Pet Transport Thailand to New Zealand: 2026 Guide
Moving a pet from Thailand to New Zealand takes 4 to 6 months from first vet visit to Levin release. The key steps are a DLD export permit from Thailand's Department of Livestock …
The import process, in full
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner and DLD vet
Responsible: DLD vet and approved laboratory
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: DLD vet
Responsible: Airline and MPI
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your Thailand to New Zealand move gets missed.
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know every carrier policy for this corridor.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
The 3-month wait from blood draw is fixed. Build this into your departure date calculation first, then work backwards.
DLD processing takes 2-4 weeks. Start the export permit application early.
No direct flights from Thailand to New Zealand. Via Singapore (SIN-AKL) or via Sydney (SYD-AKL) are the standard options.
Levin quarantine is weekday arrivals only. Avoid Friday or weekend arrival routing.
DLD export and the Thai side of preparation
Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development (DLD) is the authority for issuing export permits and endorsing health certificates for pets leaving the country. The export permit must be obtained before departure, and the health certificate must follow MPI’s specified format so it is accepted on arrival in New Zealand. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for DLD processing.
Your Thai vet handles the microchip check, vaccination, and health assessment. The blood draw for the titre test is done after confirming the vaccination is at least 28 days old. The sample goes to an MPI-approved laboratory for the RNATT result. Keep the DLD permit and health certificate originals: copies are not accepted by MPI at the New Zealand border.
Bangkok to Auckland: routing options
Two practical routings connect Bangkok to Auckland for cargo pets. The Singapore route: Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, or Bangkok Airways from Bangkok to Singapore (SIN), then Singapore Airlines to Auckland or Christchurch. Singapore Airlines Cargo has temperature-controlled live animal handling at Changi and strong onward services to New Zealand.
The Sydney route: Thai Airways from Bangkok to Sydney (SYD) with cargo, then Air New Zealand SYD-AKL. This adds a shorter domestic-type sector but involves an Australia transit, where any overnight stay would trigger DAFF biosecurity requirements. For a transit through Sydney that is airside only (pet stays on the plane or in the international cargo zone), no Australian requirements apply.
Confirm live animal acceptance on your specific flight combination before booking. Get written confirmation from both airlines.
Levin quarantine: the final 10 days
MPI Levin Quarantine Facility in Levin, Manawatu, is New Zealand’s primary quarantine centre for imported cats and dogs. Your pet spends 10 days there after arriving at Auckland or Christchurch. MPI inspects the health certificate, microchip, and titre test documentation on arrival.
The facility is about 90 minutes’ drive from Wellington and 2 hours south of Auckland. Owners can arrange visits during the quarantine period. MPI charges owner-paid fees for the 10-day stay. Levin receives pets on weekdays only, so time your flight to arrive Monday to Thursday.
Common questions
Move your pet
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