FULBRIGH T & JAWORSK I L.L.P . -' ^ ^-]h::;:^'-i'^''^'^^^0^ 

A REGISTERED LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP 

6 6 6 FIFT H AVENU E 

N E W YORK . NE W YOR K 10103-3198 . • , I 

WWW.FULBRIGHT.CO M 

TELEPHONE : (aia ) 318-300 0 

TELEFAX : (212) 318-340 0 

June 14,2010 

Samuel Podberesky, Esq. 

Assistant General Counsel for Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SW 

Room W96-322 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re: DOT-OST-2008-0273: Request of Air New Zealand 

Limited for a Conflict of Laws Waiver 

Dear Mr. Podberesky: 

Pursuant to section 382.9 of the Department's regulations. Air New Zealand Limited 

seeks a waiver from section 382.117 governing the transportation of service animals on the 

grounds that foreign law precludes Air New Zealand from complying with this provision in the 

case of flights to New Zealand and the Cook Islands. Throughout this application, "service 

animal" is used to mean service dog consistent with DOT practice regarding foreign air carriers 

as set forth in section 382.117(f). 

New Zealand is one of the rare countries where rabies is not present. Its government has 

struck a balance between preserving this environment and recognizing the needs of passengers 

with disabilities who rely on dogs. As a rule, dogs may only be transported to New Zealand in a 

sealed container and must be quarantined upon arrival in New Zealand for a minimum of 30 

days. As an exception, under New Zealand law, airline passengers with disabilities may travel 

with "assistance dogs," However, New Zealand's approach to regulating the carriage of 

"assistance dogs" differs markedly from DOT's regulation of "service animals." To qualify as 

an "assistance dog" that may travel in the cabin, a dog must be highly trained and certified by a 

recognized national or international training organization. 

In the case of the Cook Islands, no dogs may be brought into the coimtry except those 

from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. 

I. Carriage of Does to New Zealand 

The importation of dogs from the United States to New Zealand is governed by three 

import health standards, each issued pursuant to section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993: 

AUSTIN • BeutNG • DALLAS • DENVER • DUBAI • HONG KONG • HOUSTON • LONDON • Los ANGELES • MINNEAPOLIS 

MuNtcH • New YORK • RIYADH • SAN ANTONIO • Sr, Louts • WASHINGTON DC 
Samuel Podberesky, Esq. 

Page 2 

June 14, 2010 

Import Health Standard for the Importation of Dogs and Cats from Specified 

Countries and Territories Recognised as Countries or Territories in Which Rabies 

Is Absent or Well Controlled (23 May 2006), which includes the United States 

(the "General Standard"), 

Import Health Standard for Assistance Dogs from All Countries (15 January 

2007) (the ^'Assistance Dog Standard"), and 

Import Health Standard for the Importation of Dogs and Cats into New Zealand 

from Hawaii (11 September 2007)(the "Hawaiian Standard"). 

A copy of each health standard is attached to this application. 

A. The General Standard 

The General Standard sets forth New Zealand's entry requirements for all dogs and the 

manner in which they must be transported. 

To bring a dog into New Zealand, a passenger must obtain a Permit to Import in advance 

by application to the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and must provide 

evidence of prescribed rabies tests and vaccinations. Testing must take place at least six months 

but no more than twelve months before departure to New Zealand. Section 6. All dogs must be 

accompanied by Zoosanitary Certificates attesting to their health and prescribed rabies 

vaccinations and tests at prescribed intervals as certified by Veterinary Certificates. 

Pursuant to Section 8 of the General Standard, "Eligibility for Importation," to qualify for 

entry into New Zealand, dogs must have resided in the country of departure for six months prior 

to export and must not have been in a quarantine facility for 60 days prior to export. Dogs must 

be more than nine months old at departure and no more than 42 days pregnant. Sections 8.3-8.5. 

Four breeds of dogs (including crosses of these breeds) may not be imported at all: the 

American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tose and Brazilian Fila. Section 8.1. All 

dogs must be identified by microchip. Section 8.6.1. 

Dogs "must be carried in an approved container that meets LATA standards," which must 

be "nose and paw proof, i.e., only have ventilation openings of such size that it is impossible for 

the animal to protrude its nose or paws outside the container." The door of the container "must 

be sealed with a government approved seal before the container is loaded into the aircraft.. .in the 

country of origin," such that the "container cannot be readily opened without breaking the seal" 

and "the number or mark of the seal must be recorded on a Veterinary Certificate," If the seal is 

broken, the container must be resealed and an explanation must be provided by the captain of the 

aircraft or by an official veterinarian or the port authority. Section 11.1 -11.3,11.7. 

All dogs entering New Zealand under the General Standard must be quarantined for at 

least 30 days. Section 13. 
Samuel Podberesky, Esq. 

Page 3 

June 14,2010 

In a case where a service animal does not meet the eligibility requirements for entry into 

New Zealand under the General Standard or the Hawaiian Standard discussed below. Air New 

Zealand requests a conflicts of law waiver to be relieved of carrying such an animal into New 

Zealand as the Department has suggested in the Final Rule.' 

B, The Assistance Dog Standard 

The Assistance Dog Standard creates a narrow exception to the General Standard by: 

(1) allowing "assistance dogs" to be transported "in a maimer acceptable to the airline 

and the government of the exporting country either as cargo in an I ATA specified 

container or if they are in "active use" in the cabin with their "assisted handler" if 

acceptable to the airline tak[ing] into account the length of flight time to New 

Zealand and the dog's need to defecate and urinate" (Section 10,1); and 

(2) exempting assistance dogs from quarantine as long as their handlers provide 

certification that the dogs are "assistance dogs" and the dogs are domiciled for 

thirty days at a given address and subject to inspection.^ 

A service animal that does not qualify as an assistance dog must be carried in a container 

under the General Standard. 

"Assistance dogs" are defined as "highly trained dogs for the purpose of assisting 

persons with a disability in the course of their daily lives ...[which] are trained and certified by 

recognised and accredited national and/or international organisations." Section 4. 

"Assisted handler" is defined as a "person matched with an assistance dog for the purpose 

of being assisted in the course of their daily life." Section 4. 

To qualify as an "assistance dog" that is exempt from quarantine, a dog must have 

official documentation stating that the dog has been in the service of the individual with a 

disability or imder the supervision of a school or institution for at least the prior six months. 

Section 7. In the case of a guide dog, the document must come from a member of the 

International Federation of Guide Dog Schools. Section 7.1. In the case of other assistance 

dogs, the passenger must produce official documentation from a "recognized and accredited 

assistance organisation." Section 7.2. 

"The Department agrees that if Country S prohibits a certain kind of animal from entering, an airline 

serving an airport in Country S could apply for a conflict of laws waiver to be relieved of carrying such an 

animal to that country." 73 Fed. Reg. 27614 at 27635 (May 13, 2008). 

All other requirements of the General Standard apply to the carriage and importation of assistance dogs. 
Samuel Podberesky, Esq. 

Page 4 

June 14, 2010 

Section 382.117 of the Department's Regulations conflicts with the Assistance Dog 

Standard in that it requires Air New Zealand regardless of a dog's lack of professional fraining 

and certification to: 

"permit a service animal to accompany a passenger with a disability" (382.117(a)) 

"accept identification cards, other docimientation, the presence of harnesses, tags 

or credible verbal assurances of a qualified individual with a disability using the 

animal" as "evidence that the animal is a service animal" (382.117(d)) and 

"accept documentation on the letterhead of a licensed mental health professional 

to the effect that a passenger needs an emotional support or psychiatric service 

animal" 382.117(e). 

C, The Hawaiian Standard 

In the case of dogs imported from Hawaii under the Hawaiian Standard, no permit to 

import is required, but the breed restrictions and requirements for various zoosanitary and 

veterinary certificates, laboratory test results, and identifying microchips remain the same as in 

the General Standard. To qualify under the Hawaiian Standard, a dog must have resided in 

Hawaii for six months prior to being transported to New Zealand or since birth and be fi^e of 

quarantine restrictions. Section 5. It must be more than 16 weeks old (Section 5.4) at departure 

ratiier than the nine months required under the General Standard. The transport requirements set 

out in Section 9 of the Hawaii Standard are identical to the requirements set out in section 11 of 

the General Standard except that MAF Biosecurify New Zealand must be notified at least 72 

hours before the expected arrival rather than the NZMAF Quarantine Service. 

11- Carriage of Dogs to the Cook Islands 

Air New Zealand serves the Cook Islands from Los Angeles. Only dogs from New Zealand, 

Australia and Fiji may enter the Cook Islands by air. Cook Islands Import Specification List No. A3, attached hereto.^ This import list is issued pursuant to the Biosecurity Act 2008. Air New 

Zealand requests a waiver from Section 382.117(a)-(g) with respect to the carriage of service dogs 

from the United States to the Cook Islands similar to the country specific waiver granted on October 

20, 2009 to Air Jamaica with respect to flights from the United States to Jamaica and Barbados. 

List may be found at www.agriculture.gov.ck/index.php/biosecuritv/imports. 
Samuel Podberesky, Esq. 

Page 5 

June 14,2010 

Wherefore, Air New Zealand seeks a waiver under Part 382 with respect to (1) the carriage 

of service animals that are not eligible for importation into New Zealand under the General Standard 

or the Hawaiian Standard and/or do not qualify as "assistance dogs" under New Zealand law and (2) 

the carriage of any service animals from the United States to the Cook Islands. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Susan Gotbetter 
IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD FOR THE 

IMPORTATION OF DOGS AND CATS INTO NEW 

ZEALAND FROM SPECIFIED COUNTRIES AND 

TERRITORIES RECOGNISED AS COUNTRIES OR 

TERRITORIES IN WHICH CANINE RABIES IS 

ABSENT OR WELL CONTROLLED* 

Issued pursuant to Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 

Dated: 23 May 2006 

USER GUIDE 

The information in MAF animsil and animal product import health standards is presented in 

numerically ordered sections with descriptive titles. Sections are grouped into one of four 

parts, designated alphabetically. 

