Pet Relocation to New Zealand

Who can bring a pet?

The standard pet pathway covers eligible cats and dogs from MPI-approved countries. Indonesia is not listed as an approved source, so this page is an eligibility check rather than a bookable direct route. Do not arrange a transit or residency move through another country until MPI confirms in writing that the pet and proposed pathway qualify.

Microchip

For an eligible country pathway, the 2026 standard has specific identity and microchip timing requirements. The chip must be readable and linked to records in the MPI-prescribed format. Ask MPI which transition standard applies to your intended arrival date; the 2026 standard has a transition period alongside the 2021 version.

Rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination and other disease controls depend on the approved country category. Indonesia’s non-approved status means a vaccination record alone does not make the pet eligible for direct entry. Do not book a vaccine schedule around a generic checklist.

Rabies titre test

Some approved-country pathways require a rabies antibody titre test, while others use different evidence. MPI’s approved-country category and its current health standard decide the test, timing and laboratory. Get that decision before paying for a titre test.

Import permit

MPI requires an import permit for applicable cat and dog pathways. An import permit does not by itself make an unapproved source country eligible. Ask MPI whether a future intermediary-country residence could qualify and what country, stay period and certificate would be required.

Government documents

If MPI confirms an eligible pathway, expect the permit, the model veterinary certificate for the source-country category, microchip and vaccination records, test results where applicable, and official export endorsement. The exporting authority must certify the exact MPI clauses, not just general fitness to fly. Separately, when a pet actually leaves Indonesia, Barantin asks the sender to report the export through PTK Online and provide destination-required veterinary documents, vaccination records and, for dogs and cats, a protective rabies titre result. The pet is then presented at a designated exit point for quarantine inspection; an Animal Health Certificate is issued if requirements are met. If the final export is from a third country, use that country’s export certificate instead.

Quarantine and arrival inspection

Eligible cats and dogs generally need a booking at an MPI-approved quarantine facility; the 2026 route guides set the applicable period and entry airport. Do not assume the commonly cited 10-day stay applies to an Indonesia-origin pet that has not been approved for import.

Airline requirements

The pet cannot be ticketed to New Zealand until source-country eligibility, permit, quarantine space and an accepted route are confirmed. New Zealand arrival procedures are tied to approved entry airports and facility capacity. