PET EXPORTS LTD

New Zealand - summary information and requirements for the export of cats and dogs from the UK.

International pet travel requires the use of an IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved air kennel that allow the animal to stand up without touching the top of the box, lie down and turn around. It is a requirement that cats and dogs are shipped as manifest cargo and not as excess baggage.

There is currently no quarantine for cats and dogs entering New Zealand from the UK however animals must be kept in isolation at the registered address in New Zealand for at least 30 days following export.

Animals must be microchipped and must travel with the following paperwork:

A) An Official Export Health Certificate (this must be applied for from DEFRA (formerly the Ministry of Agriculture) click here for your local telephone number). The first two sections only are to be completed signed and stamped by your LVI (The last section will be completed by Portal Veterinarian)

B)On two occasions, 14 days apart, being within 30 days of export, faecal samples must be taken from the animal(s) and examined for hookworm eggs. Tests must be done by a Government or VI Laboratory (must be VLA in Weybridge, Surrey).

The hookworm test results MUST accompany the Export Health Certificate.

C) In the case of dogs only, blood tests/treatment for Brucella canis, Dirofilaria (two tests: 1 - microfilaria concentration test, 2 - Elisa antigen test - both must be done at VLA Weybridge), Ehrlichia and Leptospirosis (or specific treatment with antibiotics) must be submitted to the relevant authority within 30 days of the flight with negative results (more tests or treatments will need to be done if any positive results are obtained). As an indirect result of the Pet Travel Scheme, MAF New Zealand now requires tests for babesia gibsonii (a tick borne disease currently present in Spain). Babesia Parasitilogical examination of blood Smear (Haematology Microscopy)- 1 drop of blood from the ear capillary must be taken and a thin wide smear, air dried on a slide sent to VLA Weybridge. Sample to be taken no earlier than 10 days prior to the flight. Vet may wish to consult with testing lab at VLA on 01932 357902 as a lot of smears submitted are not suitable for testing. Babesia PCR . Sample is to be sent to VLA at Weybridge (it is imperative that the blood is drawn exactly 10 days prior to the flight in order to allow enough time for the test to be performed). Vet may wish to consult with testing lab at VLA on 01932 357328.

The blood test results MUST accompany the Export Health Certificate.

D) Clearance of notifiable diseases certificate (EC618 or 618NDC) from DEFRA. This comes with the Official Export Health Certificate. The vet MUST give you this certificate, as the Portal veterinarian requires it to complete the final part not your vet who only completes the first two parts of the Export Health Certificate. If the vet disagrees get them to read the final part in full and/or phone Pet Exports

E) Written declarations as required, to support the export health certificate.

The full set of requirements must be obtained from your local DEFRA Animal Health Divisional Office. Please request from DEFRA a Specimen copy of the Health Certificate as the veterinary requirements become somewhat clearer than just referring to the notes.

Import Permit is no longer required for pets travelling from the UK to New Zealand. The following official New Zealand MAF website gives full current veterinary requirements New Zealand MAF Website