time of treatment: …………................................................................................................  
Total dose: …….……………………………………………………………………………………......................or  
 
(b) The dog was treated by a vet erinarian with two doses of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 6.0 mg/kg bodyweight 
given at least 14 days apart, with the last treatment in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
First treatment date: ………………………………………………………….……………………………………..  
Total dose given for first treatment: ………………….………………………………………………………........  
Second treatment date: ….………………………………………………….…………………………………..…..  
Total dose given for second treatment: ………………….………………………………………….………..…...  
Weight of dog at time of treatments: ………………………………………… …………………………..….….or  
 
(c) The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody  test (IFAT) or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay 
(ELISA) test, and  a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for Babesia rossi  with negative results on samples 
taken at least 21 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 days before the date of shipment.  
First external parasite treatment date: ……………………………………….…………………………………....  
IFA or ELISA test sample collecti on date: ……………………………………...………………….................. 
PCR test sample collection date:  ………………………………………………………………………………......  
For Babesia gibsoni (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(29) The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody  test (IFAT) or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay (ELISA) 
test, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Babesia gibsoni with negative results on samples taken at least 21 
days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 days before the date of shipment.  
First external parasite treatment date: ……………………………….…………………………………..........................  
IFA or ELISA test sample collection date(s): ………………...………………….......................................................... 
PCR test sample collection date: …………… ……………………………………………………………………………...  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  40 of 68 
(a) The dog had a positive, inconclusive or suspicious IFA, ELISA or PCR test result and was subjected to a repeat 
IFA or ELISA test, and  a PCR test for Babesia gibsoni  with negative results on a sample taken at least 21- 28 day s 
after the original sample was taken and in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Repeat IFA or ELISA test sample collection date: ..………………………………………………………………  
Repeat PCR test sample collection date: .………………………………………………………………………...  
 
Note : Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
For canine influenza  (CIV) (delete as appropriate)  
(30) No case of canine influenza caused by CIV H3N2 or H3N8 in cats or dogs has been diagnosed in the country of export in 
the three months before the date of shipment; or  
 
(31) [Dogs only]: The dog has been fully vaccinated between 12 months and 14 days before the date of shipment with a 
registered monovalent or bivalent inactivated vaccine containing either or both canine influence virus subtypes CIV H3N8 
and/or CIV H3N2. The vaccine is effective against the strains of virus circulating in the area the dog resided in prior to 
shipment; and  
(a) The vaccination will remain valid for the entire post -arrival quarantine period.  
Date  of vaccination(s): ……………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Name of vaccine: ………………………………………………………………………………………….……….  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: …………………………………………………………………………………or  
(32) The dog was subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for CIV H3N8 and H3N2 viral antigens with a negative result on a sample collected in the 5 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: ...…………………………………………………………........ .................................................. 
(33) Based on a declaration from the o wner, for at least 21 days before the date of 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 has not shown clinical signs of infectious respiratory  disease.  
For heartworm  (Dirofilaria immitis ) (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(34) If seven months of age or older on the date of shipment, the dog was subjected to a heartworm antigen enzyme- linked 
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test with a negative result on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………………..………………………..and  
(35) All dogs must be either:  
(a) Treated by a veterinarian with one of the following products in the four days before the date of shipment:  
(i) Ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg  
(ii) Milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg  
(iii) Moxidectin at 2- 4 mcg/kg  
(iv) Selamectin at 6 mg/kg  
Date of treatment: …..…………………………………………………………………………………… ………….  
Product used: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………..  
Total dose: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………....or  
 
(b) Up to date with a sustained- release injection of moxidectin for heartworm prevention administered by a 
veterinarian.  
Date of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Name of product: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………...  
Total dose: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
For leishmaniasis (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(36) There have been no indigenous cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum and established populations of 
competent vectors for leishmaniasis in this country during the 12 months before export; and  
(a) The dog has been continuously resident in this country since birth, or since it was imported from New Zealand; or  
(37) The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay (ELISA) test 
for Leismania infantum with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Test used: ….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Sample collection date: ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………  
 
(a) The dog had a positive, inconclusive, or suspicious test result and was subjected to a repeat test(s):  
(i) For dogs that are not vaccinated against leishmaniasis: The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent 
antibody (IFA) test or enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for Leishmania infantum with a 
negative result in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Repeat sample collection date: ……………………………..……………… …………………………….  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  41 of 68 
  
  
 
   Test used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………  
(ii) For dogs vaccinated against leishmaniasis: The dog was subjected to a buffy coat or conjunctival PCR test 
for Leishmania infantum,  with negative results on a sample taken at least 20 days before  the date of 
shipment.  
PCR sample collection date: ……………………………..………………………………………………..  
 Test used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………  
 
Note:  Dogs diagnosed with Leishmania infantum are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
 
Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:  
Date:  
 
 
 
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  42 of 68 
3.2 Category 2: Cats and Dogs from Rabies- Free Countries  
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for cats and dogs from c ategory 2: r abies -free countries . 
(2) Each page of the veterinary certificate must be signed , stamped , dated and identified with a unique 
certificate reference number . 
(3) This model veterinary certif icate format is based on the Code chapter for model veterinary certificates 
for international trade in live animals.  
 
 
   1. Consignor (exporter)  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 2. Certificate reference number:  
 
 
3. Competent authority:  
 
 
4. Consignee: (importer)  
Name:  
Address:  
  5. Country of origin:  
ISO Code*:  
 
6. Country of destination: NEW ZEALAND  
ISO Code*:  
 
7. Date of departure:  
 8. Place of shipment:  
 
 
9. Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
  10. Means of transport  
☐   Aeroplane 
☐   Ship 
 
Identification:  
 
11. Expected border post:  
 
 12. Description of commodity:  
13. Total number of animals:  
 14. Country of transit/transhipment (if applicable):  
 
 
15. Permit number:  
 
  
16. Identification of commodity:   Cats (Felis catus)  and/or Dogs (Canis familiaris)  
  
Species  Breed  Microchip 
Number  Microchip 
Location  Age Sex Desexed or 
Entire  
       
       
       
       
       
