Bringing Pets from New Zealand to Australia: The Easier Path

Migratio Editorial · Last updated 24 July 2026

TL;DR: New Zealand is a Group 1 country, so your cat or dog doesn't need a rabies test (RNATT) or quarantine. You still need a microchip, health certificate, and import permit—but the timeline is much shorter than importing from most other countries.

Moving to Australia from New Zealand with a cat or dog is simpler than bringing a pet from almost anywhere else in the world. Because New Zealand is classified as Group 1 for biosecurity purposes—along with Norfolk Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands—your pet skips two major hurdles: the rabies neutralising antibody titre (RNATT) blood test and post-arrival quarantine. You'll still need a microchip, a health certificate from a New Zealand vet, and an import permit from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), but the whole process typically takes 4–6 weeks instead of the 7–9 months required from most other countries. This guide walks you through what you need and when.

Why New Zealand is Group 1

Australia is rabies-free and works hard to stay that way. New Zealand has the same rabies status as Australia—the virus is not present—so DAFF treats New Zealand pets as the lowest-risk import. The same applies to Norfolk Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. If your pet lives in any of these three territories, you bypass the lengthy waiting periods and quarantine that apply to Group 2 and Group 3 countries.

Get a microchip before you leave

The first step is a microchip. Your New Zealand vet will implant an ISO-standard microchip in your cat or dog (usually a quick, painless procedure). Write down the microchip number and keep the record—you'll need it for every step that follows. The microchip must be scannable at each checkpoint, so make sure it's properly implanted and the number is legible.

Gather your health and identity documents

Your New Zealand vet will give you a health certificate and a record of your pet's microchip. You'll also need proof of any vaccinations (including rabies, if your pet has had one, though it's not required for Group 1 imports). Take photos of these documents and keep digital copies. DAFF will ask for them when you apply for the import permit.

Apply for the import permit via BICON

Next, apply for an import permit through BICON (the Biosecurity Import Conditions system). Visit the DAFF website to start your application. You'll need:
- Your pet's microchip number
- A description of your pet (breed, colour, age)
- Your New Zealand vet's contact details and health certificate
- Your Australian address and contact details

The permit usually takes a few weeks to arrive. Apply as soon as you've arranged your move date—don't wait until the last minute.

Arrange your travel and post-entry requirements

Once you have the import permit, book your flight with your pet. Most airlines will transport cats and dogs to Australia, but check their specific rules about pet crates and booking. Your pet will need an IATA-compliant travel crate.

When you land in Australia (most pets arrive in Melbourne), your cat or dog does not need to go to the Mickleham quarantine facility—Group 1 animals are exempt. However, DAFF may conduct a brief health inspection at the airport. Have your import permit and health certificate ready.

Verify current requirements before you move

Biosecurity rules can change. Before you rely on any of this information, log on to the DAFF website and confirm the current requirements for bringing a cat or dog from New Zealand. The steps outlined here were correct as of June 2026, but rules are reviewed regularly.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need quarantine if my cat or dog comes from New Zealand?

No. Group 1 countries (New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands) are exempt from the 10-day post-entry quarantine that applies to most other countries.

How long does the whole process take?

From microchip to landing in Australia, typically 4–6 weeks. The bottleneck is usually the import permit application and getting a booking on an international flight with your pet.

What if my New Zealand vet won't implant a microchip?

Ask them directly. Microchip implantation is routine and widely available in New Zealand. If your current vet doesn't offer it, ask for a referral. The microchip is non-negotiable for DAFF's process.

Can I bring my pet as carry-on luggage?

No. Cats and dogs must travel in an IATA-compliant crate in the cargo hold or a designated pet cabin if your airline offers one. Check your airline's rules before booking.

What if I need to delay my move?

The import permit has an expiry date set by DAFF. If your plans change, contact DAFF through BICON to discuss your options. Permits can sometimes be extended or reissued.

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