Domestic pets and animals
Clearance of pets cannot be undertaken at the passenger air terminal. Before sending your pet to New Zealand contact the New Zealand Customs Service for information on the required documentation, the clearance process, and the hours of operation when clearance can be undertaken.
Domestic animals may be exempt from Customs charges provided you satisfy the terms and conditions for the duty-free entry of “Household or other related effects”. You will be required to complete imported animal clearance documents on the animal's arrival, as there are certain dog breeds that are prohibited imports. You can contact the Customs Service on 0800 4 CUSTOMS for the details of these prohibited breeds.
For example, the following breeds of dogs are strictly prohibited, this includes any embryo, ova or semen from these breeds:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Brazilian Fila
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
Prohibitions and restrictions governing the entry of domestic pets (such as cats and dogs) into New Zealand are strictly enforced. Contact
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand for more information.
For further information on the importation of domestic pets, including charges refer to
Domestic animal imports and
Fact Sheet 28A - Clearance of Cats and Dogs.