       
*optional  
  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  43 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
The competent authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated veterinary certificate attesting 
the following:  
The undersigned official veterinarian certifies that the animals described above satisfy the following requirements:  
Specified requirements (delete as appropriate)  
(1) After due enquiry and inspection, I am satisfied that the cat or dog:  
(a) Is not a hybrid (offspring of dogs or cats crossed with another species) with the exception of a Bengal cat : 
(i) Documentation of five generations of domestic ancestry has been provided for purebred Bengal cats.  
(b) Will be at least 12 weeks of age at the date of shipment.  
(c) Will not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment.  
(d) Has not been under quarantine restriction immediately before shipment.  
(e) Has only been resident in category 1 or 2 countries:  (i) Since birt h or direct importation from New Zealand; or  
(ii) For at least six months before the date of shipment, or arrival in New Zealand if travelling by vessel; or  
(f) Is being imported into New Zealand from a non- categorised country via this category 3 country:  
(i)  Has remained continuously resident in this category 3 country for at least 45 days before the date of 
shipment to New Zealand.  
(g) Is not a dog that belongs  wholly or predominantly to one or more of the prohibited breeds or type of dog:  
(as per the Dog Control Act 1996) : 
Breed:  
(i) Brazilian Fila  
(ii) Dogo Argentino  
(iii) Japanese Tosa  
(iv) Perro de Presa Canario 
Type:  
(v) American Pit Bull Terrier.  
(2) No cases of infection with rabies  virus have been diagnosed in this country before the date of shipment (as defined by the 
Rabies chapter of the OIE Code.  
Testing, vaccines and treatments  
(3) The cat or dog is permanently and uniquely identified with a microchip that was scanned by a veterinarian prior to 
shipment to confirm the microchip number in the identification table above.  
(4) The microchip number of the cat or dog was verified and recorded by a veterinarian at each examination, test, vaccination and/or treatment required for import into Ne w Zealand.  
(5) The microchip number of the cat or dog is correctly recorded on all vaccination and treatment records, laboratory results 
and certification.  
(6) All pre -export testing required by the  import health standard was conducted at:  
(a) A laboratory approved by  the competent authority  of a category 1, 2 or 3 country; or  
(b) A laboratory approved by the EU Commission (for rabies testing); or  
(c) AN OIE rabies reference laboratory (for rabies testing).  
(7) All laboratory samples were collected, processed, and stored in accor dance with the recommendations in the Code and/or 
the Manual  or as described in MPI -STD-TVTL
. 
(8) All diagnostic test(s ), treatment(s)  and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by the import health standard 
are those that have been approved by MPI for that purpose and documented in MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(9) Product s and vaccinations required by the import health standard were  administered according to the manufacturer’s 
instructions and as required to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms.   
(10) All requirements in the import health standard for the administration of a vaccine entail  that either : 
(a) The final dose of a primary vaccination course was administered;  or  
(b) The recommended booster to complement the primary course was administered.  
(11) Where products required by the import health standard have been administered, the product name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the dose and date(s)  of the treatment is recorded on the veterinary certificate (where 
specified) . 
Documentation  
(12) All documentation required to accompany the cat or dog is:  
(a) Original (unless stated otherwise).  
(b) In English or translated into English and is clear and legible.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  44 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
(c) Identified with a microchip number for each cat or dog, consistent with this veterinary certificate.  
(13) Docu mentation that is in a paper format must, unless otherwise stated, be endorsed on every page by the official 
veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and date or endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper -
based alternative security f eatures.  
(14) Documentation that is in an electronic format must, unless otherwise stated, be transmitted directly from the competent 
authority of the exporting country to MPI, using an electronic system approved by MPI for that purpose.  
(15) Laboratory reports inc lude the following (copies acceptable):  
(a) Dates of sample collection and receipt at the laboratory.  
(b) Test type.  
(c) Test result . 
(16) A copy of the import permit accompanies this consignment.  
Inspection  (delete as appropriate)  
(17) The cat or dog was inspected by a veterinarian in the two days before the date of shipment and found to be:   
(a) Healthy and fit to travel.  
(b) Free from visible signs of external parasites, dirt, insects and any other organic material.  
(c) Free from clinical  signs of infectious or contagious disease that may be caused by any of the identified risk 
organisms in the import health standard.  
(d) If the dog is an entire male or female, it was be subjected to an examination of the external genitalia (which in the case of a male dog included examination of the extruded penis) and was found to have no lesions suggestive of 
canine transmissible venereal tumour . 
Transport  (delete as appropriate)  
(18) In the case of transport by air:  
(a) The transport facilities and arrangements meet the relevant requirements published in the IATA Live Animal 
Regulations . 
(b) The cat or dog is travelling in a crate that has been sealed securely with a government -approved seal, bearing the 
seal number or marks:  ….…………………………………………………………………………….  
(19) In the case of transport by sea:  
(a) Sea: the transport facilities and arrangements were inspected and meet the requirements of the Australian Marine Orders Part 43, Issue 6 (which is equivalent to the New Zealand Marine Rules  Part 24C ).  
(20) Bedding or any other material capable of harbouring external parasites (including eggs and larvae) was free from seeds.  
(21) Straw of hay bedding has not been used.  
 For external  parasites (delete as appropriate)  
(22) The cat was treated by a veterinari an with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL
 for the control of ticks and fleas at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose:  
(a) The treatment was given in the 15 days before the date of shipment.  
(b) The cat will b e continually protected (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and fleas from the date of the 
first tre atment to the date of shipment.  
(c) The cat was free from visible signs of external parasites at the time of  this treatment(s).  
Treatment/inspecti on date: ………………………………………. ……………………… …………………………  
Product name: …………………………………………………. ………………………… ………………………….  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………. …………………………………… …………………………  
Weight of cat at time of treatment: ...……………………………………………………………………………….  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
(23) The dog was treated twice by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks and fleas at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose:  
(a) The first treatment was given at least 21 days before the date the blood sample was taken for the Babesia gibsoni , 
and Babesia rossi  test (if applicable).  
(b) The second treatment was given in the 15 days before the date of shipment.  
(c) The dog will be continually protected (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and fleas from the date of the 
first treatment to the date of shipment.  
(d) The dog was free from visible signs of external parasites at the time of  each treatment.  
First treatment/inspection date: ……………………………………………………………… ………………….…  
Product name: ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………….…….  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… ………………….…  
Dose given: …………………………………………………………………………………………….……………..  
Second treatment/inspection date: ………………………………………………………… ……………………...  
Product name: ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………….….  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  45 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Dose given: ……………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………  
Weight of dog at time of treatments: …………………………………………………………………………….....  
(24) The dog was  treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of sand flies: 
(a) The treatment was  given before the date the blood sample was taken for the Leishmania infantum test.  
(b) The dog will be continually protected (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from sand flies from the date of this 
treatment to the scheduled date of shipment.  
Treatment date: …………………………………………………………………………... .....................................  
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………….  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
For internal  parasites 
(25) The cat or dog was treated twice  by a veterinarian with a  product (or combination or products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for 
the control of nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus  spp.) at the manufacturer’s recommended dose:  
(a) The first treatment was given in the 30 days before the date of shipment and at least two weeks before t he second 
treatment.  
First treatment date: …………………………………………………………………………... ..............................  
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………….  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
(b) The second treatment was given in the four days before the date of shipment.  
Second treatment date: ……………………………………………………………………… …………………..….  
Product name(s) : ……… ………………………………………………………………………… ……………….….  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: …………………………….……………………………………………………………………………..  
For Angiostrongylus  vasorum  (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(26) The dog was treated by a veterinarian wi th one of the following products:  
(a) Fenbendazole 25- 50 mg/kg orally once daily for at least 21 days, with the final treatment in the four days before the 
date of  shipment; or  
(b) Milbemyc in oxime 0.5 mg/kg orally once weekly for 4 weeks, with the final treatment in the four days before the 
date of shipment; or  
(c) Moxidectin, 2.5 mg/kg (0.1 ml/kg of 2.5% spot on) once in the four days before the date of shipment.  
Date(s) of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Active ingredient used: ………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Weight of dog at time of treatment : ………………………………………………………………….....................  
Dose given at each treatment: .….………………………………………………………………………………….  
For Babesia rossi  (dogs only)  
(27) Based on a declaration from the owner, has the dog ever resided in or travelled to mainland Africa?  
☐  Yes   
☐  No  
☐  Unknown  
 
If yes or unknown, complete one  of the following (delete as appropriate):  
(a) The dog was given a single dose of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 7.5 mg/kg body weight in the 20 days before 
the date of shipment.  
Date of treatment: …………………………………………………………………….……………………..............  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………….……………………..................................  
Total dose: …..…………………………………………………………………………………..…………………or  
(b) The dog was given two doses of imidocarb dipropionat e at a rate of 6.0 mg/kg bodyweight given at least 14 days 
apart, with the last treatment in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
First treatment date: ...………………………………………………………..……………………………………..  
Total dose of first treatment: ……………………………..………………………………………………………...  
Second treatment date: ....…………………………………………………..…………………………………..….  
Total dose of second treatment: …………….………………..……………………………………………………  
Weight of dog at time of treatment(s): …………………………………………………..………….……...…...or  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  46 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
 
(c) The dog was subjected to an indir ect fluorescent antibody  test (IFAT) or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay 
(ELISA) test, and  polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Babesia rossi  with negative results on samples taken at 
least 21 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 days before the date of shipment.  
First external parasite treatment date: ………………………………………..…………………………………...  
IFA or ELISA sample collection date: …………………………………………...…………………......................  
PCR test sample collection date:  …………………………………………………………………………………..  
For Babesia gibsoni (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(28) The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody  test (IFAT) or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay (ELISA) 
test, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Babesia gibsoni with negative results on samples taken at least 21 
days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 days before the date of shipment.  
First external parasite treatment date: …………………… ………….…………………………………..........................  
IFA or ELISA test sample collection date(s): ………...…………………....................................................................  
PCR test sample collection date: …………………………………………………………………………………………...  
(a) The dog had a positive, inconclusive or suspicious IFA or ELISA test result and was subjected to a repeat IFA or 
ELISA test, and  a PCR test for Babesia gibsoni  with negative results on a sample taken at least 21- 28 days after 
the original sample was taken and in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Repeat IFA or ELISA sample collection date(s): …………………………………………………………...…….  
Repeat PCR test sample collection date: ………………………………………………………...……………….  
 
Note : Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni  are not eligible for import, r egardless of treatment.  
For Brucella canis (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(29) For male or female entire dogs only:  
(a) The dog was subjected to either a rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT)  or a tube agglutination test (TAT ) for 
Brucella canis  with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Type of test: …………………………………………………………………………………...................................  
Sample collection date: ...……………………………………………………………………………………………  
(b) The dog had a positive, inconclusive or suspicious RSAT  or TAT result and was subjected to either:  
(i) A repeat RSAT  or TAT for Brucella canis,  with a negative result on a sample taken at least 30 to 42 days 
after the sample collection for the first test and in the 20 days before the date of shipment; or  
(ii) A cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test (CPAg- AGID) for Brucella canis,  with a negative result on a 
sample taken at least 30 to 42 days after the sample collection for the first test and in the 20 days before 
the date of shipment . 
Repeat sample collection date: ...…………………………………………………………………….....  
Test used:  ……………………………………………………………………………………… …………..  
(c) The dog was not  mated in the 45 days before the date of shipment; or  
(d) If naturally mated, it must be to a dog that has been subj ected to a RSAT  or TAT with a negative result in the 20 
days before mating; or  
(e) Sample collection date: ……………………………………………………………………………………………...For a bitch: A rtificial insemination was done with frozen semen that met the current import health standard for semen 
from dogs into New Zealand and documentation to attest to this is attached.  
(30) For desexed dogs:  
(a) A record, signed by a veterinarian, shows that the dog has been spayed or neutered and documentation to attest to this is attached.  
 
