Pet travel from Dubai to New ZealandDocuments & vet certificate
Planning pet travel from Dubai to New Zealand? This page gives the New Zealand pet import requirements from the UAE for dogs and cats, the steps, and our prices. Our vets in JVC do the fit to fly certificate (the dog and cat travel certificate), the pet passport and the blood tests, and guide you on the MOCCAE pet export certificate. Import permit, quarantine of at least 10 days and an identity check 6 months before export. Our vet confirms if direct travel from the UAE is possible.
QuarantineLast updated
Our vet first confirms if your pet can go directly from the UAE to New Zealand. New rules apply from 1 July 2026.
New Zealand pet import requirements from the UAE
The rules for a pet dog or cat that travels from the UAE to New Zealand, in plain words. When the official rules are not clear, we say so: our vet confirms that point at your first visit.
Import permitYes
Import permit online. Apply at least 30 working days before travel. First book a place at an MPI-approved quarantine facility: the booking letter goes with the application.
MicrochipYes
Yes.
Rabies vaccine
The rabies vaccine rules under the 2026 import health standard: our vet confirms this at your first visit.
Rabies titre test (blood test)
If your pet needs a rabies titre test, and the timing: our vet confirms this at your first visit.
Other vaccines, tests and treatmentsYes
A government vet does an identity check at least 6 months before export (necessary now for imports from 1 April 2027). Ticks or fleas on arrival mean a longer quarantine.
Which dog tests apply and their timing (for example Babesia, Brucella canis, Leptospira, heartworm, canine influenza and Leishmania): our vet confirms this at your first visit.
QuarantineYes
Yes, at least 10 days. Your pet can arrive only at Auckland or Christchurch.
Dog breedsYes
Banned: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario and American Pit Bull Terrier. A pet that is more than 42 days pregnant cannot travel.
Health certificateYes
The New Zealand model certificate, with an official vet inspection in the 2 days before travel.
The certificate under the 2026 import health standard: our vet confirms this at your first visit.
Step-by-step timeline: Dubai to New Zealand
- 1
First visit
Our vet confirms if your pet can travel directly from the UAE under the 2026 import health standard.
- 2
At least 6 months before export
A government vet does the identity check (necessary for imports from 1 April 2027).
- 3
At least 30 working days before travel
You book a place at an MPI-approved quarantine facility, then apply for the import permit with the booking letter.
- 4
Before travel
Our vet does the dog tests and treatments that the import health standard gives. Our vet confirms which ones and when.
- 5
In the 2 days before travel
An official vet inspects your pet for the New Zealand model certificate.
Pet relocation Dubai to New Zealand: what Pet Avenue does
- We check your pet's microchip, vaccines and documents against the rules for New Zealand.
- A vet examines your pet and issues the clinic health certificate (fit to travel) in the correct time window.
- We tell you which documents the import permit needs. You (or your agent) apply for the permit.
- We guide you on the UAE export certificate. You apply for it yourself on the MOCCAE website.
We do the vet part of your pet's move. Your airline or a pet relocation company books the flight or the cargo.
Dogs and cats: the differences
- Dogs have many test rules (for example Babesia, Brucella canis, Leptospira, heartworm, canine influenza and Leishmania). Our vet confirms which apply.
- The banned-breed list is for dogs. A pet that is more than 42 days pregnant cannot travel.
Cost estimate: pet travel documents for New Zealand
Our clinic items only, in AED incl. VAT, for 1, 2 or 3 pets. Fees of the government, the airline and New Zealand are not included.
| Clinic item | 1 pet | 2 pets | 3 pets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit-to-travel examination and health certificate | AED 278 | AED 556 | AED 834 |
| Total (incl. VAT) | AED 278 | AED 556 | AED 834 |
If our vet confirms that your pet needs a titre test, add AED 1,250 for each pet. Dog tests: our vet tells you the price.
Only if necessary
- Microchip (ISO)If your pet has no ISO microchip.
- AED 157.50 per pet
- Rabies vaccineIf the vaccine is not valid for travel. The annual vaccine package (consultation, rabies and core vaccine) is AED 255.
- Our vet tells you the price
- New pet passportIf your pet has no passport.
- AED 100 per pet
Not included in our prices
- The MOCCAE export certificate fee: AED 100 for up to 2 pets, valid 30 days. You apply and pay on the MOCCAE website. We guide you.
- Airline, cargo and pet relocation costs.
- The import permit and the fees of the destination country.
- Quarantine costs in the destination country, if quarantine applies.
Earliest travel
6 months or more (the identity check is at least 6 months before export).
The rabies titre test result takes about 2 to 3 weeks. The UAE export certificate from MOCCAE is valid 30 days.
Airline and cargo notes
- Your pet can arrive only at Auckland or Christchurch.
- Ticks or fleas on arrival mean a longer quarantine. Ask us about parasite treatment before the flight.
- Each airline has its own rules: cabin, checked baggage or cargo, the crate size and the breeds that it accepts. Ask your airline before you book.
- In the UAE summer (about May to September), many airlines limit pets in the hold because of the heat. Plan early.
- Check the rules of each transit country too. A transit can change the documents that your pet needs.
Common mistakes
- The quarantine place is not booked before the permit application.
- The identity check is too late: it must be at least 6 months before export.
- The old 2021 rules are used after 31 March 2027.
- The MOCCAE export certificate is applied for too late. It is valid 30 days: apply in time for your flight.
- The flight is booked before the permit, the titre result or the waiting time is complete.
Questions: pet travel to New Zealand
Does my dog or cat need a rabies titre test to fly from Dubai to New Zealand?
If your pet needs a rabies titre test, and the timing: our vet confirms this at your first visit.
Do I need an import permit to take my pet from the UAE to New Zealand?
Yes. Import permit online. Apply at least 30 working days before travel. First book a place at an MPI-approved quarantine facility: the booking letter goes with the application. Who applies: You. Time: At least 30 working days.
Does my pet go into quarantine in New Zealand?
Yes, at least 10 days. Your pet can arrive only at Auckland or Christchurch.
Which health certificate does my pet need for New Zealand?
The New Zealand model certificate, with an official vet inspection in the 2 days before travel. The certificate under the 2026 import health standard: our vet confirms this at your first visit.
Are some dog breeds banned or restricted in New Zealand?
Yes. Banned: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario and American Pit Bull Terrier. A pet that is more than 42 days pregnant cannot travel.
How early should I start to prepare my pet for New Zealand?
6 months or more (the identity check is at least 6 months before export).
How much do the vet documents for New Zealand cost at Pet Avenue?
Our clinic items are AED 278 for 1 pet, incl. VAT. A microchip (AED 157.50), a rabies vaccine or a pet passport (AED 100) are added only if your pet does not have them. Not included: the MOCCAE fee, the airline or cargo cost, the import permit and fees of New Zealand, and quarantine.
Who applies for the MOCCAE pet export certificate for New Zealand?
You do. At this time, you apply on the MOCCAE website and pay the government fee: AED 100 for up to 2 pets, valid 30 days. MOCCAE can inspect your pet. We give you the clinic documents and guide you.
Official sources
- MPI: Bringing cats and dogs to New Zealand(opens in a new tab)
- MPI: Step-by-step guide (2026 import health standard)(opens in a new tab)
- MPI: Cats and dogs 2026 import health standard(opens in a new tab)
- MOCCAE: Animal health certificate for export of live animals(opens in a new tab)
Last checked 27 Oct 2026. Rules can change; our vet confirms everything at your first visit.
Pet travel to other countries
Pet travel to New Zealand?
Send us your travel date, your pet's type, breed and age. Our vet checks the rules and gives you a plan.