Part A. GENERAL INFORMATION contains sections of general interest, including those 

relating to the legal basis for MAF import health standards and the general responsibilities of 

every importer of animals and animal products. 

Part B. IMPORTATION PROCEDURE contains sections that outline the requirements to be 

met prior to and during importation. Whether a permit to import is required to be obtained 

prior to importation is noted, as are conditions of eligibility, transport and general conditions 

relating to documentation accompanying the consigimient. 

Fart C. CLEARANCE PROCEDURE contains sections describing the requirements to be 

met at the New Zealand border and, if necessary, in a transitional facility in New Zealand 

prior to any consignment being given biosecurity clearance. 

Part D. ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION contains model health certification which must 

be completed by the appropriate personnel as indicated in the certification and accompany 

the consignment to New Zealand. When MAF has accepted health certification produced by a 

government authority in the exporting country as meeting the requirements of the model 

health certification this is noted. When no health certification is required to accompany 

consignments Part D. will note "none required". 

* See section 8 ELIGIBILITY below for a full list of countries and territories to which 

this standard applies. 

PART A. GENERAL INFORMATION 

1 IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD 

Pursuant to section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, this is the import health standard 

for the importation of dogs and cats into New Zealand from specified countries and 

territories recognised as countries or territories in which canine rabies is absent or 

well controlled. 

Import Health Standard for Dogi and Cat< into NZ from countries or territories In which canine rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMAISnCSPE 13 May 2006 Pa(e 1 of 17 
2 REVIEW OF IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD 

2.1 The import health standard may be reviewed and amended when there is a change in 

policy, or as directed by the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager, Biosecurity New 

Zealand. 

3 IMPORTER RESPONSIBILITIES 

3.1 All costs of selection, testing, treatment, transport, quarantine and veterinary 

supervision must be bome by the importer or agent as appropriate. 

3.2 The importer or agent much make all arrangements for transport and obtain necessary 

transit authorisations from any third countries on the transport route. 

4 EQUIVALENCE 

4.1 The import health standard has been agreed as being suitable for trade between the 

exporting and the importing countries. It is expected that the anitnal/s will meet the 

conditions in every respect. 

4.2 Occasionally it is found that, due to circumstances beyond the importer's control, the 

animal/s or products do not comply completely with the requirements. In such cases 

an application for equivalence will be considered and issued at the discretion of the 

New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (NZMAF), but only if the 

following information is forwarded by the certifying government's veterinary 

authorities: 

4.3 Which clause/s of the import health standard cannot be met and how this has 

occurred; 

4.4 The reason the animal/s are considered to be of an "equivalent health status" and/or 

what proposal is made to return the animal/s to an equivalent health status as set out 

in the health conditions; and 

4.5 The reasons why it is believed that this proposal should be acceptable to the New 

Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the recommendation for its 

acceptance. 

DEFINITION OF TERMS 

Biosecurity direction 

Direction or authorisation given by an Inspector for uncleared goods to proceed to a 

transitional facility. 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats Into NZ from countries or territories hi which canine rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23May200< Page 2 of 17 
Biosecurity clearance 

As defmed by the Biosecurity Act 1993. 

Biosecurity Standards Group Manager 

The Biosecurity Standards Group Manager, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of 

Agriculture and Forestry, or any person who for the time being may lawfully exercise 

and perform the power and functions of the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager 

Competent Authority 

The Veterinary Services, or other Authority of a Member Country, having the 

esponsibility and competence for ensiuing or supervising the implementation of the 

animal health measures or other standards in the Terrestrial Code. 

Equivalence 

Acceptance by the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager that the circumstances 

relating to the importation of a consignment are such that the health status of the 

consignment is equivalent to the health status of a consignment that complies with the 

requirements of the import health standard. 

New Zealand Inspector 

As deigned by the Biosecurity Act 1993. 

MAF 

The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. 

Transitional facility 

As defined by the Biosecurity Act 1993. 

OfRcial Veterinarian 

An official veterinarian means a veterinarian authorised by the Veterinary 

Administration of the country to perform certain designated ofTiciiil tasks associated 

with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 

appropriate, to certify in conformity with the provisions of the chapter of the OIE 

Code pertaining to obligations of certification. 

Accredited Veterinarian 

A veterinarian accredited to provide export certification on behalf of the Government 

Veterinary Service. 

Veterinary Officer 

A registered veterinarian who is an inspector under the Biosecurity Act employed 

ei^' T by MAF or by a supplier contracted to provide services to MAF. 

. ./mit to import 

A permit issued by the Director General of MAF pursuant to section 22 1(A) of the 

Biosecurity Act 1993 upon an importer's demonstration that certain requirements of 

the import health standard have been met in advance of an importation being made, 

such that a transitional facility is available to accept the consignment/s. The 

procedure for application and the information required for a permit to import are 

detailed within the import health standard. 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cat) Into NZ from countries or territories bi which canhie rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 200« Page 3 of 17 
OIE Code 

The Office International des Epizootics Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 

PART B. IMPORTATION PROCEDURE 

6 PERMIT TO IMPORT 

6.1 A permit to import must be obtained before importation. Applications should be made 

to: Animal Imports, Pre Clearance Directorate, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of 

Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), P O Box 2526 Wellington. 

6.2 The importer must supply the following information: 

6.2.1 name and address of exporter; 

6.2.2 breed, sex, age and microchip transponder identification of the animal; 

6.2.3 a letter from the emimal's veterinarian stating the date blood was sampled from 

the animal, with confirmation of the microchip number, for rabies testing at a 

laboratory as detailed in 6.2.4 below. The timing of blood sampling shall be 

no less than 6 months, and no greater than 12 months from the scheduled date 

of departure. 

6.2.4 the blood sample for rabies testing must be tested at a laboratory approved by 

the government veterinary authorities of the exporting country 

6.2.4.1 the laboratory result form must clearly identify the animal 

using the microchip transponder identification number of the 

animal; 

6.2.4.2 the form must indicate that the animal to be imported was 

subjected to either the FAVN or RFFTI neutralising antibody 

titration test for rabies as described in the OIE Manual of 

Standards for diagnostic tests and vaccines, and demonstrates 

that at least O.SIU/ml of emtibody was present in the sample. 

6.2.5 the name of the dog and cat transitional facility in New Zealand, approved 

under the MAF Standard for Dog and Cat Transitional Facilities 154.02.09, 

where the animal will be quarantined; and 

6 2.4 a letter from the operator of the above facility confuming availability of space 

for the animal(s) at the time of importation. 

6.3 - rollowing receipt of the required information, a single entry permit to import shall be 

issued and will be valid for the one month period starting from the date of availability 

of quarantine noted by the approved quarantine operator, provided that this date is not 

less than six months, and not greater than 12 months from the date of the blood 

sampling noted in the veterinarian's letter in 6.2.3 above. 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats into NZ from countries or territories in which canbie rabies is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 4 of 17 
6.4 Animals imported directly from New Zealand into the country or territory of export 

may be re-exported to New Zealand with less than 6 months residency if the importer 

or agent can provide evidence that the requirements listed in 8.7 have been met. An 

import permit may be issued exempting the animal from clauses 6.2.3 and 6.2.4 of 

this import health standard, and a letter of equivalence exempting the animal from the 

requirements of Veterinary Certificate A sections 1,4 and 5 in the exporting country. 

7 DOCUMENTATION ACCOMPANYING THE CONSIGNMENT 

7.1 The consignment shall be accompanied by appropriately completed health 

certification which meets the requirements of PART D. ZOOSANITARY 

CERTMCATION. 

7.2 All laboratory result forms for tests specified in PART D. ZOOSANITARY 

CERTIFICATION must accompany the consignment. 

7.3 Documentation shall be in English, but may be bilingual (language of expertiffg 

country/English). 

7.4 It is the importer's responsibility to ensure that any documentation presented in 

accordance with the requrements of this import health standard is original (unless 

otherwise specified) and clearly legible. Failure to do so may result in delays in 

obtaining biosecurity direction and/or clearance or rejection of consignments. 

8 ELIGIBILITY FOR IMPORTATION 

8.1 Eligibility for importation imder this import health standard is confined to members of 

the species Canis familiaris (domestic dog) and Felis catis (domestic cat). 

Dogs of the following breeds (including crosses of these breeds) are not eligible for 

importation: 

• American Pit Bull Terrier; 

• Dogo Argentino; 

• Japanese Tosa; and 

• Brazilian Fila 

8.2 The specified coimtries and territories recognised as countries or territories in which 

.anine rabies is absent or well controlled and, as such, for which this import health 

standard is applicable are as follows: 

Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Argentina, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, British 

Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Republic of Cyprus, 

Czech Republic, Denmark, Falkland Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, 

Greenland, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kuwait, Luxembourg, 

Macau, Malta, Mauritius, The Netherlands, Netherland Antilles and Aruba, Poland, 

Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Slovenia, Reunion, Sabah, Sarawak, 

Seychelles, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent Grenadin, 

Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates,J 

^Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna. 

Import Health Standard for Dop and Cats Into NZ from countries or territories hi which canine rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page S of 17 
8.3 The animals must have been resident in the exporting country for the 6 months prior 

to export, and the animals must not have been resident in official quarantine premises 

in the 60 days immediately prior to export. 

8.4 Animals must not be more than 42 days pregnant at the date of shipment. 

8.5 Animals must be more than 9 months old at departure. 

8.6 Animals will be eligible for biosecurity clearance if the following steps are completed 

at the appropriate times, and in the prescribed order. 

8.6.1 Animal is identified with a microchip (see Clause 9) 

8.6.2 Animal is vaccinated against rabies with an approved inactivated vaccine. 

8.6.3 At least 3 weeks later, blood is drawn for the initial neutralising antibody 

titration test for rabies. The test result must demonstrate a titre of at least 

0.5IU/ml. (Refer Clause 6.2.3). Animals will not become eligible for 

importation until at least 6 months, and no greater than 12 months from the 

date of blood sampling for this test. 

8.6.4 Animal completes tests and treatments specified in Veterinary Certificate A 

within 30 days of scheduled departure date, including a second neutralising 

antibody titration test for rabies. 

8.6.5 The Government vet at the port of export completes Veterinary Certificate B 

after a final inspection of die animal and its certification. 

8.7 Animals imported direcdy from New Zealand into the country or territory of export 

less than 6 months residency may be eligible for an import permit under the following 

additional conditions: 

8.7.1 the animal has resided continuously in the country or teiritory of export since 

being imported directly from New Zealand; 

8.6.1 the animal was identified by microchip prior to, or at the time of, rabies 

vaccination in New Zealand (note Clause 9); 

8.7.2 the animal was vaccinated against rabies with an approved inactivated vaccine 

at least 1 month and not more than 6 months prior to leaving New Zealand 

when the animal was at least 3 months of age; 

8.7.3 the animal was subjected to a serum rabies neutralising antibody titre test no 

greater than 6 months prior to leaving New Zealand, and with a result of at least 

0.5IU/ml, and; 

8.7.4 a copy of the NZ export certificate is supplied 

IDENTIFICATION 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats Into NZ from countries or territories hi which canine rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 6 of 17 
9.1 Each animal must be identified with a microchip and the identification details must be 

shown on the accompanying certification. For dogs to be first registered in New 

Zealand the microchip must conform to the Dog Control (Microchip Transponder) 

Regulations 2005, which reference NZ/ISO 11784:2001 and NZ/ISO 11785:2001. If 

the animal is identified with a microchip that does not conform to these regulations 

and standards then the importer shall ensure that a reader is made available to identify 

Isinimals arriving in New Zealand quarantine, and the dog will likely have to have a 

second conforming microchip inserted for registration. 

9.2 "he identity of the animal must be confirmed by reading the microchip each time a 

' treatment, vaccine or test is performed, and at the time of export certification. 

10 HEALTH CERTIFICATION 

10.1 All serological tests must be conducted at a Government, or Government approved 

laboratory. 

10.2 If the Veterinary Authority in the country of origin can show to the satisfaction of the 

Biosecurity Standards Group Manager that a disease which has a testing requirement 

(e.g. canine heartworm) does not occur in that country, then the Biosecurity Standards 

Group Manager may consider the negotiation of an individual coimtry import health 

standard taking into accoimt the country specific health factors in the exporting 

country. 

10.3 Recommendations for New Zealand dog owners incqiorting a dog from countries 

where canine heartworm is endemic: 

10.3.1 the dog should be tested by a veterinarian for heartworm 7 months after 

importation using the microfilariae concentration test, and an antigen test. 

10.3.2 New Zealanders who take their dogs to countries where canine heartworm is 

endemic should ensure that the dogs are given prophylactic treatment 

according to the manufacturer's recommendation with avermectin drugs 

effective against the fourth stage larvae oiDirofilaria immitis which causes 

canine heartworm. 

11 TRANSPORT TO NEW ZEALAND 

11.1 If transported by air, the animal must be carried in an approved container that meets 

the International Air Transport Association (LATA) standards. 

11.2 The container must be nose and paw proof, i.e. only have ventilation openings of such 

size that it is impossible for the animal to protioide its nose or paws outside the 

container. 

11.3 The container must be new, or thoroughly cleaned prior to use. The container must be 

free of dirt and ticks. 

11.4 If consigned by sea (N.B. does not include transport on private yachts), the Master of 

the vessel must certify that the imported animal was confined on board and has had no 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats Into NZ from countries or territories in which canine raMcs is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 7 of 17 
contact with animals not of a tested equivalent health status at each port of call. 

Consignment by sea requires prior approval of the transport method and route by the 

Biosecurity Standards Group ManagerBiosecurity NZ, MAF. 

n .5 No animals other than those qualified for entry into Australia or New Zealand are 

permitted to be carried on the aircraft or vessel. 

11.6 The use ofstraw or hay as bedding is not permitted. Only sterilised peat, soft board 

or other inert approved product may be used. 

11.7 The door of the transport container must be sealed with a government approved seal 

before the container is loaded into the aircraft or vessel in die coimtry of origin. The 

number or mark on the seal is to be recorded in Veterinary Certificate B. The 

construction of the container and the placement of the seal must be such that the 

container cannot be readily opened without breaking the seal. If the container is 

opened during shipment it shall be re-sealed and a certificate detailing the 

circumstances provided by an Official Veterinarian, Port Authority or Captain of the 

aircraft. Instructions to this effect should be attached to the outside of the transport 

container. 

11.8 The container may only be transhipped (change of aircraft or vessel) in a rabies free 

country or territory or in a country or territory listed in 8.2 above. Transhipment will 

require the specific authorisation of the government veterinary authority of the 

country in which transhipment occurs. 

11.9 The NZMAF Quarantine Service of the region in which the port of arrival is situated 

must be notified at least 72 hours before the expected time of arrival of any animal, 

giving the flight number/ship number and arrival time. 

PART C. CLEARANCE PROCEDURE 

12 BIOSECURITY DIRECTION 

12.1 On arrival in New Zealand an Inspector under the Biosecurity Act 1993 shall, having 

verified that all the required documentation is present, issue a biosecurity direction 

which authorises the movement of the imported dog or cat to the approved dog and 

cat tra'-.sitional facility named on the permit to import. If there are any certification 

prob]<;ms the supervisor shall be notified. 

2.2 The NZMAF Quarantine Service shall notify the supervisor of the transitional facility 

when the animal arrives in New Zealand. 

12.3 The animal will be transported directly to the approved dog and cat transitional 

facility named on the permit by the operator or agent of that facility. The operator or 

agent must use a transport method approved by the supervisor of the facility. 

13 QUARANTINE IN NEW ZEALAND 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats into NZ from countries or territories in which caahie rabies li absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page B of 17 
13.1 Animals shall be held for a minimum period of 30 days in a transitional facility 

approved to the MAF Standard for Dog and Cat Transitional Facilities, 154.02.09. 

13.2 If the container is unsealed, the seal is broken, or if the accompanying documentation 

is unsatisfactory, die animal may, at the discretion of the Biosecurity Standards Group 

Manager and at the expense of die importer, be exported, desfroyed, or required to 

remain in quarantine for up to 180 days. 

13.3 During quarantine the animal may be retested with a neutralising antibody titration 

test for rabies antibody. If there is insufficient rabies antibody in the animal's serum 

(the WHO recommended level of 0.5 lU shall apply as a guideline), the animal may 

be re-vaccinated and/or re-tested, exported, destroyed, or required to remain in 

quarantine for 180 days. 

13.4 During quarantine, each imported dog may be tested for heartworm due to Dirofllaria 

immitis, leptospirosis due to Leptospira interrogans var canicola, canine brucellosis 

{Brucella canis), canine babesiosis {Babesia gibsoni) and canine tropical 

pancytopaenia {Ehrlichia canis). If the animal is positive to any of these tests it may 

be treated and re-tested. If the dog is subsequently considered to be infected it may be 

fiirther treated, or exported, destroyed or detained in quarantine. 

13.5 Within the first 3 days of entering quarantine, each imported dog and cat must be 

efficaciously treated for ecto and endoparasites, including tapeworms. 

13.6 All cats and dogs entering a transitional facility should have a current vaccination 

status against at least the following: 

13.6.1 for cats: feline panleukopenia (enteritis), feline rhinotracheitis and feline 

calicivirus; 

13.6.2 for dogs: canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, 

canine parainfluenza and Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough). 

13.7 The Biosecurity Standards Group ManagerBiosecurity NZ, MAF reserves the right to 

review the quarantine period or conditions to be completed by any animal. 

14 BIOSECURITY CLEARANCE 

14.1 The animal will be eligible for biosecurity clearance after 30 days. The biosecurity 

clearance will be given by the supervisor of the transitional facility when ail 

conditions as specified in the MAF Standard for Dog and Cat Transitional Facilities 

154.02.09 have been met. 