Note:  Male and female enti re dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis  are not eligible for import, regardless of       treatment.  
For canine influenza  (CIV) (delete as appropriate)  
(31) No case of canine influenza caused by CIV H3N2 or H3N8 in cats or dogs has been diagnosed in the country of export in 
the three months before the date of shipment; or  
 
(32) [Dogs only]: The dog has been fully vaccinated between 12 months and 14 days before the date of shipment with a 
registered monovalent or bivalent inactivated vaccine containing either or both canine influence virus subtypes CIV H3N8 and/or CIV H3N2. The vaccine is effective against the strains of virus circulating in the area the dog resided in prior to 
shipment; and  
(a) The vaccination will remain valid for the entire pos t-arrival quarantine period.  
Date of vaccination(s): ……………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Name of vaccine: ………………………………………………………………………………………….……….  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: …………………………………………………………………………………or  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  47 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
(33) The dog was subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for CIV H3N8 and H3N2 viral antigens with a negative 
result on a sample collected in the 5 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………........ ........................................and  
(34) Based on a declaration from the owner, for at least 21 days before the date of 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 has not shown clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease.  
For heartworm  (Dirofilaria immitis ) (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(35) If seven months of age or older on the date of shipment, the dog was subjected to a heartworm antigen enzyme- linked 
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test with a negative result on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….  
(36) All dogs must be either:  
(a) Treated by a veterinarian with one of the following products in the four days before the date of shipment.  
(i) Ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg  
(ii) Milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg  
(iii) Moxidectin at 2- 4 mcg/kg  
(iv) Selamectin at 6 mg/kg  
Product used: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. .… 
Date of treatment: …..……………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………..  
 Total dose: …………………………………………………………………………………………………...…….or  
 
(b) Up to date with a sustained- release injection of moxidectin for heartworm prevention administered by a 
veterinarian.  
Product used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..  
Date of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………...  
Total dose: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
For leishmaniasis (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(37) The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay (ELISA) test 
for Leismania infantum with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Test used: …………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………  
Sample collection date: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..  
 
(a) The dog had a positive, inconclusive, or suspicious test result and was subjected to a repeat test(s):  
(i) For dogs that are not vaccinated against leishmaniasis: The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent 
antibody (IFA) test or enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for Leishmania infantum with a 
negative result in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Repeat sample collection date: ……………………………..…………… ……………………………….  
 Test used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………  
(ii) For dogs vaccinated against leishmaniasis: The dog was subjected to a buffy coat or conjunctival PCR test 
for Leishmania infantum,  with negative results on a sample taken at least 20 days bef ore the date of 
shipment.  
PCR sample collection date: ……………………………..………………………………………………..  
 Test used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………  
 
Note:  Dogs diagnosed with Leishmania infantum are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
For leptospirosis  (Leptospira interrogans  serovar canicola)  (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(38) The dog was treated with a therapeutic course of doxycycline for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before the date of 
shipment . 
First date of treatment: ………………………………………………………………...…………………………… ……….  
Last date of treatment: ………………………………………………………… ……………………… …………………….  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………  
Daily  dose given: ………………………………………………………………… ……………………. ………………….. or 
(39) The dog was s ubjected to a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira canicola with a negative result (50% or 
less agglutination at a serum dilution of 1:100)  on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment .  
Sample collection date: …...……………… ………… ………………………………………………… ……………………  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  48 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
(a) The dog had a positive test result (greater than 50% agglutination at a serum dilution of 1:100 or greater) for 
Leptospira canicola in the 30 days before the date of shipment and either:  
(i) Was subjected to a second test for Leptos pira canicola at least 14 days after the first sample was taken. 
The second test showed no increase above the titre of the first test.  
Repeat sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………..……...or  
(ii) The dog was treated with a therapeutic course of doxycyc line for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before 
the date of shipment.  
First date of treatment: ……………………………………………...…………………………………..….  
Last date of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………………..  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………… …….  
Daily  dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………..... ...... 
For rabies –  for cats and dogs from a non -categorised country via a category 2 or 3 country only (delete as appropriate)  
(40) I have sighted rabies vaccination records and the rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) laboratory report from 
the non- categorised country and after due enquiry , I am  satisfied that the cat or dog was:  
(a) Identifiable by microchip at the time of vaccination or revaccination and at the time of sample collection for the 
RFFIT or FAVN  rabies neutralising antibody titration tests (RNATTs); and 
(b) Vaccinated or revaccinated when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the 
recommendations of the manufacturer, at least 6 months before the date of shipment to New Zealand, with a 
government -approved inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein. 
The vaccination(s) will remain continuously valid until shipment to New Zealand.  
Date of vaccination: …………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: ………………………………………………………… ……………………….  
Date of previous vaccination (if applicable) : ……………………………………………………………………...  
Duration of immunity of previous vaccine (if applicable): …………………………………………………, and 
(c) Subjected to an initial RFFIT or FAVN rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT ) on a blood sample taken 
by a veterinarian with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL . The sam ple arrived at the laboratory not less than 6 months 
and not more than 12 months before the date of shipment  to New Zealand.  
Test used: ….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Date sample arrived at the laboratory : …………………………………………… ………………………………  
(41) In the 45 days before the date of shipment to New Zealand, in a category 2 or 3 country, the cat or dog was:  
(a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of sample collection for the FAVN or 
RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titrat ion test and vaccination stated below; and  
(b) Subjected to a FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) on a blood sample taken by a 
veterinarian with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL;  
Sample collection date: …………………………………………………………………………… ………....; then  
(c) Revaccinated by a veterinarian, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a government -
approved inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein.  
Date of vaccination:  ...………………… ……………………………………………………………......................  
Vaccine used: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
 
Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:  
Date:  
 
 
 
  
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  49 of 68 
3.3 Category 3: Cats and Dogs from Rabies Absent or Well -
Controlled Countries 
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for cats and dogs from c ategory 3 countries : rabies absent or 
well-controlled .  
(2) Each page of the veterinary certificate must be signed , stamped , dated and identified with a unique 
reference number.  
(3) This model veterinary certificate format is based on the Code chapter for model veterinary certificates 
for international trade in live animals.  
 
  
 1. Consignor (exporter)  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 2. Certificate reference number:  
 
 
3. Competent authority:  
 
 
4. Consignee: (importer)  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 5. Country of origin:  
ISO Code*:  
 
6. Country of destination: NEW ZEALAND  
ISO Code*:  
 
7. Date of departure:  
 8. Place of shipment:  
 
 
9. Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 10. Means of transport  
☐   Aeroplane 
☐   Ship 
 
Identification:  
 
11. Expected border post:  
 
 12. Description of commodity:  
13. Total number of animals:  
 14. Country of transit/transhipment (if applicable):  
 
 
15. Permit number:  
 
  
16. Identification of commodity:   Cats (Felis catus)  and/or Dogs (Canis familiaris)  
  
Species  Breed  Microchip 
Number  Microchip 
Location  Age Sex Desexed or 
Entire  
       
       
       
       
       
