NZ
New Zealand
✈️
DE
Germany

Pet Transport New Zealand to Germany: 2026 Guide

New Zealand is an EU-listed country, which means the FAVN titre test and 3-month waiting period do not apply. Preparation takes 4-6 weeks for a pet with a current vaccination. The main considerations are the MPI certificate, the choice of …

NoneQuarantine on arrival
Medium routeExpert coordination essential
4-6 weeksPreparation lead time
Fully managedDoor to door service available
Lead time needed
4-6 weeks
Quarantine
Not required
Route complexity
Medium
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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Step by step

The New Zealand to Germany pet import process

Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.

1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in New Zealand
6+ weeks before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination is valid and 21-day post-primary wait is complete.
Responsible: Vet in New Zealand
6+ weeks before travel
3
Book cargo from AKL to FRA via SIN (Singapore Airlines) or DXB (Emirates).
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
4
Obtain MPI-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: MPI-authorised vet plus MPI endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
5
Depart AKL. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs
Travel day
Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Germany

Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Not required. New Zealand is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait do not apply. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt (FRA).
Import permit
No import permit required. MPI-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by MPI, issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (New Zealand)
No formal export permit required for companion animals from New Zealand. MPI-authorised vet signs the certificate; MPI endorses it before departure.
Costs

What this route typically costs

MPI vet certificate and endorsement: NZD 300-700 (approximately EUR 170-400)
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo AKL to FRA via hub: EUR 1,500-3,500 depending on crate size and routing
Pet transport agent (recommended for long-haul): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 2,000-4,600

Critical points to read before you book

New Zealand is EU-listed: no titre test or 3-month wait required. Preparation takes 4-6 weeks with a current vaccination, or 10-12 weeks if a primary vaccination is needed.

No direct AKL to FRA cargo service; all routings connect via Singapore (SIN) or Dubai (DXB). One transfer is preferable to two.

Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state, particularly if travelling to Bavaria.

MPI endorsement takes a few working days; book the vet appointment with enough lead time for the 10-day certificate window.

Airlines

Carriers approved for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.

Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Singapore Airlines operates Auckland (AKL) to Singapore (SIN) with connections to Frankfurt (FRA). Single transfer at Changi. Singapore Airlines Cargo handles live animals with temperature-controlled facilities at Changi.
Cargo Only
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates operates AKL to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Frankfurt. Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International. An alternative to the Singapore routing.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo via SIN or DXB
Lufthansa Cargo connects from AKL to Frankfurt via Singapore or Dubai hub partners. Frankfurt is Germany's primary live animal cargo arrival point with the Animal Lounge at FRA.
Cargo Only

EU-listed status: what it means for New Zealand pets entering Germany

New Zealand appears on the EU’s list of third countries from which pet movements are permitted under the same rules as EU member states (EU Regulation 576/2013, Annex II). The practical effect is significant: the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are not required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.

What is required is a valid ISO microchip, a current rabies vaccination, and an MPI-endorsed EU-format health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. If the vaccination is up to date, 4-6 weeks is sufficient preparation time. If a primary vaccination is needed, allow 10-12 weeks for the 21-day post-vaccination wait.

Auckland to Frankfurt: routing options via hub

There is no direct cargo service from Auckland (AKL) to Frankfurt (FRA). All routings connect via a hub. The two principal options are Singapore Airlines via Changi (SIN) and Emirates via Dubai (DXB). Both have temperature-controlled live animal cargo handling at their transit hubs.

Singapore Airlines via SIN is the most commonly used routing for New Zealand to Europe moves. The SIN-FRA sector is a major long-haul route with daily operations. Emirates via Dubai is a solid alternative. Confirm live animal acceptance on your specific flight when booking, 4-6 weeks ahead.

Germany Bundesland breed rules for New Zealand pet owners

Germany has a federal breed ban covering Pit Bull Terrier and Tosa Inu. Beyond this, each Bundesland sets its own rules. Bavaria is the most restrictive, adding Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, American Bulldog, and Cane Corso to its state list.

For most breeds commonly kept in New Zealand, including Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and German Shepherds, no restriction applies. If you have a breed that may fall under Bundesland rules, check your destination state specifically before starting the process.

FAQ

Common questions about New Zealand to Germany pet transport

No. New Zealand is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month waiting period do not apply. A valid microchip, current rabies vaccination, and MPI-endorsed EU health certificate are all that is required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
4-6 weeks if the rabies vaccination is current and valid. If a primary vaccination is needed, allow 10-12 weeks to include the 21-day post-vaccination wait before the MPI certificate can be issued. No titre test wait applies.
Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) is the most commonly used option, with single transfer and strong live animal handling at Changi. Emirates via Dubai (DXB) is a well-regarded alternative. Both connect to Frankfurt.
The MPI vet examination and certificate endorsement typically costs NZD 300-700 (approximately EUR 170-400). Cargo from AKL to FRA via hub runs EUR 1,500-3,500 depending on crate size. Total all-in is typically EUR 2,000-4,600.
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →
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Route at a glance
FromNew Zealand
ToGermany
Prep time4-6 weeks
ComplexityMedium
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