Shipping your dog or cat from Tanzania to New Zealand is a process that rewards early planning.
This route is one of the most demanding international pet transport routes. Start preparations at least 26 weeks before your travel date -- …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. 28-day wait before next steps.
3
Rabies titre test (blood test at accredited laboratory)
Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory
Blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.
4
Apply for import permit from New Zealand
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
5
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
6
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
8
Quarantine on arrival (10 (minimum) at MPI Levin facility days)
Responsible: New Zealand quarantine authority
Immediately on arrival (mandatory)
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter New Zealand
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on same day as first rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 28-day wait after vaccination before travel. Vaccination schedule must be complete before titre test blood draw.
Rabies titre test
Required for: All pets from all countries (no exemptions). Not required for: None. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 180-day wait from test date before entry
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 10 (minimum) at MPI Levin facility days. Facility: MPI Levin Quarantine Facility, Levin, Manawatu (the only approved facility). Mandatory 10-day quarantine for all arriving cats and dogs. Pre-booking required well in advance as capacity is limited. Book before flights.
Import permit
Required. Issued by: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Biosecurity New Zealand. Apply for import permit before booking flights. Permit specifies all conditions. Non-compliance results in re-export or destruction.
Health certificate
Required. Government veterinary health certificate. Issued by: Government (official) veterinarian in country of export. Valid for 14 days from issue. Must use MPI-specified format for the exact country of export. No standard format accepted. Download the correct template from the MPI website.
Export permit (Tanzania)
{'required': True, 'issued_by': 'TVLA'}
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Rabies titre test laboratory fee
Import permit application fee (New Zealand)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
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.
QANTAS
Qantas
Cargo: QantasFreighter network for pet transport. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round. Temperature embargoes: seasonal restrictions during Australian summer (Dec-Feb)
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
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
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
BRITISH
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
SINGAPORE
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
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
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
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
Key requirements for moving your pet to New Zealand
This is one of the more demanding international pet transport corridors. New Zealand runs a strict biosecurity programme and there are no shortcuts through it.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in New Zealand (at MPI Levin Quarantine Facility, Levin, Manawatu (the only approved facility)) for 10 (minimum) at MPI Levin facility days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
New Zealand is rabies-free with one of the world’s strictest pet import systems. All dogs and cats must complete mandatory quarantine at the government-approved facility (Levin MAF Quarantine Station, now MPI). Import permit required in advance. Only cats and dogs permitted from most countries; birds require separate approval. Authority: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Biosecurity New Zealand.
Things to sort before you book
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.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
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 about Tanzania to New Zealand pet transport
Allow at least 26 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.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in New Zealand. Your pet will stay for 10 (minimum) at MPI Levin facility days at MPI Levin Quarantine Facility, Levin, Manawatu (the only approved facility) on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.
Yes, a rabies titre test is required. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after your pet’s rabies vaccination, and there is a 90-day waiting period after a successful result before your pet can enter New Zealand. Start this process as early as possible.
Yes, an import permit is required from New Zealand’s authority (Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Biosecurity New Zealand). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Tanzania. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check New Zealand’s authority for the exact format required.