       
*optional  
  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  50 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
The competent authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated Veterinary Certificate attesting 
the following:  
The undersigned official veterinarian certifies that the animals described above satisfy the following requirements:  
Specified requirements (delete as appropriate)  
(1) After due enquiry and inspection, I am satisfied that the cat or dog:  
(a) Is not a hybrid (offspring of dogs or cats crossed with another species) with the exception of a Bengal cat : 
(i) Documentation of five generations of domestic ancestry has been provided for purebred Bengal cats.  
(b) Will be at least 9 months of age at the date of shipment.  
(c) Will not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment.  
(d) Has not been under quarantine restriction immediately before shipment.  
(e) Has only been resident in category 1, 2 or 3 countries:  (i) Since birth or direct importation from New Zealand; or  
(ii) For at least six months before the date of shipment, or arrival in New Zealand if travelling by vessel; or  
(f) Is being imported into New Zealand from a non- categorised country via this category 3 country:  
(i)  Has remained continuously resident in this category  3 country for at least 45 days before the date of 
shipment to New Zealand.  
(g) Is not a dog that belongs  wholly or predominantly to one or more of the prohibited breeds or type of dog  
(as per the Dog Control Act 1996) : 
Breed:  
(i) Brazilian Fila  
(ii) Dogo Argentino  
(iii) Japanese Tosa  
(iv) Perro de Presa Canario 
Type:  
(v) American Pit Bull Terrier.  
Testing, vaccines and treatments  
(2) The cat or dog is permanently and uniquely identified with a microchip that was scanned by a veterinarian prior to 
shipment to confirm the micr ochip number in the identification table above.  
(3) The microchip number of the cat or dog was verified and recorded by a veterinarian at each examination, test, vaccination and/or treatment required for import into New Zealand.  
(4) The microchip number of the cat  or dog is correctly recorded on all vaccination and treatment records, laboratory results 
and certification.  
(5) All pre -export testing required by the  import health standard was conducted at:  
(a) A laboratory approved by the competent authority  of a category 1, 2 or 3 country; or  
(b) A laboratory approved by the EU Commission (for rabies testing); or  
(c) AN OIE rabies reference laboratory (for rabies testing).  
(6) All laboratory samples were collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the recommendations in the Code and/or 
the Manual  or as described in MPI -STD-TVTL
. 
(7) All diagnostic test(s ), treatment(s)  and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by the import health standard 
are those that have bee n approved by MPI for that purpose and documented in MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(8) Product s and vaccinations required by the import health standard were  administered according to the manufacturer’s 
instructions and as required to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms.   
(9) All requirements in the import health standard for the administration of a vaccine ent ail that either : 
(a) The final dose of a primary vaccination course was administered;  or  
(b) The recommended booster to complement the primary course was administered.  
(10) Where products required by the import health standard have been administered, the product name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the dose and date(s)  of the treatment is recorded on the veterinary certificate (where 
specified) . 
Documentation  
(11) All documentation required to accompany the cat or dog is:  
(a) Original (unless stated otherwise).  
(b) In English or translated into English and is clear and legible.  
(c) Identified with a microchip number for each cat or dog, consistent with this veterinary certificate.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  51 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
(12) Documentation that is in a paper format must, unless otherwise stated, be endorsed on every page by the official 
veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and date or endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper -
based alternative security features.  
(13) Documentation that is in an electronic format must, unless otherwise stated, be transmitted directly from the competent 
authority of the exporting country to MPI, using an electronic system approved by MPI for that purpose.  
(14) Laboratory reports include the following (copies acceptable):  
(a) Dates of sample collection and receipt at the laboratory.  
(b) Test type.  
(c) Test result . 
(15) Rabies vaccination records include the following (copies acceptable) : 
(a) Date(s) rabies vaccination(s) given.   
(b) Name of vaccine(s).  
(c) Date vaccination(s) is valid to (as per  the manufacturer’s instructions).  
(d) Batch number and expiry date.  
(16) A copy of the import permit accompanies this consignment.  
Inspection  (delete as appropriate)  
(17) The cat or dog was inspected by a veterinarian in the two days before the date of shipment and found to be:   
(a) Healthy and fit to travel.  
(b) Free from visible signs of external parasites, dirt, insects and any other organic material.  
(c) Free from clinical  signs of infectious or contagious disease that may be caused by any of the identified risk 
organisms in the import health standard.  
(d) If the dog is an entire male or female, it was subjected to an examination of the external genitalia (which in the case of a male d og included examination of the extruded penis) and was found to have no lesions suggestive of canine 
transmissible venereal tumour . 
Transport  (delete as appropriate)  
(18) In the case of transport by air:  (a) The transport facilities and arrangements meet the relevant requirements published in the IATA Live Animal 
Regulations . 
(19) In the case of transport by sea:  
(a) The transport facilities and arrangements were inspected and meet the requirements of the Australian Marine Orders Part 43, Issue 6 (which is equivalent to the New Zealand Marine Rules Part 24C ).  
(20) Bedding or any other material capable of harbouring external parasites (including eggs and larvae) was free from seeds.  
(21) Straw of hay bedding has not been used.  
For rabies (delete as appropriate)  
 Option 1  
(22) The cat or dog was:  
(a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of both vaccination and sample 
collection for the fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) or rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) rabies neutralising antibody titration test; and  
(b) Vaccinated or revaccinated by a veterinarian when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer, with a government -approv ed inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant 
vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein. The vaccination(s) will remain continuously valid until the scheduled date of shipment.   
(c) In the case of a primary vaccination, the vaccine was given not less tha n 6 months before the date of shipment;  
Date of vaccination: ………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: ………………………………………………………… ………………………..  
Date of previous vaccination (if applicable): ……………………………………………………………………...  
Duration of immunity of previous vaccine (if applicable):  ………………………………………………………..  
(23) The cat or dog was  subjected to a FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test on a blood sample taken by a 
veterinarian not less than 3 months and not more than 12 months before the date of shipment with a result of at least 0.5 
IU/mL.  
Sample collection date(s): ..…………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Test Result: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
 
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  52 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
Option 2  
(24) Where a cat or dog was not  identifiable by microchip (the number was not verified and recorded) at the time of the rabies 
vaccination before sample collection for the FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test, the cat or dog was : 
(a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of sample collection for the FAVN or 
RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test ; then 
(b) Revaccinated by a veterinarian, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a government -
approved inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein. The 
vaccination(s) will remain continuously valid until the scheduled date of shipment .  
Date of vaccination without microchip:  …………………………………………………………………………...  
Duration of immunity of vaccine:………………………………………………………………………………..….  
Date of revaccination with microchip: ………………………………………………………………………………  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: ……………………………………… ……………………………………………   
(c) The cat or dog was subjected to a FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test on a blood sample 
taken by a veterinarian not less than 6 months and not more than 12 months before the date of shipment with a 
result of at leas t 0.5IU/mL:  
Sample collection date(s): …………………………………………………………………………………………  
Test Result: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..  
New-Zealand origin cats and dogs returning from a category 3 country (overseas for more than 30 days)  
(25) After due enquiry and i nspection, I am satisfied that the cat or dog has remained continuously resident in a category 1, 2 
or 3 country since export from New Zealand.  
 
(26) The cat or dog meets the regular  rabies requirements as  specified in Option 1 or 2 above; or  
 
(27) The cat or dog was identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of both vaccination, and 
sample collection for the FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test; and  
(a) Was vaccinated or revaccinated by a veterinarian b efore export from  New Zealand when the animal was at least 
12 weeks of age, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a rabies virus vaccine listed in MPI-STD-TVTL
.  The vaccination will remain continuously valid between the dates of export from and the 
scheduled date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
Date of vaccination: …………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: ………………………………………………………… ………………………..  
Date  of previous vaccination (if applicable) : ……………………………………………………………………...  
Duration of immunity of previous vaccine (if applicable): ………………………………………………………..  
Date of export from New Zealand: …………………………………………... ....................................................  
(b) The cat or dog was subjected to a FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test on a blood sample 
taken by a veterinarian before export from New Zealand  and in the 12 months before the date of shipment back 
to New Zealand; with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL . The rabies neutralising antibody titre test will remain 
continuously valid between the dates of export from New Zealand to the scheduled date of shipment back to New 
Zealand.  
Sample collection date(s): …………………………………………………………………………………………  
Test Result(s): ………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
From a non -categorised country via a category 2 or 3 country  
(28) I have sighted rabies vaccination records and the rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) laboratory report from 
the non- categorised country and after due enquiry , I am  satisfied that the cat or dog was:  
(a) Identifiable by microchip at the time of this vaccination or revaccination and at the time of sample collection for the 
RFFIT or FAVN  rabies neutralising antibody titration tests (RNATTs); and 
(b) Vaccinated or revaccinated when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the 
recommendations of the manufacturer, at least 6 months before the date of shipment to New Zealand, with a 
government -approved inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein. 
The vaccination(s) will remain continuously valid until the scheduled date of shipment to New Zealand;  
Date of vaccination : …………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: ………………………………………………………… ……………………….  
Date of previous vaccination (if applicable) : ……………………………………………………………………...  
Duration of immunity of previous vaccine (if applicable): ……………………………………… …………, and  
 