PART D. ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION 

15 MODEL ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION 

The following Model Zoosanitary Certificate contains the information required by 

MAF to accompany imports of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Specified 

Countries, 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats Into NZ from countries or territories in which canine rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANOCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 9 of 17 
MODEL ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATE 

Species: DOGS AND CATS 

To: NEW ZEALAND 

Permit to Import Number 

Exporting Country: 

Competent Authority: 

I: IDENTIFICATION OF ANIMALS 

1 Microchip identification number: 

2 Anatomical site of microchip: 

3 Physical description of animal: 

4 Name: 

5 Breed: 

6 Sex: 

7 Date of Birth: 

8 Total number of animals: 

II: ORIGIN OF THE ANIMALS 

1 Name(s) and address(es) of exporter(s): 

2 Place(s) of origin of animals: 

3 Port of embarkation: 

Ill: DESTINATION OF ANIMALS 

1 Name and address of consignee: 

2 Means of transport: 

3 Port of arrival: 

Import Health Standard for Dogi and Cats Into NZ from countries or territories hi which canme rabies It absent or well controlled 

DOMANHCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 10 of 17 
IV: SANITARY INFORMATION 

Owner/exporter's statutory declaration: 

I, do solemnly and sincerely declare, in 

respect of the dog for export to New Zealand identified below, that: 

Name of animal: Breed: 

Age: Sex: 

Colour/description/identification: 

To the best of my knowledge and belief the dog is not one of the following breeds or types: 

American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino (including a cross 

of one or more of these breeds or types). 

Signature of owner or exporter: 

Declared at , this day of 20. 

before me 

(signature and printed name peison authorised to take a statutory declaration) 

Registered Veterinarian declaration: 

I, being a registered veterinarian, certify, in 

respect of the animal described above, that: 

After due enquiry and/or physical examination of the animal for export, I have no reason to 

doubt the owner/exporter's statutory declaration. 

Signature of Registered Veterinarian: 

Date: 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats into NZ from countries or territories hi which canine rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 11 of 17 
VETERINARY CERTIFICATE A 

I, an Official Veterinarian, or a veterinarian 

accredited to provide export certification on behalf of the Govemment Veterinary Service 

(here-after called the Accredited Veterinarian), certify with respect to the animal/s identified 

in the attached Zoosanitary Certificate: 

1 After due enquiry, I am satisfied that the animal has been continuously resident in the 

country or territory of origin for the 6 months prior to export and has not been in 

quarantine or imder quarantine restrictions during the preceding 60 days. 

2 After due enquiry and physical examination, I am satisfied that the animal will not be 

more than 42 days pregnant at the scheduled time of shipment. 

3 After due enquiry and physical examination, I am satisfied that the animal will be 

more than 9 months old at the scheduled time of shipment. 

4 The animal was vaccinated against rabies with an approved inactivated virus vaccine: 

4.1 EITHER 

4.1.1 in the case of a primary vaccination, not less than 6 months and three 

weeks, and not more than one year prior to the scheduled date of 

shipment, when the animal was at least 3 months old; 

Date of vaccination: 

OR 

4.1.2 in the case of a booster vaccination, not more than one year prior to the 

scheduled date of shipment; 

Date of vaccination: 

(Delete whichever of 4.1.1 or 4.1.2 above is not applicable) 

AND 

4.2 A certificate of rabies vaccination for the most recent vaccination, and, in the 

case where the most recent vaccination was a booster, a copy of the certificate 

for the previous vaccination, is attached. 

The animal was identified with an implanted transponder/microchip, at least six 

months prior to shipment and before the most recent rabies vaccination. 

Microchip number: 

Anatomical site implanted: 

Within 30 days of the scheduled date of shipment the animal was subjected to either 

the FAVN or RFFIT neutralising antibody titration test for rabies as described in the 

OIE Manual of Standards for diagnostic tests and vaccines, conducted at an official 

laboratory, and found to have at least 0.5 lU/ml of antibody in its serum; a copy of the 

laboratory report is attached. 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats Into NZ from countries or territories bi which canhie rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 12 of 17 
Date blood collected for test: 

(N.B. This test within 30 days of export is additional to the requirement of the test 

performed prior to the permit to import application.) 

In the case of a dog, it has been tested and treated for canine heartworm {Dirofilaria 

immitis) according to the following schedule: 

7.1 if older than six months of age on the scheduled date of export, within 30 days 

of departure one to two mL of blood was collected from the dog and tested 

negative to the following tests: 

7.1.1 a microfilariae concentration test; 

Date blood collected for test: 

7.1.2 an antigen test (Witness HW, Agen; Snap Heartworm PF, Idexx; 

PetChek Heartworm PF, Idexx). 

Date blood collected for test:, 

(N.B.: The antigen test must be conducted at a government-approved 

laboratory and the microfilariae concentration test may be performed 

by a veterinary practitioner.) 

7.2 within 4 days of the scheduled date of departure the dog has been treated with 

either of the following drugs at the respective dose rate: 

EITHER 

7.2.1 ivermectin at 6 ^g/kg 

OR 

7.2.2 milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg 

OR 

7.2.3 moxidectin at 2 - 4 ng/kg 

OR 

7.2.4 sustained release formulation moxidectin (ProHeart SR12 Injection) at the approved dose rate. 

Date of treatment:. 

In the case of a dog, within 30 days prior to the scheduled date of shipment, the dog 

has had blood collected that has been tested for the following diseases: 

8.1 Brucella canis 

EITHER 

8.1.1 using the slide agglutination test (microscopic agglutination test), with 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats Into NZ from countries or territories in which canine rabies is absent or well controlled 

DOMANUCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 13 of 17 
a negative result in each case; 

Date blood collected for test: 

(NOTE: a rapid slide agglutination test using 2-mercaptoethanol and a 

less mucoid (M-) variant of Brucella canis as antigen (as described by 

Carmichael and Joubert, Comell Vet. 1987,77: 3-12) is recommended 

to reduce the incidence of false positive reactions.) 

OR 

8.1.2 using the AGIDI (cell wall antigen) test. If this test result is positive, 

dien the dog has been tested with negative results using the AGID II 

(cytoplasmic antigen) test, for Brucella canis. 

Date blood collected for AGID I test: 

Date blood collected for AGID 11 test (if applicable): 

(Delete whichever of 8.1.1 or 8.1.2 is not applicable) 

8.2 Leptospirosis using the agglutination-lysis test for leptospirosis serotype 

Leptospira canicola with; 

EITHER 

8.2.1 negative results (negative is less than 50% agglutination at 1:100); 

Date blood collected for test: 

OR 

8.2.2 where the first sample shows a positive titre of not more than 1:400, a 

second sample collected at an interval of not less than 14 days must 

show no increase in the titre above that of the first test; 

Date blood collected for test 1: 

Date blood collected for test 2: 

OR 

8.2.3 the dog has been treated with doxycycline at a therapeutic dose rate for 

14 consecutive days or dihydrostreptomycin at a therapeutic dose rate 

for 5 days, during the 30 days prior to the scheduled shipment. 

Medication and dose rate: 

Dates of treatment: 

(Delete whichever of 8.2.1, 8.2.2 or 8.2.3 is not appUcable) 

8.3 Canine ehrlichosis using the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Ehrlichia 

canis with; 

EITHER 

8.3.1 negative results; 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats into NZ from coantrlcs or territories hi which canhie rabies ii absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 14 of 17 
Date blood collected for test: 

OR 

8.3.2 positive results and the dog has been treated with doxycycline at a dose 

rate of 10 mg/kg body weight on 14 consecutive days during the 30 

days prior to the scheduled shipment. 

Date blood collected for this test: 

Dates of treatment: 

(Delete whichever of 8.3.1 or 8.3.2 is not applicable) 

9 In the case of a dog, within 10 days of the scheduled date of shipment a blood sample 

and a thin blood smear made from a drop of blood obtained from an ear margin are 

collected, at the same time, and the following tests performed: 

9.1 Indirect fluorescent antibody test for Babesia gibsoni using antigens 

appropriate for the strain likely to be present in all the countries where the dog 

has been resident, with a negative result (cutoff is 1:40). 

AND 

9.2 Examination of blood smear with negative result for Babesia gibsoni. 

Date blood collected for tests: 

10 In the case of a dog and/or cat: 

10.1 Within 30 days of the scheduled date of shipment, the animal was subject to 

two faecal examinations, at least 14 days apart, using a sensitive flotation 

procedure (able to detect 50 eggs per gram) which was negative for hookworm 

eggs; 

Date of faecal collection for first test: 

Date of faecal collection for second test: 

10.2 Within 21days AND within 4 days of the scheduled date of shipment the 

animal was treated with a broad spectrum anthelmintic(s) effective against 

nematodes, cestodes and trematodes, at the manufacturers recommended dose 

rate(s); 

Date of first treatment: 

Active ingredient(s) and dosage used: 

Date of second treatment: 

Active ingredient(s) and dosage used: 

10.3 Within 4 days of the scheduled date of shipment, the animal was treated with 

an ectoparasiticide dip, spray, or topical preparation capable of killing ticks, 

lice and fleas. 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats into NZ from countries or territories hi which canbie rabies is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page IS of 17 
Date of treatment:.... 

Active ingredient(s): 

11 Within 4 days of the scheduled date of shipment, I examined the animal/s for export 

to New Zealand and found it'them to be free from clinical signs of infectious or 

contagious diseases and free from extemal parasites. 

12 All serological tests were conducted at a Govemment laboratory or a laboratory 

approved by the Govemment Veterinary Service of this country, and all laboratory 

test result forms accompany this export health certification. 

i) Accredited Veterinarian or Date of Signature 

ii) Official Veterinarian 

(Delete whichever of i) or ii) is not applicable*) 

Name and address of office: 

* In the case of i) being applicable: 

I, an Official Veterinarian certify that 

is accredited for the purpose of providing 

veterinary export certification for dogs and cats. 

Official Veterinarian Official stamp and date 

Name and address of office: 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats into NZ from countries or territories In which canhie rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANUCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 16 of 17 
VETERINARY CERTIFICATE B 

1, the Official Veterinarian at the port of 

export certify in regards to the animal identified in the attached Zoosanitary Certificate, that: 

1 I have confirmed the identity of the animal by reading the implanted 

transponder/microchip: 

Microchip number: 

Anatomical site implanted: 

The animal was inspected and found to be healthy and fit to travel, and free from 

clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease. 

All the required documents were examined and correcdy completed in accordance 

with New Zealand import health standard requirements. 

The animal was placed in a container that meets LATA standards. The container was 

new or thoroughly cleaned prior to use. It is free of dirt and ticks and was fastened 

with an official seal bearing the number or mark: 

Official Veterinarian Official stamp and date 

Name and address of office: 

DOMANHCSPE AI00-09L 

Import Health Standard for Dogs and Cats into NZ from countries or territories hi which canbie rabies Is absent or well controlled 

DOMANDCSPE 23 May 2006 Page 17 of 17 
IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD FOR THE 

IMPORTATION OF DOGS AND CATS INTO NEW 

ZEALAND FROM HAWAH 

Issued pursuant to Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 

Date: 11 September 2007 

USER GUTOE 

The information in MAF animal and animal product import health standards is presented in 

numerically ordered sections with descriptive tides. Sections are grouped into one of four 

parts, designated alphabetically. 

Part A. GENERAL INFORMATION contains sections of general interest, including those 

relating to the legal basis for MAF import health standards and the general responsibilities of 

every importer of animals and animal products. 

Part B. IMPORTATION PROCEDURE contains sections that outline the requirements to be 

met prior to and during importation. Whether a permit to import is required to be obtained 

prior to importation is noted, as are conditions of eligibility, transport and general conditions 

relating to documentation accompanying the consignment. 

Part C. CLEARANCE PROCEDURE contains sections describing the requirements to be 

met at the New Zealand border and, if necessary, in a transitional facility in New Zealand 

prior to any consignment being given biosecurity clearance. 

Part D. ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION contains model health certification which must 

be completed by the appropriate personnel as indicated in the certification and accompany 

the consignment to New Zealand. When MAF has accepted health certification produced by a 

govemment authority in the exporting country as meeting the requirements of the model 

health certification this is noted. When no health certification is required to accompany 

consignments Part D. will note "none required". 

PART A. GENERAL INFORMATION 

1 IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD 

1.1 Pursuant to section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, this is the Import health standard for 

the importation of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Hawaii. 

1.2 Obtaining biosecurity clearance for each consignment of dogs and cats imported into 

New Zealand from Hawaii is dependant upon the consignment meeting the 

requirements of this import health standard. 

1.3 This import health standard may be reviewed, amended or revoked if there are 

changes in New Zealand's import policy or the animal health status of the originating 

country, or for any other lawful reason, at the discretion of the Import Standards 

Groiip Manager. 

Import health standard for the importation of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 September 2007 Page 1 of IS 
2 IMPORTER RESPONSIBILITIES 

2.1 All costs of selection, testing, treatment, transport, quarantine and veterinary 

supervision must be bome by the importer or agent as appropriate. 

2.2 The importer or agent must make all arrangements for transport and obtain necessary 

transit authorisation from any third countries on the transport route. 

DEFINITIONS 

Accredited Veterinarian 

A veterinarian accredited to provide export certification on behalf of the Govemment 

Veterinary Service. 

Biosecurify clearance 

A clearance under section 26 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 for the entty of goods into 

New Zealand. 

Biosecurify direction 

Direction or authorisation given by an inspector for uncleared goods to proceed to a 

transitional facility. 

Equivalence 

Acceptance by the Import Standards Group Manager that the circumstances relating 

to the importation of a consignment are such that the health status of the consignment 

is equivalent to the health status of a consignment that complies with the requirements 

of the import health standard. 

Import Standards Group Manager 

The Impxjrt Standards Group Manager, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, or any person 

who for the time being may lawfully exercise and perform the power and functions of 

the Import Standards Group Manager 

Inspector 

A person who is appointed as an inspector under section 103 of the Biosecurity Act 

1993. 

MAF 

New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 

Official Veterinarian 

An official veterinarian means a veterinarian authorised by the Veterinary 

Administration of the country to perform certain designated official tasks associated 

with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when 

appropriate, to certify in conformity with the provisions of the chapter of the OIE 

Code pertaining to obligations of certification. 

Import health standard for the importation of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANIICHAW 11 September 2007 Page 2 of 15 
OIE Code 

The Worid Organisation for Animal Health. Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 

Transitional faciUfy 

As defined by the Biosecurity Act 1993. 

4 EQUFVALENCE 

The import health standard has been agreed as being suitable for trade between the 

exporting and the importing countries. It is expected that the animal/s will meet the 

conditions in every respect. 

Occasionally it is found that, due to circumstances beyond the importer's control, the 

animal/s do not comply completely with the requirements. In such cases an 

application for equivalence will be considered and issued at the discretion of MAF 

Biosecurity New Zealand, but only if the following information is forwarded by the 

certifying government's veterinary authorities: 

4.1 which clause/s of the import health standard cannot be met and how this has occurred; 

4.2 the reason the animal/s are considered to be of an "equivalent health status" and/or 

what proposal is made to return the animal/s to an equivalent health status as set-out 

in the health conditions; and 

4.3 the reasons why it is believed that this proposal should be acceptable to MAF 

Biosecurity New Zealand and the recommendation for its acceptance. 

PART B. IMPORTATION PROCEDURE 

5 ELIGIBILITY FOR IMPORTATION 

5.1 Eligibility for importation under this import health standard is confined to members of 

the species Canis familiaris (domestic dog) and Felis catis (domestic cat). 

Dogs of the following breeds (including crosses of these breeds) are not eligible for 

importation: 

• American Pit Bull Terrier; 

• Dogo Argentino; 

• Japanese Tosa; and 

• Brazilian Fila 

3.2 igTbe>anig°'s.mHgi,haimPBSBMBHHMgiBiaii^^ 

iiw^'j^t»•f»;* !Ti«j,i^Ajy\j'iiV| 

Import health standard for the importation of dogs and cats bito New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANUCBAW 11 September 2007 Page 3 of IS 
5.3 Animals must not be more th ^ 43 day&^egnant at the date of shipment. 

5.4 Animals must be more thanly6 weeks old ajfdeparture. 

'j Animals imported directly from New Zealand into Hawaii may be re-exported to New 

Zealand with less than 6 months residency under the following additional conditions: 

5.5.1 the animal has resided continuously in Hawaii since being imported directly 

from New Zealand; 

5.5.2 the animal was identified by microchip prior to departure from New Zealand. 

5.5.3 Animals imported imder the above conditions will require a letter of 

equivalence to be issued exempting the animal fi-om the residency 

requirements prior to departure from New Zealand. 

6 DOCUMENTATION 

36.1 A permit to import is not required. 

6.2 All the required documentation must accompany the animals to New Zealand. The 

required documentation is detailed below: 

6.2.1 Zoosanitary Certificate 

6.2.2 Veterinary Certificate A 

6.2.3 Veterinary Certificate B 

6.2.4 Laboratory test results 

7 IDENTIFICATION 

7.1 Each animal must be identified with a microchip and the identification details must be 

shown on the accompanying certification. For dogs to be first registered in New 

Zealand the microchip must conform to the Dog Control (Microchip Transponder) 

Regulations 2005, which reference NZ/ISO 11784:2001 and NZ/ISO 11785:2001. If 

the animal is identified with a microchip that does not conform to these regulations 

and standards then the importer shall ensure that a reader is made available to identify 

animals arriving in New Zealand quarantine, and the dog will likely have to have a 

second conforming microchip inserted for registration. 

7.2 The identity of the animal must be confirmed by reading the microchip each time a 

treatment, vaccine or test is performed, and at the time of export certification. 

8 HEALTH CERTIFICATION 

8.1 The required health tests and treatments are stated in Veterinary Certificate A. 

8.2 All serological tests must be conducted at a Govemment, or Govemment approved 

laboratory and all test results must be accompany the exported animal. 

Import health standard for the Importation of dogs and cats Into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW II September 2007 Page 4 of IS 
9 TRANSPORT TO NEW ZEALAND 

9.1 If transported by air, the animal must be carried in an approved container that meets 

the Intemational Air Transport Association (lATA) standards. 

9.2 The container must be nose and paw proof, ie. only have ventilation openings of such 

size that it is impossible for the animal to protrude its nose or paws outside the 

container. 

9.3 The container must be either new, or thoroughly cleaned prior to use. The container 

must be free of dirt, ticks and fieas. 

9.4 If consigned by sea (N.B. does not include transport on private yachts), the Master of 

the vessel must certify that the imported animal was confined on board and has had no 

contact with animals not of a tested equivalent health status at each port of call. 

9.5 Consignment by sea requires prior approval of the transport method and route by the 

Import Standards Group Manager, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand. 

9.6 No animals other than those qualified for entry into Australia or New Zealand are 

permitted to be carried on the aircraft or vessel. 

9.7 The use ofstraw or hay as bedding is not permitted. Only sterilised peat, soft board 

or other inert approved products may be used. 

9.8 The door of the transport container must be sealed with a govemment approved seai 

before the container is loaded into the aircraft or vessel in the country of origin. The 

number or mark on the seal is to be recorded in Veterinary Certificate B. The 

construction of the container and the placement of the seal must be such that the 

container cannot be readily opened without breaking the seal. If the container is 

opened during shipment it shall be re-sealed and a certificate detailing the 

circumstances provided by an Official Veterinarian, Port Authority or Captain of the 

aircraft. Instructions to this effect should be attached to the outside of the transport 

container. 

