Pet Transport from Germany to New Zealand
Moving a dog or cat from Germany to New Zealand is one of the most demanding international pet moves. New Zealand requires a mandatory FAVN titre test from pets arriving from all countries, including Germany, with a 180-day wait after the blood draw before …
The Germany to New Zealand import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Owner or agent via nzstap.mpi.govt.nz
Responsible: Veterinarian + MPI-approved laboratory
Responsible: Owner to track
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Amtlicher Tierarzt (official veterinarian)
Responsible: Airline cargo
Responsible: MPI quarantine facility
What your pet needs to enter New Zealand
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The 180-day wait after the titre test blood draw is non-negotiable. There is no way to shorten this period. Starting preparations early is the only option.
Two separate inactivated-virus rabies vaccinations are required, at least 28 days apart. A single vaccination is not sufficient for New Zealand entry from Germany.
Pets must arrive at Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) airports only. No other New Zealand airports accept international pet imports.
New IHS requirements apply from 1 July 2026 (transition period until 1 April 2027). Confirm the current MPI-required health certificate template with your official vet.
The following breeds are banned from import to New Zealand: Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Why is the 180-day wait mandatory and what triggers it?
New Zealand applies strict biosecurity rules to all imported animals. The FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) titre test confirms your pet has adequate rabies antibody protection at a minimum of 0.5 IU/ml. The 180-day wait begins from the date the blood was drawn, not from when the result was received. During this 180 days, New Zealand biosecurity operates on the basis that any latent disease from a non-rabies-free country must have time to become detectable.
There are no exemptions for Germany or any other country. The 180-day wait applies equally to all non-Category-1 origins. This is the single biggest time driver on the Germany-to-New Zealand route. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz (2026).
Why are two vaccinations required, and does it matter which type?
MPI requires two inactivated-virus rabies vaccinations, given after microchipping, at least 28 days apart. Both vaccinations must be completed before the titre test blood draw. The inactivated-virus requirement is specific: modified live or recombinant vaccine types may not be accepted. Confirm with your German official vet that the vaccine product meets MPI’s specification before administering.
If either vaccination is not recorded correctly in the official documents, or the interval is less than 28 days, the titre test result will not be accepted by MPI and the entire vaccination sequence must restart. This is not a bureaucratic technicality; it is a hard rule that has cost pet owners months of preparation time when a vaccination record is incomplete.
What is the NZSTAP permit and when should I apply?
The NZSTAP (New Zealand Standard Terms and Procedures) is the formal import approval that MPI issues before your pet can enter New Zealand. You apply via the NZSTAP portal at nzstap.mpi.govt.nz. Allow at least six weeks for processing from the date you submit.
The permit specifies exactly what your pet must meet: vaccination and titre test protocol, health certificate format from the German competent authority, quarantine facility, and entry airport. Any deviation from the permit conditions can result in your pet being refused entry or placed in extended quarantine. Apply for the permit as soon as you know you are moving to New Zealand, ideally before you begin the vaccination sequence. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz.