Your Trusted Partner For
International Pet
Travel From New Zealand
​
Moving your pet overseas from New Zealand can feel overwhelming, with different rules and regulations for every country. As MPI-registered pet exporters, Hamilton Pet Transport handles the full international pet relocation process so your dog, cat, rabbit, or bird can travel safely and compliantly.
​
We work closely with MPI and major international airlines to manage airline‑approved crates, vet checks, export documentation, and airport transfers for your pet’s international flight. Whether you’re relocating to Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Chile, United Kingdom (UK), Europe, Asia, The Americas or South America we tailor a pet travel plan to your destination and timeline.
Australia Pet Export
Entry Requirements
Quarantine is not required for pets travelling from New Zealand. Blood sampling is only necessary if your pet has previously visited or lived in another country before coming from New Zealand.
​
Documentation needed
Typical paperwork includes export documents, blood test records, parasite treatment records, and an official veterinary health certificate. We coordinate closely with our export vets to ensure all forms meet Australia’s import standards and airline requirements.
​
Japan
Entry requirements overview
Japan has some of the strictest pet import conditions in the world, including microchipping, rabies controls, and carefully sequenced vet procedures that must be completed before departure. We work with you and your vet to align your pet’s preparation with current Japanese Animal Quarantine Service requirements.​
​
Timeline expectations
Because of Japan’s rabies controls and documentation checks, you often need to start planning months in advance, even when travelling from a rabies‑free country like New Zealand. Beginning early gives you the best chance of meeting all time‑sensitive steps without delay.
​
Documentation needed
Typical documentation can include microchip details, vaccination and health certificates, laboratory test reports where required, advance import notifications and official export certification. We coordinate the paperwork with your vet and the relevant authorities so it’s prepared correctly for travel.
​​
Hong Kong - AFCD
Entry requirements overview
Pets travelling to Hong Kong generally need to be microchipped, vaccinated (including for rabies where applicable), and meet the current Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) import conditions. We help you understand which rules apply to your pet and route.​
​
Timeline expectations
Most pets require an approved Special Permit from AFCD before travel, so it’s important to allow enough time for permit processing, veterinary appointments and flight booking. We can advise when to start based on your planned travel date.
​
Documentation needed
Depending on your situation, this may include an AFCD Special Permit, microchip and vaccination records, official health certificates and export documents from New Zealand. We help you assemble and check this documentation so it matches the latest entry requirements.​
​
Contact us for a detailed quote for Hong Kong pet relocation.
Chile
Entry requirements overview
Chile requires pets to meet defined health and export standards before travel, typically including rabies vaccination, parasite treatments and veterinary examination close to departure. We work to align your pet’s preparation with both New Zealand export rules and Chile’s import expectations.
​
Timeline expectations
Most of the Chile process happens in the weeks leading up to travel, but it’s still important to plan ahead so vet visits, treatments and documentation can be timed correctly. We’ll outline a clear timeline once we know your intended travel date.
​
Documentation needed
Common documents include vaccination and treatment records, a recent veterinary health certificate and the official export paperwork required by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries for pets travelling to Chile. We help manage these steps and liaise with your vet as needed.
​​
Other popular destinations
Other popular destinations
We also regularly arrange international pet transport from New Zealand to other popular destinations including the United Kingdom (UK), Europe, and the USA.​
​
The United Kingdom (UK) - DEFTA Rules
Pet travel from NZ to the UK is regulated by DEFRA, with pets required to meet strict requirements including ISO microchipping, rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment for dogs, and a DEFRA‑approved health certificate or import document to avoid quarantine.
Our team coordinates with MPI and UK authorities to ensure full compliance with DEFRA and airline requirements. Most relocations take 3–5 months to complete vaccinations, health checks, and paperwork, though complex routes may need more time.
​
Europe (EU) - Pet Passport & IATA
Pet travel from NZ to the EU must follow EU pet travel rules, including microchipping, rabies vaccination, and sometimes a rabies titre test. Pets require either an EU pet passport (for those already in the EU) or an official veterinary health certificate recognised by EU authorities.
We ensure your pet’s travel crate meets IATA requirements and assist with all documentation. Most relocations take 3–6 months to organise vaccinations, blood tests, and approved entry routing, so early planning is key, especially for multi‑country or peak‑season travel.
​
USA
The United States has evolving entry rules, particularly for dogs, which may include rabies vaccination proof, microchipping, and additional health checks depending on the state and airline. We stay up to date with CDC guidance and airline policies so your pet’s journey into the USA meets all current requirements.
​
"Hamilton Pet Transport supported my dog ​​Joy’s relocation from NZ to Japan.
I truly felt I was entrusting Joy to people who treated her as if she were their own.
Sarah guided me through each step of the paperwork and unfamiliar procedures. Her knowledge and experience was invaluable, and her communication was clear and reassuring. I felt at ease throughout the process.
Ihaia helped with the MPI visit and airport check-in. He was gentle with Joy—she even made him happy on pickup day. Knowing she cared so thoughtfully, she gave me peace of mind.
I can’t appreciate the amazing Hamilton Pet Transport team enough!"
Mahomi
Full‑Service International Pet Export
Our international pet relocation service from New Zealand includes airline‑approved travel crates, pre‑export veterinary guidance, export documentation, flight bookings, and airport transfers. From your first consultation to the moment your pet arrives at their new home, we manage the details so you can focus on your move.​
​
Contact us for a detailed quote on your pet’s international journey.
Ready to Plan Your Pet’s Journey?
If you’re organising international pet transport and want clear communication, experienced handling, and kind, caring treatment for your pet, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today for a personalised quote, and we’ll guide you through every step of the process.