9.9 The container may only be transshipped (change of aircraft or vessel) in countries or 

territories that are rabies free or where rabies is well controlled (as recognised by 

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand). 

These countries and territories include: 

Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Argentina, Bahamas, Belgium, Bermuda, British 

Virgin Islands, Bmnei, Bulgaria, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Republic of Cyprus, 

Czech Republic, Denmark, Falkland Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, 

Greenland, Guam, Hong Kong, Himgary, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kuwait, Luxembourg, 

Macau, Malta, Mauritius, The Netherlands, Netheriand Antilles and Aruba, Poland, 

Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Slovenia, Reunion, Sabah, Sarawak, 

Seychelles, South Korea, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent Grenadin, 

Import health standard for the Importation of dogs and cats hito New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 September 2007 Page S of 15 
Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, United States of 

America, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Wallis and Futuna. 

American Samoa, Christmas Island, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, 

French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Naum, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, 

Pitcaim Island, Saipan, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, 

Wallis and Futuna, Western Samoa. 

Australia, Japan, New Caledonia, Hawaii, Singapore, Sweden, Norway, Eire 

(Republic of Ireland) & Fiji. 

Transshipment will require the specific authorisation of the govemment veterinary 

authority of the country in which trans-shipment occurs. 

9.10 MAF Biosecurity New Zealand must be notified at least 72 hours before the expected 

time of arrival of any animal, giving the flight number/ship number and arrival time. 

9.10.1 Please use the following email address or phone number depending on the 

intended port of arrival of the animal: 

Auckland mqsakac@maf govt. nz 00 64 9 909 8631 

Wellington mqswlp@maf govt.nz 00 64 4 894 4213 

Christchurch mqschc(5).mafpovt.nz 00 64 3 943 3803 

PART C: CLEARANCE PROCEDURE 

10 BIOSECURITY CLEARANCE 

10.1 An inspector under the Biosecurity Act 1993 will examine the consignment on arrival 

in New Zealand. Providing the documentation is in order, the seal of the container is 

intact, and no fleas or ticks are found on the animal or container a biosecurity 

clearance will be issued. 

10.2 The animals bedding and any toys/garments in the container must be removed and 

destroyed 

10.3 If the documentation and seal are not in order the animal will be held by MAF 

Biosecurity New Zealand and the details of the non-compliance referred to Animal 

Imports, Border Standards Directorate, for direction 

10.4 If fleas or ticks are found they will be removed and the emimal taken to an approved 

transitional facility operating to one of the following MAF Biosecurity New Zealand 

standards: 

154.02.09 Standard for dog and cat transitional facilities 

154.02.03 Standard transitional facilities for non-compliant dogs and cats 

The animal will be treated for fleas/ticks and kept in the transitional facility. A 

biosecurity clearance will be issued, assuming the veterinary certificate is otherwise 

Import health standard for the importation of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 September 2007 Page 6 of IS 
compliant, when the supervising veterinarian is satisfied that the animal and container 

are flea/tick-free. 

In the case of a dog with ticks intercepted, the dog must be held until it has tested 

negative for Babesia gibsoni. The sampling for this test (PCR) must be taken at least 

48 hours after the tick/s have been removed. Any bedding/toys/garments used in the 

transitional facility must be destroyed 

10.5 If a dog or cat is unable to be examined by an inspector due to it being irritable or 

fractious it will be directed to a MAF Biosecurity New Zealand approved transitional 

facility where it will be either: 

10.5.1 inspected by an NZFSA Verification Agency veterinarian (animal's 

temperament allowing); OR 

10.5.2 held in quarantine for a period of no less than 10 days 

10.6 A fee will apply for the inspection of the animal and associated certification. Any 

other additional costs must also be paid by the importer (ie, destmction of any 

bedding/toys/garments, quarantine and veterinarian inspection) 

10.7 Please allow for at least 2 hours from the time the flight arrives for the clearance 

procedure. 

11 SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 

11.1 On arrival, the New Zealand address at which the animal will be domiciled should be 

verified as being that which is specified in section III of the Zoosanitary Certificate. 

11.2 Pursuant to section 121 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, an inspector may visit the premises 

to examine the imported animal at any reasonable time. 

11.3 Any illness in the imported animal should be reported to a private veterinary practitioner 

who has an obligation to report any suspicion of exotic disease to NZMAF. 

11.4 Recommendations for New Zealand dog owners importing a dog from countries where 

canine heartworm is endemic: 

11.4.1 the dog should be tested by a veterinarian for heartworm 7 months after 

importation using the microfilariae concentration test, and an antigen test. 

11.4.2 New Zealanders who take their dogs to countries where canine heartworm is 

endemic should ensure that the dogs are given prophylactic treatment according 

to the manufacturer's recommendation with avermectin drags effective against 

the fourth stage larvae of Dirofilaria immitis which causes canine heartworm. 

11.5 All dogs should be registered with the local govemment authority within 14 days of 

arrival in New Zealand. 

Import health standard for the importation of dogs and cats Into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 September 2007 Page 7 of IS 
PART D: ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION 

12 MODEL ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATION 

The following Model Zoosanitary Certificate contains the information required by 

MAF to accompany imports of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Hawaii: 

Import health standard for the Importation of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW II September 2007 Page 8 of IS 
MODEL ZOOSANITARY CERTIFICATE: 

Species: DOGS AND CATS 

To: NEW ZEALAND 

Exporting Territory: HAWAII 

Competent Authority: 

I: IDENTIFICATION OF ANIMALS 

1 Microchip identification number: 

2 Anatomical site of microchip: 

3 Physical description of animal: 

4 Name: 

5 Breed: 

6 Sex: 

7 Date of Birth: 

8 Total number of animals: 

II: ORIGIN OF THE ANIMALS 

1 Name(s) and address(es) of exporter(s): 

2 Place(s) of origin of animals: 

3 Port of embarkation: 

HI: DESTINATION OF ANIMALS 

1 Name and address of consignee: 

2 Means of transport: 

3 Port of arrival: 

Import health standard for the Importation of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 September 2007 Page 9 of 15 
IV: SANITARY INFORMATION 

Owner/exporter's statutory declaration: 

I do solemnly and sincerely declare, in 

respect of the dog for export to New Zealand identified below, that: 

Name of animal: Breed: 

Age: Sex: 

Colour/description/identification: 

To the best of my knowledge and belief the dog is not one of the following breeds or types: 

American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino (including a cross 

of one or more of these breeds or types). 

Signature of owner or exporter: 

Declared at , this day of 20. 

before me 

(signature and printed name person authorised to take a statutory declaration) 

Registered Veterinarian declaration: 

I, being a registered veterinarian, certify, in 

respect of the animal described above, that: 

After due enquiry and/or physical examination of the animal for export, I have no reason to 

doubt the owner/exporter's statutory declaration. 

Signature of Registered Veterinarian: 

Date: 

Import health standard for the importation of dogs and cats bito New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANnCJBAW 11 September 2007 Page 10 of 15 
1 VETERINARY CERTIFICATE A 

I, an Official Veterinarian or Accredited 

Veterinarian, certify with respect to the animal/s identified in the attached Zoosanitary 

Certificate: 

1 After due enquiry, I am satisfied that the animal has been continuously resident in the 

country or territory of origin for the 6 months prior to export and is not under 

quarantine restrictions. 

2 After due enquiry and physical examination, 1 am satisfied that the animal will not be 

more than 42 days pregnant at the scheduled time of shipment. 

3 After due enquiry and physical examination, I am satisfied that the animal will be 

more than 16 weeks old at the scheduled time of shipment. 

4 The animal is identified with an implemted transponder/microchip. 

Microchip number: 

Anatomical site implanted: 

In the case of a dog, it has been tested and treated for canine heartworm {Dirofilaria 

immitis) according to the following schedule: 

5.1 if older than six months of age on the scheduled date of export, within 30 days 

of departure one to two mL of blood were collected from the dog and tested 

negative to the following tests: 

5.1.1 a microfilariae concentration test; 

Date blood collected for test: 

5.1.2 an antigen test (Witness HW, Agen; Snap Heartworm PF, Idexx; 

PetChek Heartworm PF, Idexx). 

Date blood collected for test: 

(N.B.: The antigen test must be conducted at a govemment approved 

laboratory and the microfilariae concentration test may be performed 

by a veterinary practitioner.) 

5.2 within 4 days hours of the scheduled date of shipment the dog has been treated 

with either of the following drags at the respective dose rate: 

EITHER 

5.2.1 ivermectin at 6 ng/kg 

OR 

5.2.2 milbemycin at 0.5 mg/kg 

OR 

Import health standard for the importation of dogs and cats into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANnCHAW 11 September 2007 PagelloflS 
5.2.3 moxidectin at 2 - 4 (xg/kg 

OR 

5.2.4 sustained release formulation moxidectin (ProHeart SR-12 Injection) 

at the approved dose rate. 

Date of treatment: 

6 In the case of a dog, within 30 days prior to the scheduled date of shipment, the dog 

has been tested for the following diseases: 

6.1 Brucella canis 

EITHER 

6.1.1 using the si ide agglutination test (microscopic agglutination test), with 

a negative result in each case; 

Date blood collected for test: 

(Note: a rapid slide agglutination test using 2-mercaptoethanol and a 

less mucoid (M-) variant of Brucella canis as antigen (as described by 

Carmichael and Joubert, Comell Vet. 1987,77: 3-12) is recommended 

to reduce the incidence of false positive reactions.) 

OR 

6.1.2 using the AGID 1 (cell wall antigen) test. If this test result is positive, 

then the dog has been tested with negative results using the AGID II 

(cytoplasmic antigen) test, for Brucella canis. 

