Pet Transport from Italy to New Zealand
Moving a dog or cat from Italy to New Zealand is one of the most preparation-intensive international pet moves. New Zealand requires a mandatory FAVN titre test from pets arriving from all countries, including Italy, with a 180-day wait from the blood draw …
The Italy 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: Veterinario ufficiale via ASL, endorsed by Ministero della Salute
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 Italy.
Pets must arrive at Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) airports only. No other New Zealand airports accept international pet imports.
The health certificate must go through the ASL and be endorsed by the Ministero della Salute in the MPI-required format. Allow enough time for this administrative process.
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 does the 180-day wait apply to pets from Italy, and is there any exemption?
New Zealand biosecurity does not distinguish between EU and non-EU origins for the 180-day wait requirement. The FAVN test confirms adequate rabies antibody protection at 0.5 IU/ml or above. The 180-day wait from the blood draw date is the period MPI requires before it accepts that any latent infection risk has been eliminated.
Italy is not in MPI’s Category 1 group, so the full titre test and 180-day wait apply without exception. The timer starts from the date the blood was drawn, not from when the result was received. This is the single biggest time driver on the Italy-to-New Zealand route. Source: MPI, mpi.govt.nz (2026).
Why are two vaccinations required, and which type does Italy need to use?
MPI requires two inactivated-virus rabies vaccinations for New Zealand entry, given after microchipping, at least 28 days apart. Both must be completed before the FAVN blood draw. The inactivated-virus specification matters: modified live or recombinant products may not be accepted by MPI. Confirm the vaccine product with your Italian official vet at the ASL before the first injection.
If either vaccination record is incomplete, or the interval is less than 28 days, the titre test result will not count and the entire vaccination sequence must restart. This is one of the most common and most costly errors on this route, particularly when using a vet who is unfamiliar with MPI’s specific requirements.
How does the Italian health certificate process work for New Zealand?
Italy’s official health certificate for New Zealand must be issued by a veterinario ufficiale through the ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale), in the MPI-approved format for Italian-origin pets, and endorsed by the Ministero della Salute. This is a multi-step government process that takes time to coordinate.
Allow more time than you might expect for the certificate step. The ASL appointment, certificate preparation, and Ministero endorsement all need to happen within the 10-day window before travel. If you are based in a region where ASL scheduling runs slowly, or if it is your first time requesting this type of export certificate, working with an experienced Italian pet transport agent is strongly recommended.