(c) Subjected to an initial RFFIT or FAVN rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT ) on a blood sample taken 
by a veterinarian with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL.  The sample arrived at the laboratory not less than 6 months 
and not more than 12 months before the date of shipment to New Zealand.  
Test used: ….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Date sample arrived at the laboratory : …………………………………………… ………………………………  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  53 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
(29) In the 45 days before the date of shipment to New Zealand, in a category 2 or 3 country, the cat or dog was:  
(a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of sample collection for the FAVN or 
RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test and v accination stated below; and  
(b) Subjected to a n additional FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralising antibody titration test (RNATT) on a blood sample 
taken by a veterinarian with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL;  
Sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………………………… …………...  
Test result: ……………………………………………………………………………………... ....................; and then  
(c) Revaccinated by a veterinarian, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a government -
approved inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant vaccine ex pressing the rabies virus glycoprotein.  
Date of vaccination:  ...………………………………………………………………………………......................  
For external  parasites (delete as appropriate)  
(30) The cat was treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks and fleas at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose.  
(a) The treatment was given in the 15 days before the date  of shipment.  
(b) The cat will be continually protected (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and fleas from the date of the 
first tre atment to the date of shipment.  
(c) The cat was free from visible signs of external parasites at the time of  this treatment(s).  
Treatment/inspection date: ……………………………………………………………… ………………………….  
Product name: …………………………………………………………………………… …………………………..  
Active ingredient(s): ……………………………………………………………………… ………………………….  
Weight of cat at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………….  
Dose given: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………...  
(31) The dog was treated twice by a veterinarian with a  product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks and fleas at the 
manufacturer’s recommended dose.  
(a) The first treatment was given at least 21 days before the date the blood sample was taken for the Babesia gibsoni , 
and Babesia rossi  test (if applicable).  
(b) The second treatment was given in the 15 days before the date of shipment.  
(c) The dog will be continually protected (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from ticks and fleas from the date of the 
first treatment to the date of shipment.  
(d) The dog was free from visible signs of external parasites at the time of each treatment . 
First treatment/inspection date: ……………………………………………………………… ……………………..  
Product name: ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………..  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Second treatmen t/inspection date: …………………………………………………………………………………  
Product name: ………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………..  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Weight of dog at time of treatment s: ...……………………………………………………………………………..  
(32) The dog was  treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of sand flies . 
(a) The treatment was  given before the date the blood sample was taken for the Leishmania infantum test.  
(b) The dog will be continually protected (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from sand flies from the date of this 
treatment to the scheduled date of shipment.  
Treatment date: ……………………… …………………………………………………... .....................................  
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… ………………….  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
For internal  parasites 
(33) The cat or dog was treated twice  by a veterinarian with a  product (or combination or products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for 
the control of nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus  spp.) at the manufacturer’s recommended dose.  
(a) The first treatment was given in the 30 days before the date of shipment and at least two weeks before the second 
treatment.  
First treatment date: …………………………………………………………………………... ..............................  
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… …………………..  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: …………………………………………………………………………………………………..  
(b) The second treatment was given in the four days before  the date of shipment.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  54 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
Second treatment date: ……………………………………………………………………… ……………………. .. 
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… …………………..  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
For Angiostrongylus  vasorum  (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(34) The dog was treated by a veterinarian wi th one of the following products:  
(a) Fenbendazole 25- 50 mg/kg orally once daily for at least 21 days, with the fi nal treatment in the four days before the 
date of  shipment; or  
(b) Milbemycin oxime 0.5 mg/kg orally once weekly for 4 weeks, with the final treatment in the four days before the 
date of shipment; or  
(c) Moxidectin, 2.5 mg/kg (0.1 ml/kg of 2.5% spot on) once in the four days before the date of shipment.  
Date(s) of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Product used: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………...  
Dose given at each treatment: ………………………………………………………………..…………………….  
For Babesia rossi  (dogs only)  
(35) Based on a declaration from the owner, has the dog ever resided in or travelled to mainland Africa?  
☐  Yes   
☐  No  
☐  Unknown  
If yes or unknown, complete one  of the followi ng (delete as appropriate):  
(a) The dog was given a single dose of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 7.5 mg/kg body weight in the 20 days before 
the date of shipment.  
Date of treatment: …………………………………………………………………….…………………….............. Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………….……………………..................................  
Total dose:  …..…………………………………………………………………………………..…………………or  
(b) The dog was given two doses of imidocarb dipropionate at a rate of 6.0 mg/kg bodyweight given at least 14 days apart, with the last treatment in the 20 days before the date of shipment.   
First treatment date: ...………………………………………………………..……………………………………..  
Total dose of first treatment: ……………………………..………………………………………………………...  
Second treatment date: ....…………………………………………………..…………………………………..….  
Total dose of second
 treatment: …………….………………..……………………………………………………  
Weight of dog at time of treatment(s): …………………………………………………..………….…………...or  
(c) The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody  test (IFAT) or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay 
(ELISA) test, and  polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Babesia rossi with negative results on samples taken at 
least 21 days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 days before the date of shipment.  
First external parasite treatment date: ………………………………………..…………………………………....  
IFA or ELISA test sample collection date: ……………………………………...…………………......................  
PCR test sample collection date: …………………………………………………………………………………..  
For Babesia gibsoni (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(36) The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody  test (IFAT) or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay (ELISA) 
test, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Babesia gibsoni with negative results on samples taken at least 21 
days after the first external parasite treatment and in the 45 days before the date of shipment.  
First external parasite treatment date: ……………………………….…………………………………..........................  
IFA or ELISA test sample collection date(s): ………...…………………....................................................................  
PCR test sample collection date: …………………………………………………………………………………………...  
(a) The dog had a positive, inconclusive or suspicious IFA or ELISA test result and was subjected to a repeat IFA or ELISA test, and  a PCR test for Babesia gibsoni  with negative results on a sample taken at least 21- 28 days after 
the original sample was taken and in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Repeat IFA or ELISA sample collection date(s): …………………………………………..……………  
Repeat PCR  test sample collection date: .……………………………………………………………….  
 
Note : Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
For Brucella canis (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(37) For male or female entire dogs only:  
(a) The dog was subjected to either a rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT)  or a tube agglutination test (TAT ) for 
Brucella canis  with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before  the date of shipment.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  55 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
Type of test: …………………………………………………………………………………........ ...........................  
Sample collection date:  ...……………………………………………………………………………………………  
(b) The dog had a positive, inconclusive or suspicious RSAT  or TAT result and was subjected to either:  
(i) A repeat RSAT  or TAT for Brucella canis,  with a negative result on a sample taken at least 30 to 42 days 
after the sample collection for the first test and in the 20 days before the date of shipment; or  
(ii) A cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test (CPAg- AGID) for Brucella canis,  with a negative result on a 
sample taken at least 30 to 42 days after the sample collection for the first test and in the 20 days before 
the date of shipment . 
Repeat sample collection date: ...…………………………………………………………………….....  
Test used:  ……………………………………………………………………………………… …………..  
(c) The dog was not  mated in the 45 days before the date of shipment; or  
(d) If naturally mated, it was to a dog that has been subjected to a RSAT  or TAT with a negative result in the 20 days 
before mating; or  
Sample collect ion date: ……………………………………………………………………………………………...  
(e) For a bitch: A rtificial insemination was done with frozen semen that met the current import health standard for 
semen from dogs into New Zealand and documentation to attest to this is attached.  
(38) For desexed dogs:  
(a) A record, signed by a veterinarian, shows that the dog has been spayed or neutered and documentation to attest to 
this is attached.  
 
Note:  Male and female entire dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis  are not eligible for import, regardless of       treatment.  
For canine influenza  (CIV) (delete as appropriate)  
(39) No case of canine influenza caused by CIV H3N2 or H3N8 in cats or dogs has been diagnosed in the country of export in 
the three months before the date of shipment; or  
 
(40) [Dogs only]: The dog has been fully vaccinated between 12 months and 14 days before the date of shipment  with a 
registered monovalent or bivalent inactivated vaccine containing either or both canine influence virus subtypes CIV H3N8 and/or CIV H3N2. The vaccine is  effectiv e against the strains of virus circulating in the area the dog resided in prior to 
shipment ; and  
(a) The vaccination will remain valid for the entire post -arrival quarantine period.  
Date of vaccination(s): ……………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Name of vaccine:  ………………………………………………………………………………………….……….  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: …………………………………………………………………………………or  
(41) The dog was subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for CIV H3N8 and H3N2 viral antigens with a negative 
result on a sample collected in the 5 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………........ .............................................. 
(42) Based on a declaration from the owner, for at least 21 days before shipment:  
(a) The cat or dog  was not kept in a pl ace where there were cats or dogs showing clinical signs of infectious 
respiratory disease; and 
(b) The cat or dog  has not shown clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease.  
For heartworm  (Dirofilaria immitis ) (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(43) If seven months of age or older on the date of shipment, the dog was subjected to a heartworm antigen enzyme- linked 
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test with a negative result on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………………..……………………….and  
(44) All dogs must be either:  
(a) Treated by a veterinarian with one of the following products in the four days before the date of shipment;  
(i) Ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg  
(ii) Milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg  
(iii) Moxidectin at 2- 4 mcg/kg  
(iv) Selamectin at 6 mg/kg  
Product used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………...…  
Date of treatment: …..……………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………..  
 Total dose: ………………………… ………...…………………………………………………………………….or  
 
(b) Up to date with a sustained- release injection of moxidectin for heartworm prevention administered by a 
veterinarian.  
Product used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  56 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
Date of treatment: ………………………………………………………………… ………………………………….  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………...  
Total dose: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
For leishmaniasis (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(45) The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA ) test, or enzyme- linked i mmunosorbent assay (ELISA) test 
for Leismania infantum with a negative result on a sample taken in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Test used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Sample collection date: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..  
 
(a) The dog had a positive, inconclusive, or suspicious test result and was subjected to a repeat test(s):  
(i) For dogs that are not vaccinated against l eishmaniasis: The dog was subjected to an indirect fluorescent 
antibody (IFA) test or enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for Leishmania infantum with a 
negative result in the 20 days before the date of shipment.  
Repeat sample collection date: … …………………………..…………………………………………….  
 Test used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………  
(ii) For dogs vaccinated against leishmaniasis: The dog was subjected to a buffy coat or conjunctival PCR test 
for Leishmania infantum,  with negative results on a sample taken at least 20 days before the date of 
shipment.  
PCR sample collection date: ……………………………..………………………………………………..  
 Test used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………  
 
Note:  Dogs diagnosed with Leishmania infantum are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
For leptospirosis  (Leptospira interrogans  serovar canicola)  (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(46) The dog was treated with a therapeutic course of doxycycline for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before the date of 
shipment.  
First date of treatment: ………………………………………………………………...…………………………… ……….  
Last date of treatment: ………………………………………………………… ……………………… …………………….  
Weight of dog at t ime of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………  
Daily  dose given: ………………………………………………………………… ……………………. ………………….. or 
(47) The dog was subjected to a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira canicola with a negative result (50% or 
less agglutination at a serum dilution of 1:100)  on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: …...……………… …………………………………………………………… ……………………  
(a)  The dog had a positive test result (greater than 50% agglutination at a serum dilution of 1:100 or greater) for 
Leptospira canicola in the 30 days before the date of shipment and either:  
(i) Was subjected to a second test for Leptospira canicola at least 14 days after the first sample was taken. 
The second test showed no increase above the titre of the first test.  
Repeat sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………..……...or  
(ii) The dog was treated with a therapeutic course of doxycycline for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before 
the date of shipment.  
First date of treatment: ……………………………………………...…………………………………..….  
Last date of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………………...  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………….  
Daily dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………..........  
 
Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:  
Date:  
 
 
 
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  57 of 68 
3.4 Short-Stay : New Zealand- Origin Cats and Dogs Overseas for 30 
Days or Less 
(1) Below is a model veterinary certificate for New Zealand -origin cats and dogs overseas in category 1, 2, 
or 3 countries for 30 days or less.  
(2) Each page of the veterinary certificate must be signed , stamped , dated and identified with a unique 
reference number.  
(3) This model veterinary certificate format is ba sed on the Code chapter for model veterinary certificates 
for international trade in live animals.  
 
1. Consignor (exporter)  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 2. Certificate reference number:  
 
 
3. Competent authority:  
 
 
4. Consignee: (importer)  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 5. Country of origin:  
ISO Code*:  
 
6. Country of destination: NEW ZEALAND  
ISO Code*:  
 
7. Date of departure:  
 8. Place of shipment:  
 
 
9. Place of origin:  
Name:  
Address:  
 
 10. Means of transport  
☐   Aeroplane 
☐   Ship 
 Identification:  
 
11. Expected border post:  
 
 12. Description of commodity:  
13. Total number of animals:  
 14. Country of transit/transhipment (if applicable):  
 
 
15. Permit number:  
 
  
16. Identification of commodity:   Cats (Felis catus)  and/or Dogs (Canis familiaris)  
  
Species  Breed  Microchip 
Number  Microchip 
Location  Age Sex Desexed or 
Entire  
       
       
       
       
       
       
*optional  
  
 
 
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  58 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
The competent authority of the exporting country is required to issue a signed, stamped and dated Veterinary Certificate attesting 
the following:  
The undersigned official veterinarian certifies that the animals described above satisfy the following requirements:  
Specified requirements (delete as appropriate)  
 From category 1 countries only  
(1) To the best of my knowledge:  
(a) In the 3 months before the date of export there have been no cases of canine influenza caused by CIV H3N8 or 
CIV H3N2 in cats or dogs in this country.  
(b) In the 12 months before the date of shipment there has been no cases of leptospirosis caused by Leptospira 
interrogans serovar canicola; and  
(c) Indigenous cases of, and established populations of competent vectors for leishmaniasis  caused by Leishmania 
infantum have not been confirmed in this country during the 12 months before export.  
(2) No cases of canine brucellosis caused by Brucella canis have been diagnosed in this country before the date of shipment.  
 Category 1 and 2 countries only  
(3) No cases of infection with rabies virus have been diagnosed in this country before the date of shipment (as defined by the 
Rabies chapter of the OIE Code.  
 Category 1, 2 and 3 countries  
(4) After due enquiry and inspection, I am satisfied that t he cat or dog:  
(a) Will not be more than 42 days pregnant on the date of shipment.  
(b) Will not be under quarantine restriction immediately before shipment.  
(c) Has only been resident in category 1, 2 or 3 countries since direct importation from New Zealand.  
(5)  [Dogs only ] To the best of my knowledge and belief, as per the Dog Control Act 1996, the dog does not belong wholly or 
predominantly to one or more of the prohibited breeds or type of dog:  
Breeds:  
(i) Brazilian Fila  
(ii) Dogo Argentino  
(iii) Japanese Tosa  
(iv) Perro de Presa Canario 
Type:  
(v) American Pit Bull Terrier.  
Testing, vaccines and treatments  
(6) The cat or dog is permanently and uniquely identified with a microchip that was scanned by a veterinarian prior to 
shipment to confirm the microchip number in the identification table above.  
(7) The microchi p number of the cat or dog was verified and recorded by a veterinarian at each examination, test, vaccination 
and/or treatment required for import into New Zealand.  
(8) The microchip number of the cat or dog is correctly recorded on all vaccination and treatment records, laboratory results 
and certification.  
(9) All pre -export testing required by the  import health standard was conducted at : 
(a) A laboratory approved by the competent authority  of a category 1, 2 or 3 country;  
(b) A laboratory approved by the EU Commission (for rabies testing); or  
(c) An OIE rabies reference laboratory (for rabies testing).  
(10) All laboratory samples were collected, processed, and stored in accordance with the recommendations in the Code and/or 
the Manual  or as described in MPI -STD-TVTL . 
(11) All diagnostic test(s ), treatment(s)  and vaccines that are required to be used or undertaken by the import health standard 
are those that have been approved by MPI for that purpose and documented in MPI -STD-TVTL  
(12) All product s and vaccinations required by the import health standard to be administered to meet the specific dis ease 
requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Risk Organisms  were administered according to the 
manufacturer’s instructions:  
(a)  In a country that the chief technical officer  has agreed meets the requirements of the Exporting Country Syst ems 
and Certification section of the import health standard, with the exception of the initial rabies vaccination given to an 
animal in a non- categorised country for the purpose of import via a Category 2 or 3 country.  
(13) Product s and vaccinations required by the import health standard were administered according to manufacturer’s 
instructions and as required to meet the specific disease requirements in Part 2: Specified Requirements for Identified Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  59 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
Risk Organisms  were administered according to the manufacture r’s instruction in a country that the chief technical officer  
has agreed meets the requirements of the Exporting Country Systems and Certification section of the import health 
standard.   
(14) All requirements in the import health standard for the administration of a vaccine entail  that either ; 
(a) The final dose of a primary vaccination course was administered;  or  
(b) The recommended booster to complement the primary course was administered.  
(15) Where products required by the import health standard have been administered, the product name, manufacturer, active 
ingredients (where applicable), and the dose and date(s)  of the treatment is recorded on the veterinary certificate (where 
specified) . 
Documentation  
(16) All documentation required to accompany the cat or dog is:  
(a) Original (unless stated otherwise).  
(b) In English or translated into English and is clear and legible.  
(c) Identified with a microchip number for each cat or dog, consistent with this veterinary certificate.  
(17) Documentation that is in a paper format must, unless otherwise stated, be endorsed on every page by the official 
veterinarian with their original stamp, signature and date or endorsed in the space allocated and all pages have paper -
based alternative security features.  
(18) Documentation that is in an electronic f ormat must, unless otherwise stated, be transmitted directly from the competent 
authority of the exporting country to MPI, using an electronic system approved by MPI for that purpose.  
(19) Laboratory reports include the following (copies acceptable):  
(a) Dates of s ample collection and receipt at the laboratory.  
(b) Test type.  
(c) Test result . 
(20) Rabies vaccination records include the following (copies acceptable) : 
(a) Date(s) rabies vaccination(s) given.   
(b) Name of vaccine(s).  
(c) Date vaccination(s) is valid to (as per the manufacturer’s instructions).  
(d) Batch number and expiry date.  
(21) A copy of the following documents accompanies this consignment:  
(a) Import permit (category 2 or 3 countries).  
(b) Veterinary certificate used to export the cat or dog from New Zealand.  
(c) Record of treatment given before export from New Zealand (as per to Appendix 1).  
Inspection  (delete as appropriate)  
(22) The cat or dog was inspected by a veterinarian in the two days before the date of shipment and found to be:   
(a) Healthy and fit to travel.  
(b) Free from visible signs of external parasites, dirt, insects or any other organic material.  
(c) Free from clinical  signs of infectious or contagious disease that may be caused by any of the identified risk 
organisms in the current version of the import health standard for cats and dogs.  
(d) If the dog is an entire male or female, it was be subjected to an examination of the external genitalia (which in the 
case of a male dog included examination of the extruded penis) and was found to have no lesions suggestive of 
canine transmissible venereal tumour . 
Transport  (delete as appropriate)  
(23) In the case of transport by air:  
(a) The transport facilities and arrangements meet the relevant requirements published in the IATA Live Animal Regulations . 
(b) [Category 1 or 2 countries only]: The cat or dog is  travelling in a crate that has been sealed securely with a 
government -approved seal, bearing the seal number or marks: ……………………………………………..  
(24) In the case of transport by sea:  
(a) The transport facilities and arrangements were inspected and meet the requirements  of the Australian Marine 
Orders Part 43, Issue 6 (which is equivalent to the New Zealand Marine Rules Part 24C ).  
 
 
 
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  60 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
For rabies – from category 3 countries  only (delete as appropriate)  
 Option 1  
(25) The cat or dog was:  
(a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of both vaccination and sample 
collection for the fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) or rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) 
rabies neutralising antibody ti tration test; and  
(b) Vaccinated or revaccinated by a veterinarian before export from New Zealand when the animal was at least 12 
weeks of age, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer with a government -approved 
inactivated virus vaccine or recombinant vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein. The vaccination(s) will 
continuously valid between the dates of export from New Zealand to the scheduled date of shipment back to New 
Zealand.  
Vaccination date(s): ...……………………………………………………………………… ………………………..  
Date of export from New Zealand: …………………………………………………... .........................................  
(c) The cat or dog was subjected to a fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) or rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) rabies neutralising antibody titration test on a sample taken by a veterinarian before export 
from New Zealand  and not less than 12 months before the date of shipment back to New Zealand; with a result of 
at least 0.5 IU/mL. The antibody titration test will remain cont inuously valid between the dates of export from New 
Zealand and the scheduled date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
Sample collection date(s) : ……………………………………………………………………… …………………..  
Test result (s): …………………………………………………………………………………..……………………..  
 Option 2  
(26) The c at or dog was:  
(a) Identifiable by microchip and the number verified and recorded at the time of both vaccination and sample 
collection for the fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) or rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT) 
rabies neutralising antibody titration test; and  
(b) Vaccinated or revaccinated by a veterinarian when the animal was at least 12 weeks of age, in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer, with a government -approved inactivated virus vaccine or recombi nant 
vaccine expressing the rabies virus glycoprotein. The vaccination(s) will remain continuously valid until the 
scheduled date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
(c) In the case of a primary vaccination, the vaccine was given not less than 6 months before the date of shipment 
back to New Zealand;  
Date of v accination: ……..…………………………………………………………………………………………...  
Duration of immunity : ………………………………………………………………… ……………………………...  
Date of previous vaccination (if applicable) : ………………………………………………………………………  
Duration of immunity (if applicable) : …………………………… ………………………………………………….  
(27) The cat or dog was  subjected to a fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation (FAVN) or rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test 
(RFFIT) rabies neutralising anti body titration test  on a blood sample taken by a veterinarian not less than 3 months and 
not more than 12 months before the date of shipment back to New Zealand with a result of at least 0.5 IU/mL.  
Sample collection date(s):…………………………………………………………………………………………………  
For external parasites
  
(28) In the five days before  export from New Zealand  the cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL ) for the control of ticks  and fleas;  and 
(a) The cat or dog will have continuous protection (as per the manufacturer’s directions) from the date of this  treatment 
to the scheduled date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
(29) A record of this treatment (as per Appendix 1 of the import health standard) li sts the name of the product, active 
ingredient(s) and date of treatment. The document has been signed and dated by a New Zealand veterinarian and will accompany the cat or dog during shipment back to New Zealand.  
 
(30) Dogs returning from category 2 or 3 count ries only:  
(a) In the two days after arrival  in the overseas country, the dog was treated by a veterinarian with a product listed in 
MPI-STD-TVTL
 that is effective against sand flies until the scheduled date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
(31) The cat or dog was  treated by a veterinarian with an MPI -approved product  listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of ticks 
and fleas at the manufacturer’s recommended dose, in the 15  days before the date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
(a) The cat or dog was free from visible signs of external parasites at treatment.  Treatment/inspection date: ………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Product name: …………………………………………………………………………………………………..…...  
Active ingredient (s): ………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  61 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
For internal parasites  (delete as appropriate)  
(32) If the cat or dog has been overseas for two weeks or less, the cat or dog was treated by a veterinarian with a product  (or 
combination of products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of nematodes and cestodes (including Echinococcus  sp.) 
at the ma nufacturer’s recommended dose in the two days before the date of shipment back to New Zealand.  
Treatment date(s): ……………………………………………………………… …………………………………............  
Product name: …………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………..…..  
Active ingredient(s): ………………………… …………………………………………… …………………………..……  
(33) If the cat or dog has been overseas for more than two weeks , the cat or dog was treated twice by a veterinarian with a 
product  (or combination of products) listed in MPI -STD-TVTL  for the control of nematodes and cestodes (including 
Echinococcus  sp.) at the manufacturer’s recommended dose.  
(a) The first treatment was given in the 30 days before the date of shipment and at least two weeks before the second 
treatment.  
First treatment date: …………………………………………………………………………... ..............................  
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… …………………..  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
(b) The second treatment was given in the four days before the date of shipment.  
Second treatment date: ………………………… …………………………………………… ……………………..  
Product name(s) : ………………………………………………………………………………… …………………..  
Active ingredient(s): …………………………………………………………………………… …………………….  
Weight of animal at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
Dose given: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
For Angiostrongylus  vasorum  (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(34) The dog was treated by a veterinarian wi th one of the following products:  
(a) Fenbendazole 25- 50 mg/kg orally once daily for at least 21 days, with the final treatment in the four days before the 
date of  shipment; or  
(b) Milbemycin oxime 0.5 mg/kg orally once weekly for 4 weeks, with the final treatment in the four days before the 
date of shipment; or  
(c) Moxidectin, 2.5 mg/kg (0.1 ml/kg of 2.5% spot on) once in the four days before the dat e of shipment.  
Date(s) of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Product used: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………...  
Dose given at each treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………….  
For Babesia rossi  (dogs returning from South Africa)  
(35) The dog meets the External Parasite section of this short -stay certificate.  
For Babesia gibsoni (dogs only) (delete as appropriate)  
(36) The dog meets the External Parasite section of this short -stay certificate.  
 
 Note : Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
For Brucella canis (dogs returning from Category 2 and 3 countries only ) (delete as appropriate)  
(37) For male or female e ntire dogs only: After due enquiry and to the best of my knowledge:  
(a) The dog was not naturally mated in the period between export from New Zealand and shipment back to New 
Zealand, or  
(b) If naturally mated, it was to a dog that has been subjected to a RSAT  or TAT with a negative result in the 20 days 
before mating; or  
Sample collection date: ……………………………………………………………………………………………...  
(c) For a bitch: A rtificial insemination was done with frozen semen that met the current import health standard for 
semen from dogs into New Zealand and documentation to attest to this is attached.  
(38) For desexed dogs:  
(a) A record, signed by a veterinarian, shows that the dog has been spayed or neutered and documentation to attest to 
this is attached.  
 
Note : Entire male or female dogs diagnosed with Brucella canis  are not eligible for import, regardless of treatment.  
 Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  62 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
For canine influenza  (delete as appropriate)  
(39) No case of canine influenza caused by CIV H3N2 or H3N8 in cats or dogs has been diagnosed in the country of export in 
the three months before the date of shipment; or  
 
(40) [Dogs only]: The dog has been fully vaccinated between 12 months and 14 days before the date of shipment with a registered monovalent or bivalent inactivated vaccine containing either or both canine influence virus subtypes CIV H3N8 
and/or CIV H3N2. The vaccine is effective against the strains of virus circulating in the area the dog resided in prior to 
shipment; and  
(a) The vaccination will remain valid for the entire post -arrival quarantine period.  
Date of vac cination(s): ……………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Name of vaccine: ………………………………………………………………………………………….……….  
Duration of immunity of vaccine: …………………………………………………………………………………or  
(41) The dog was subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for CIV H3N8 and H3N2 viral antigens with a negative 
result on a sample collected in the 5 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: ………………………………………………………………........ .............................................. 
(42) Based on a declaration from the owner, for at least 21 days before 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 has not shown clinical signs of infectious respiratory disease.  
For heartwor m (Dirofilaria immitis)  (dogs only)  (delete as appropriate)  
(43) All dogs must be either:  
(a) Treated by a veterinarian with one of the following products in the four days before the date of shipment:  
(i) Ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg  
(ii) Milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg  
(iii) Moxidectin at 2- 4 mcg/kg  
(iv) Selamectin at 6 mg/kg  
Product used: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. .… 
Date of treatment: …..……………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………..  
 Total dose: …………………………………...…………………………………………………………………….or  
 
(b) Up to date with a sustained- release injection of moxidectin for heartworm prevention administered by a 
veterinarian.  
Product used: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..  
Date of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ………………………………………………………………………………...  
Total dose: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….  
 
For leishmaniasis ( Leishmania infantum) (delete as appropriate)  
(44) The dog meets the External Parasite section of this short -stay certificate.  
For leptospirosis ( Leptosp ira interrogans serovar canicola)  (dogs returning from category 2 and 3 countries only) (delete 
as appropriate)  
(45) The length of stay overseas does not allow leptospirosis  testing or treatment to be done before return to New Zealand (to 
be completed in post -arrival quarantine); or  
 
(46) The dog was treated with a therapeutic course of doxycycline for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before the date of 
shipment.  
First date of treatment: ………………………………………………………………...…………………………… ……….  
Last date of treatment: ………………………… ……………………………… ……………………… …………………….  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………  
Daily  dose given: ………………………………………………………………… ……………………. ………………….. or 
(47) The dog was subjected to a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for Leptospira canicola with a negative result (50% or 
less agglutination at a serum dilution of 1:100)  on a sample taken in the 30 days before the date of shipment.  
Sample collection date: …...……………… …………………………………………………………… ……………………  
(a)  The dog had a positive test result (greater than 50% agglutination at a serum dilution of 1:100 or greater) for 
Leptospira canicola in the 30 days before the date of shipment and either:  
(i) Was subjected to a second test for Leptospira canicola at least 14 days after the first sample was taken. 
The second  test showed no increase above the titre of the first test.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  63 of 68 
Exporting Country:  Certificate Reference Number:  
 
Repeat sample collection date: ……………………………………………………………… ....……...or  
(ii) The dog was treated with a therapeutic course of doxycycline for 14 consecutive days in the 30 days before 
the date of shipment.  
First date of treatment: ……………………………………………...…………………………………..….  
Last date of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………………………...  
Weight of dog at time of treatment: ……………………………………………………………………….  
Daily  dose given: …… ……………………………………………………………… …...……………….....  
 
