Pet Transport Canada to New Zealand: 2026 MPI Process Guide

New Zealand’s MPI requires a rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) for pets arriving from countries outside Australia. The blood must be drawn at an MPI-approved laboratory and the result must show 0.5 IU/ml or above. From the date the blood is drawn, you must wait at least 3 months before your pet can enter New Zealand.

The titre test blood draw must happen at least 28 days after a valid rabies vaccination. So the minimum preparation sequence is: vaccination, 28 days, blood draw, 3 months. In total: at least 4 months from vaccination to earliest possible New Zealand arrival. Most people allow 5 to 6 months to include buffer time, MPI permit processing (30 working days), and flight booking.

The titre test result is valid for up to 24 months from the blood draw date, so if your plans change after the test is done, the result stays valid for up to 2 years.

There is no direct flight from any Canadian city to Auckland or Christchurch. The standard route goes via Los Angeles: Air Canada operates cargo services from Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR) to Los Angeles (LAX), and Air New Zealand operates LAX to Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC). This two-sector journey is the most commonly used routing and the one Air New Zealand Cargo is set up to handle as a combined movement.

An alternative is routing via Sydney, using Air Canada or another carrier to Sydney and then Air New Zealand to Auckland. This is occasionally faster scheduling-wise but involves a longer total journey. Confirm with the cargo desks at both airlines that the specific flight combination accepts live animals before booking. Spaces can be limited.

The MPI Levin Quarantine Facility in Levin, Manawatu, is the primary approved centre for imported cats and dogs in New Zealand. Your pet spends 10 days there on arrival. The facility is managed by MPI and is professionally run. Owners can arrange visits during the quarantine period.

Levin is about a 90-minute drive from Wellington and 2 hours from Auckland. If you are based in the North Island, collecting your pet from Levin after quarantine is straightforward. South Island arrivals can sometimes be cleared through Christchurch Airport, though Levin remains the main facility.

MPI’s updated Import Health Standard for cats and dogs takes effect from 1 July 2026. During the transition period (until 1 April 2027), both the 2021 and the 2026 versions are acceptable. Your CFIA vet and your agent should be aware of which version applies to your health certificate.