Date blood collected for AGID I test: 

Date blood collected for AGID II test (if applicable): 

(Delete whichever of 6.1.1 or 6.1.2 is not applicable) 

6.2 Leptospirosis using the agglutination-lysis test for leptospirosis serotype 

Leptospira canicola with; 

EITHER 

6.2.1 negative results (negative is less than 50% agglutination at 1:100); 

Date blood collected for test: 

OR 

6.2.2 where the first sample shows a positive titre of not more than 1:400, a 

second sample collected at an interval of not less than 14 days must 

show no increase in the titre above that of the first test; 

Date blood collected for test 1: 

Date blood collected for test 2: 

OR 

Import health standard for the Importation of dogs and cats Into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 September 2007 Page 12 of 15 
6.2.3 the dog has been treated with doxycycline at a therapeutic dose rate for 

14 consecutive days, or dihydrostreptomycin at a therapeutic dose rate 

for 5 days, during the 30 days prior to the scheduled shipment. 

Medication and dose rate: 

Dates of treatment: 

(Delete whichever of 6.2.1, 6.2.2 or 6.2.3 is not applicable) 

6.3 Canine ehrlichosis using the indirect fluorescent antibody test for Ehrlichia 

canis with; 

EITHER 

6.3.1 negative results; 

Date blood collected for test: 

OR 

6.3.2 positive results and the dog has been treated with doxycycline at a dose 

rate of 10 mg/kg body weight on 14 consecutive days during the 30 

days prior to the scheduled shipment. 

Date blood collected for test: 

Dates of treatment: 

(Delete whichever of 6.3.1 or 6.3.2 is not applicable) 

7 In the case of a dog, within 10 days of the scheduled date of shipment a 5ml blood 

sample (serum sample) and a thin blood smear made from a drop of blood obtained 

from an ear margin are collected, at the same time, and the following tests performed: 

7.1 Indirect fluorescent antibody test for Babesia gibsoni using antigens 

appropriate for the strain likely to be present in all the countries where the dog 

has been resident, with a negative result (cutoff is 1:40). 

AND 

7.2 Examination of blood smear with negative result for Babesia gibsoni. 

Date blood collected for tests: 

8 In the case of a dog and/or cat: 

8.1 Within 30 days of the scheduled date of shipment, the animal was subject to 

two faecal examinations, at least 14 days apart, using a sensitive flotation 

procedure (able to detect 50 eggs per gram) which was negative for hookworm 

eggs; 

Date of faecal collection for first test; 

Date of faecal collection for second test: 

8.2 Within 30 days of the scheduled date of shipment the animal was treated 

Import health standard for the Importation of dogs and cats Into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 September 2007 Page 13 oflS 
twice, at least 14 days apart, with a broad spectrum anthelmintic(s) effective 

against nematodes, cestodes and trematodes, at the manufacturers 

recommended dose rate(s); 

Date of first treatment: 

Active ingredient(s) and amount given: 

Date of second treatment: 

Active ingredient(s) and amount given: 

8.3 No more thanlO days and no less than 2 days of the scheduled date of 

shipment, the animal was treated with a topical application of Fipronil at the 

recommended dose rate; 

Date of treatment:. 

Active ingredient:.. 

9 Within 4 days of the scheduled date of shipment, I examined the animal/s for export 

to New Zealand and found it/them to be free from clinical signs of infectious or 

contagious diseases and free from extemal parasites. 

10 All serological tests were conducted at a Govemment laboratory or a laboratory 

approved by the Govemment Veterinary Service of this country and the results are 

attached to this certificate. 

i) Accredited Veterinarian or Date of Signature 

ii) Official Veterinarian 

(Delete whichever of i) or ii) is not applicable*) 

Name and address of office: 

* In the case of i) being applicable: 

I, an Official Veterinarian certify 

that is accredited for the purpose of providing 

veterinary export certification for dogs and cats. 

Official Veterinarian Official stamp and date 

Name and address of office: 

Import health standard for the Importation of dogs and cats Into New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 September 2007 Page 14 of IS 
2 VETERINARY CERTIFICATE B 

I, the Official Veterinarian at the port of 

export certify in regards to the animal identified in the attached Zoosanitary Certificate, that: 

1 In the 12 months prior to the date of export there have been no cases of rabies 

diagnosed in Hawaii. 

2 If the animal was held in an official quarantine premises at any time in the past 8 

months, rabies has not been diagnosed in that premises during or since the presence of 

the animal in the quarantine premises. 

3 I have confirmed the identity of the animal by reading the implanted 

transponder/microchip: 

Microchip number: 

Anatomical site implanted: 

4 The animal was inspected and found to be healthy and fit to travel, and free from the 

clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease. 

5 All the required documents were examined and found to be correctly completed in 

accordance with New Zealand import health standard requirements. 

6 The animal was placed in a container that meets lATA standards. The container was 

new or thoroughly cleaned prior to use. It is free of dirt and ticks and was fastened 

with an official seal bearing the number or mark: 

Official Veterinarian Official stamp and date 

Name and address of office: 

DOMANIICHAW AIOO-09L 

Import health standard for the Importation of dogs and cats bito New Zealand from Hawaii 

DOMANDCHAW 11 Seplembcr 2007 Page 15 of IS 
IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD FOR ASSISTANCE 

DOGS FROM ALL COUNTRIES 

Pursuant to Section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 

Dated: 15 January 2007 

USER GUIDE 

The information in MAF animal and animal product inqiort health standards is presented in 

numerically ordered sections with descriptive titles. Sections are grouped into one of four 

parts, designated alphabetically. 

Part A. GENERAL INFORMATION contains sections of general interest, including those 

relating to the legal basis for MAF import health standards and the general responsibilities of 

every importer of animals and animal products. 

Part B. IMPORTATION PROCEDURE contains sections tiiat oudine die requirements to be 

met prior to and during importation. Whether a permit to import is required to be obtained 

prior to importation is noted, as are conditions of eligibility, transport and general conditions 

relating to documentation accompanying the consignment. 

Part C. CLEARANCE PROCEDURE contains sections describing the requirements to be met 

at the New Zealand border and, if necessary, in a transitional facility in New Zealand prior to 

any consignment being given biosecurity clearance. 

Part D. ASSISTED HANDLER'S DECLARATION contains the declaration to be completed 

by the assisted handler accompanying the assistance dog and the period for the animal to 

remain in post arrival quarantine to be completed by an approved veterinjiry officer. 

PART A. GENERAL INFORMATION 

1 IMPORT HEALTH STANDARD 

1,1 Pursuant to section 22 of the Biosecurity Act 1993, this is the import health standard 

for the importation into New Zealand of assistance dogs. 

2 REVIEW OF IMPORT HEALTH STANDARDS 

2.1 This import health standard may be reviewed, amended or revoked if there are changes 

in New Zealand's import policy or the animal health status of the originating country, 

or for any other lawfiil reason, at the discretion of the Biosecurity Standards Group 

Manager. 

Import health standard for assistance do p from all countries 

DOGBLDCALL IS January 2007 Page 1 of S 
3 IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

3.1 This import health standard must be used in conjunction with the import health 

standard for dogs and cats from the relevant country of origin. 

The intent of this import health standard is to modify the applicable import health 

standard (mentioned above) to allow for assistance dogs to travel in the cabin along 

with their assisted handler or guardian; and for the assistance dog if currenUy in active 

use, to be exempted from confinement in a post-arrival quarantine facility. 

3.2 An assisted handler's declaration and veterinary officer inspection on arrival is not 

necessary for assistance dogs travelling from countries where no post-arrival 

quarantine is required. (Australia, Hawaii, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, 

Sweden and the United Kingdom). 

DEFINITION OF TERMS 

Assistance dogs 

Highly trained dogs for the purpose of assisting persons with a disability in the course 

of their daily lives. These dogs are trained and certified by recognised and accredited 

national and/or intemational organisations. 

Assisted iiandler 

Person matched with an assistance dog for the purpose of being assisted in the course 

of their daily life. 

Biosecurity direction 

Written authority from an inspector, given under section 25 of the Biosecurity Act 

(1993), to move uncleared goods from a transitional facility or biosecurity control area 

to another transitional facility, containment facility or biosecurity control areas, or to 

export those goods from New Zealand. 

Biosecurity clearance 

As clearance under section 26 of the Biosecurity Act (1993) for the entry of goods into 

New Zealand. (Explanatory Note: Goods given a Biosecurity Clearance by an 

Inspector are released to the importer without restriction). 

Biosecurity Standards Group Manager 

The Biosecurity Standards Group Manager, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry of 

Agriculture and Forestry, or any person who for the time being may lawfully exercise 

and perform the power and functions of the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager 

Equivalence 

Acceptance by the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager that the circumstances 

relating to the importation of a consignment are such that the health status of the 

consignment is equivalent to the health status of a consignment that complies with the 

requirements of die import health standard. 

Import health standard for aislitance dogs from all countries 

DOGBLDCALL 15 January 2007 Page 2 of 8 
New Zealand Inspector 

Means a person who is appointed an inspector imder section 103 of the Biosecurity 

Act (1993). (Explanatoiy Note: An Inspector is appointed to undertake administering 

and enforcing the provisions of the Biosecurity Act and controls imposed under 

HSNO). 

MAF 

The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. 

Transitional facility 

Means a place approved as a transitional facility in accordance with section 39 of the 

Biosecurity Act (1993) for the purpose of inspection, testing, storage, treatment, 

holding or destruction of uncleared goods; or (b) a part of a port declared to be a 

transitional facility in accordance with section 39 of the Biosecurity Act (1993). 