Official Veterinarian  
Name:  
Address:  
Email:  
  
Signature:  
Date:  
 
 
 
  
Official Veterinarian signature, 
Official stamp and date  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  64 of 68 
Schedule 1 – Document His tory 
Date First Issued  Title Shortcode  
24 July 2013  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs  CATDOG.GEN  
Date of Issued Amendments  Title Shortcode  
28 November 2014  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs  CATDOG.GEN  
Internal Consultation  
13 August 2020  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs  CATSDOGS.GEN  
1 September 2021  
External Consultation  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs  CATSDOGS.GEN  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  65 of 68 
Schedule 2 – Definitions  
Assistance dog 
For the purpose of import, m eans a dog:  
a) is trained and certified by a recognised and accredited national or international assistance dog 
training organisation as a dog that has been trained to assist a person with a disability  in the 
course of their daily life.  
Bedding 
Bedding or any  other material, including soft toys or cl othing capable of harbouring external parasites 
(including eggs and larvae).  
Biosecurity Authority  
Written authority from an inspector, given under Section 2 5 of the Biosecurity Act  1993, to move uncleared 
goods from a transitional facility, containment facility or biosecurity control area to another transitional facility, 
containment facility or biosecurity control area, or to export those goods from New Zealand.  
Competent Authority  
The v eterinary or other g overnmental  authority of an OIE m ember  country , territory or regional entity  having 
the responsibility and competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare 
measures, international veterinary certification and other standards and recommendations in the OIE 
Terrestrial Code  and the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Code  in the whole territory.  
Director -General  
The chief executive of the Ministry for Primary Industries.  
Entire dogA dog that has not been desexed (spayed or castrated).  
External Parasites  
A parasite that lives on the surface of the host’s body, e.g. lice, mites, tick, fleas.  
Handler  
Person matched with an assistance dog for the purpose of being assisted in the course of their daily life.  
Hybrid  
Offspring resu lting from  interbreeding between two species or subspecies of animals, including interbreeding 
between a domestic or listed specimen and a wild species or wild sub- species, or between two wild species, 
regardless of the generational distance from the wild specimen(s).  
Internal parasites  
A parasite that lives inside the host’s body, including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and flukes.  
Manifested cargo  
Travel i ncludes an international exportation document (cargo manifest) that summarises the bill(s) of lading. It 
does not include excess baggage.  
MPI 
Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  66 of 68 
Official Veterinarian  
A veterinarian authorised by the c ompetent authority of the country to perform certain designated official tasks 
associated with animal hea lth 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 procedures.  
OIE 
The World Organisation for Animal Health.  
The Code  
The World Organisation for Animal Health Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Any reference in this IHS  to the 
OIE Code  is to the most current as found on the OIE website.   
The Manual   
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrest rial 
Animals.  Any reference in this IHS to the OIE Code  is to the most current as found on the OIE website.   
Transhipment  
An animal changes aircraft during travel to, or through, New Zealand.  
Transit  
An animal remains on board the aircraft during travel to, or through, New Zealand.  
Superyacht  
A generic term for a commercially operated or privately -owned  luxury vessel  (motor or sail powered), which is 
professionally crewed and has a load line length of 24 metres and above.  
Surveillance  
The systemic ongoing collection, collation, and analysis of information related to animal health and the timely 
dissemination of information to those who need to know so that the action can be taken.    
Veterinary authority  
Means the government a uthority of an OIE Member, comprising veterinarians, other professionals and para -
professions, having the responsibility and competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, international veterinary certification and other standards and 
recommendations in the OIE Terrestrial Code in the whole country , territory or distinct regional entity.  
Veterinary certificate  
A certificate, issued in conformity with the provisions of the OIE Code  Chapter for C ertification P rocedure s, 
describing the animal health and/or public health requirements that the animals being exported fulfill.  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  67 of 68 
Schedule 3 – List of Exporting Countries  
(1) The list of countries  where a chief technical officer  has determined that the veterinary services  of the 
exporting country are capable of ensuring that cats and dog s imported from that country can meet the 
requirements of this IHS is as follows:  
 
Category 1: Australia  
Australia  Norfolk Island  Cocos (Keeling Islands)  
Category 2: Countries  Recognised as Rabies Free (have a competent authority ) 
Bahrain  
Barbados  
Falkland Islands  
Fiji French Polynesia  
Guam  
Hawaii (USA)  Iceland  
Japan  
Mauritius  New Caledonia  
Singapore  
Vanuatu  
Category 2: Countries  Recognised as Rabies Free (may not have a competent authority ) 
American Samoa  
Christmas Island  
Cook Islands  
Kiribati  Marshall Islands  
Micronesia, Federated 
States  
Nauru  
Niue Palau  
Papua New Guinea  
Pitcairn Islands  
Solomon Islands  Tonga, Kingdom of  
Tuvalu  
Wallis and Futuna  
Western Samoa  
Category 3: Specified Countries  where Rabies is Absent or Well Controlled  
Antigua and Barbuda  
Aruba  
Austria  
Argentina  
Bahamas  
Balearic Islands  
Belgium  
Bermuda  
British Virgin Islands  
Brunei  
Bulgaria  
Canada  
Canary Islands  
Caribbean Netherlands 
(Bonaire, St Eustatius, 
Saba)  
Cayman Islands  
Channel Islands  
Chile  
Croatia, Republic of  
Czech Republic  
Curacao  Cyprus, Republic of  
Denmark  
Estonia  
Finland  
France  
Germany  
Gibraltar  
Greece  
Greenland  
Hong Kong  
Hungary  
Italy 
Ireland  
Isle of Man  
Israel  
Jamaica  
Kuwait  
Latvia  
Liechtenstein  
Lithuania  
Luxembourg  
Macau  Malaysia (Peninsular, 
Sabah & Sarawak only)  
Malta  
Monaco  
Montenegro  
Netherlands, The  
Norway  
Poland  
Portugal  
Puerto Rico  
Qatar  
Reunion  
Saipan  
Serbia  
Seyc helles  
Slovakia  
Slovenia, Republic of  
South Africa, Republic of  
South Korea  
Spain  
St Kitt and Nevis  
St Lucia  St Maarten  
St Vincent and the 
Grenadines  
Sweden  
Switzerland (including 
Liechtenstein)  
Taiwan  
Trinidad and Tobago  
United Arab Emirates  
United Kingdom  
USA (including Columbia 
and Northern Mariana Islands)  
Uruguay  
Virgin Islands (USA)  Import Health Standard: Cats and Dogs   
 Draft for Consultation  [Document Date]  
Ministry for Primary Industries   Page  68 of 68 
Appendix 1 – Record of T reatment Given Before Export from 
New Zealand  
This form is to be completed for  New- Zealand origin  cats and dogs that will be overseas for 30 days or less. 
This form needs to be given to the overseas certifying veterinarian to allow the external parasite and 
heartworm section of the Short -Stay Certificate to be completed  before  shipment back to New Zealand.  
 
I, …………………………………………………………being a registered veterinarian in New Ze aland have 
treated the cat/dog  with microchip number [ state microchip number ], in the five days before  the date of 
shipment from New Zealand with the follow ing MPI -approved product s: 
(1) For the control of ticks and fleas * in cats and dogs:   
Name of product: ………………………………………………………………………….  
Active ingredient(s): ………………………………………………………………………  
Date of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………  
*Note:  If the dog is visitin g a country that has had cases of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania 
infantum , the external parasite treatment must also be effective against sand flies.  
Treatment options are listed in  MPI-STD-TVTL  Approved Diagnostic Tests, Vaccines, Treatments and 
Post-Arrival Testing Laboratories for Animal Import Health Standards .  
 
(2) For the treatment of heartworm  (delete as appropriate) : 
a) Ivermectin at 6 mcg/kg  
b) Milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg  
c) Moxidectin at 2 -4 mcg/kg  
d) Selamectin at 6 mg/kg  
Date of treatment: …..………………………………………………………………….or  
e) The dog is up to date  on heartworm prevention with a sustained -release injection of moxidectin.  
Date of treatment: …………………………………………………………………………….  
Name of product: ……………………………………………………………………………..  
 
Signature: ………………………………………………………………………………….  
Email: ………………………………………………………………………………………  
Date: ……………………………………………………………………………………….