Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
How we source our data →
Overview
Pet transport from Sri Lanka to New Zealand follows a clear process once you know what New Zealand requires.
This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.
We’ve laid out every step below so you know exactly what to prepare and when.
Step by step
The Sri Lanka to New Zealand process
1
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
2
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
3
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
4
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Checklist
New Zealand: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required
Quarantine
Check current requirements with destination authority
Import permit
Check with destination authority
Health certificate
Required
Leaving Sri Lanka
Export requirements
Requirement
Detail
Export permit
Export permit from DAPH.
Health certificate
{'required': True, 'issued_by': 'DAPH-authorised official vet'}
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
2
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
4
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
Qantas
Cargo: QantasFreighter network for pet transport. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round. Temperature embargoes: seasonal restrictions during Australian summer (Dec-Feb)
Cargo Only
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
Why this route needs early planning
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Sri Lanka to New Zealand is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
From experience: Sri Lanka to New Zealand pet transport
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
FAQ
Common questions
Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in New Zealand for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
Yes, cats can be transported from Sri Lanka to New Zealand. The same microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements apply as for dogs, though some rules (such as tapeworm treatment) apply to dogs only. Check the full requirements for cats with the destination authority.