Official Veterinarian 

A veterinarian of an exporting country's Veterinary Administration who is authorised 

according to official procedures to sign intemational veterinary certificates. 

Accredited Veterinarian 

A veterinarian accredited to provide export certification on behalf of the Govemment 

Veterinary Service. 

Permit to import 

A permit issued by the Director General of MAF pursuant to section 22 1(A) of the 

Biosecurity Act 1993 upon an in^orter's demonstration that certain requirements of 

the import health standard have been met in advance of an importation being made, 

such that a transitional facility is available to accept the consignment/s. The procedure 

for application and the information required for a permit to import are detailed within 

the import health standard. 

Guardian 

Person that does not require assistance, but accompanies and is responsible for the 

assistance dog during travel on behalf of the assistance dog training organisation. 

OIE Code 

The Office Intemational des Epizootics Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 

PART B: IMPORTATION PROCEDURE 

5 PERMIT TO IMPORT 

5.1 The requirements for a permit to import are die same as those in the applicable import 

health standard for the relevant country of origin from which the dog is eligible for 

importation. 

Import health standard for assistance dogs irom all countries 

DOGBLDC ALL 15 January 2007 Page 3 of 8 
5.2 A permit to import may only be issued under the conditions of an existing in^iort 

health standard for the importation into New Zealand of dogs from the country of 

origin of the assistance dog, subject to the required information being supplied. 

6 DOCUMENTATION 

6.1 The following documentation must accompany the assistance dog to New Zealand: 

6.1.1 a permit to import (if applicable); 

6.1.2 completed zoosanitary and veterinary certificate from the import health 

standard for the relevant country of origin 

7 INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE IMPORTER* 

"^This section is only applicable if the assistance dog is in active use by an assisted 

handler and requires exenq>tion from confinement in a post-arrival quarantine facility. 

[(i.e. this section does not apply to dogs from Australia, Hawaii, Norway, Republic of 

Ireland, Singapore, Sweden and the United Kingdom as post-arrival quarantine is not 

required; and does not apply to assistance dogs accompanied by a guardian.] 

7.1 For Guide dogs: official documentation from a member school of the Intemational 

Federation of Guide Dog Schools which states that the guide dog has been in the 

service of its blind handler at and/or under the supervision of the school for at least the 

6 months prior to the scheduled date of importation. 

7.2 For other assistance dogs: official documentation from the recognised and accredited 

assistance organisation which states that the assistance dog has been in the service of 

its assisted handler at and/or under the supervision of the organisation for at least the 6 

months prior to the scheduled date of importation. 

7.3 The New Zealand address at which the assistance dog will be domiciled, according to 

the conditions of Section 11 Biosecurity Clearance of this import health standard, for 

the piuijoses of weekly inspection and any post-arrival health testing. 

7.4 Provision of the information specified in 7.3, and either 7.1 or 7.2 above will enable an 

exemption to be issued from the requirements of confinement in post-arrival 

quarantine specified within the import health standard for the importation into New 

Zealand of dogs from the country of origin of the assistance dog, providing that all the 

other requirements of the import health standard have been met. 

Where possible assistance dogs that are to be domiciled in replace of quarantine 

should arrive in New Zealand during woridng hours (7am to 6pm, Monday to 

Friday). 

Import health standard for assistance dogs from ail countries 

DOGBLDCALL 15 January 2007 Page 4 of 8 
8 IMPORTER'S RESPONSIBILITIES 

8.1 The costs incurred by MAF in performing functions relating to the importation of 

animals shall be recovered in accordance widi the Biosecurity Act and any regulations 

made under that Act. 

8.2 The importer or agent must make all arrangements for transit and obtain necessary 

transit authorisation from any third countries on the transport route. 

9 ELIGIBILITY FOR IMPORTATION 

9.1 Only active (in use) assistance dogs that are accompanying their assisted handler are 

eligible under this import health standard. 

9.2 Assistance dogs that are not actively in use and are not accompanying an assisted 

handler can be transported with their guardian in the cabin of the aircraft; but they are 

not exempt from post-arrival quarantine. 

10 TRANSPORT TO NEW ZEALAND 

10.1 In the case of air hravel: 

10.1.1 the assistance dog must be transported in a manner acceptable to the airline 

and the govemment of the exporting country. 

10.1.2 the dog should be transported: 

EITHER 

10.1.2.1 as cargo in a container that complies widi the standards specified in 

the Intemational Air Transport Associations (lATA) Live Animal 

Regulations, and any additional requirements specified in the 

conditions of the import health standard under vMch the permit to 

import is issued. 

OR 

10.1.2.2 in the passenger cabin with the assisted handler or guardian, if 

acceptable to the airline 

NOTE: transport arrangements in this instance must take into 

account the length of flight time to New Zealand and the dog's 

needs to defecate and urinate. 

10.2 MAF Quarantine Service at the port of arrival must be notified at least 72 hours before 

the expected time of arrival of any animal, giving the flight number/ship number and 

arrival time, so that arrangements can be made for the appropriate inspector to 

examine the dog upon arrival and issue a biosecurity direction, without undue delay to 

the assisted handler or guardian. 

Import health standard for assistance dogs from all countries 

DOCBLUCALL IS January 2007 Page S of 8 
Contact details for the MAF Quarantine Service are available at: 

www.maf. govt.nz/quarantine/contact 

Additionally, for assistance dogs travelling from countries where post arrival 

quarantine is required, thus dog(s) will be domiciled, the official MAF Veterinary 

officer should be contacted. Their contact details are: 

Telephone: +64 9 909 2706 

Fax: +64 9 909 2708 

E-mail: mq sakav@maf go vt. nz 

PART C: CLEARANCE PROCEDURE 

11 BIOSECURITY CLEARANCE 

11.1 An inspector imder the Biosecurity Act 1993 will examine die consignment on arrival 

in New Zealand. Providing the documentation is in order and no ticks are found on the 

animal, in the bedding or container(if applicable), a biosecurity clearance will be 

issued. 

(If the documentation is not in order or ticks are found, the animal will be directed as 

stated in the Import Health Standard for dogs from the relevant country of origin) 

11.2 Prior to biosecurity clearance being issued, the importer must sign the attached 

Assisted Handler's Declaration (if applicable). A copy will be retained by MAF and a 

copy retained by the assisted handler. 

11.3 The period covered by the Assisted Handler's Declaration will be equal to the period 

of post-arrival quarantine specified within the import health standard for the 

importation of dogs into New Zealand from the country of origin of the assistance dog. 

This will be noted on the Assisted Handler's Declaration. 

11.4 The Biosecurity Standards Group Manager reserves the right to review the period or 

conditions of quarantine of any animal. 

PART D: ASSISTED HANDLER'S DECLARATION 

12 ASSISTED HANDLER'S DECLARATION 

The following document must be completed by the handler of the assistance dog and 

an official MAF Veterinary Officer when the dog arrives in New Zealand. 

NOTE: For Australia, Hawaii, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, 

Sweden and the United Kingdom, where post arrival quarantine is not 

required, the dog does not need to be domiciled, and an assisted 

handler's declaration is not required. 

Import health standard for assistance dogs from all countries 

DOGBLDCALL 15 January 2007 Page 6 of 8 
ASSISTED HANDLER'S DECLARATION 

I , being the handler of the assistance dog imported into 

New Zealand and identified below, declare that the conditions detailed below and the period 

covered by this declaration have been fully explained to me, and I imdertake to comply with 

these conditions, acknowledging that my compliance is necessary for the exemption from 

confinement in post-arrival quarantine facility to be validated. 

Identification of the assistance dog 

Microchip identification number: 

Name: 

Breed: 

Sex: 

Date of birth: 

Permit to import number: 

1 During the period covered by the Assisted Handler's Declaration, the assistance dog 

will be under my direct control at all times when not confined indoors at the address 

nominated by me (below) and specified on the permit to import. 

2 During the period covered by the Assisted Handler's Declaration, no other dogs or cats 

are to be present at the nominated address, except any other assistance dog(s) owned 

by the resident(s) at the nominated address. I undertake to ensure that any such dog(s) 

are subject to the same quarantine conditions as the imported dog. 

3 During the period covered by the Assisted Handler's Declaration, no other mammalian 

pets or livestock will be present at the nominated address, unless specific written 

approval from the Biosecurity Standards Group Manager, MAF, has been obtained. 

4 During the period covered by the Assisted Handler's Declaration, a veterinary officer 

may make arrangements to visit the nominated address to perform the tests and 

treatments specified within the conditions of post-airival quarantine in the import 

health standard for the importation of dogs into New Zealand from the country of 

origin of the assistance dog. I understand that, in signing the Assisted Handler's 

Declaration, I agree to co-operate in this manner with the veterinary officer but that 

the veterinary officer may exercise powers under section 121 of the Biosecurity Act 

1993 without my prior approval. 

Signature of the Assisted Handler Date 

The nominated address specified on the permit to import: 

Import health standard for assistance dogs from all countries 

DOGBLDC JVLL 15 January 2007 Page 7 of 8 
PERIOD COVERED BY ASSISTED HANDLER'S DECLARATION 

The period covered by this Assisted Handler's Declaration shall be , 

days, this being the period of post-arrival quarantine stipulated in the import health standard 

for the importation into New Zealand of dogs from die country of departure of the assistance 

dog. 

Signature of Veterinary Officer Date of Signature 

approved by Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry 

Name and address of office: 

Import health standard for assistance dogs from ail countries 

DOGBLDCALL 15 January 2007 Page 8 of 8