MPI Cats and Dogs Import and Export Rule Changes Effective July 2026

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced significant updates to the regulations governing both the import and export of companion animals. Effective 1 July 2026, a brand-new Import Health Standard (IHS) for cats and dogs will officially come into force, alongside a welcome reduction in export fees for pet owners sending their animals overseas. These regulatory shifts are designed to streamline biosecurity processes while ensuring New Zealand's unique ecosystem remains protected from foreign diseases.

New Import Health Standard for Cats and Dogs

The new Import Health Standard (referred to as the "Cats and Dogs 2026" standard) introduces key veterinary requirements for bringing pets into the country. Designed to address emerging biosecurity risks, the 2026 standard replaces the previous 2021 IHS. However, to help pet owners and importers adapt to these changes, MPI has established a nine-month transition period running from 1 July 2026 to 1 April 2027.

During this transition phase, arriving pets can comply with either the old 2021 standard or the newly introduced 2026 standard. From 1 April 2027, compliance with the 2026 Import Health Standard will become mandatory for all cats and dogs entering New Zealand.

One of the most notable changes under the new standard is the requirement for an official identity (ID) check. This check, which includes a microchip scan, must be performed by an official veterinarian in the exporting country at least six months prior to the date of export. Because of this six-month lead time, pet owners planning to import animals after the transition period ends on 1 April 2027 must initiate these official identity checks starting from 1 October 2026.

Other updates in the new IHS include:

• Transit Restrictions: The option to transit pets through non-categorised countries has been removed. Stopovers during transit are now restricted to approved locations to prevent exposure to diseases.
• Disease Testing Protocols: The testing and treatment requirements for specific diseases, such as *Brucella canis* and *Babesia gibsoni*, have been updated to reflect the latest veterinary science.
• Rabies Verification: New protocols have been introduced requiring official veterinary examinations prior to administering rabies blood tests.

Reduction in Export Fees

In addition to the import changes, MPI has announced a substantial reduction in the export fees for cats and dogs under its 2026 Annual Cost Recovery Package. The unit charge for exporting a live cat or dog (which also covers the export of semen) will drop from $114.44 to $66.52 per animal, starting 1 July 2026.

MPI operates its biosecurity services on a cost-recovery basis. The fee reduction was implemented because the previous charge was over-recovering costs due to higher-than-expected pet export volumes. Since the costs associated with negotiating market access and maintaining systems are relatively fixed, the surplus accumulated in the sub-memorandum account allowed MPI to lower the unit fee to align with actual expenditures.

It is important for pet owners to note that this fee reduction specifically applies to the MPI unit charge. It does not cover other costs associated with exporting a pet, such as veterinary fees for health checks, vaccinations, treatments, or private pet transport coordinator services.

Guidance for Pet Owners and Importers

Importing or exporting a companion animal requires careful planning and strict adherence to timelines. Given the complexity of veterinary requirements, pet owners are urged to review the official guides early.

For those looking to bring a new pet into the country, it is critical to understand the responsibilities of ownership. A good starting point is our New Puppy Checklist NZ, which covers local preparations. Additionally, you should review our guide on Dog Registration to understand municipal requirements once your pet arrives. For a broader view of the import process, consult our detailed guide on Pet Import, which breaks down biosecurity steps.

Importers must consult the official MPI step-by-step instructions and the full Import Health Standard document before booking any travel.

Sources

• https://www.mpi.govt.nz/bring-send-to-nz/pets-travelling-to-nz/bringing-cats-and-dogs-to-nz/
• https://www.mpi.govt.nz/export/live-animals/fees-and-charges-for-exporting-live-animals/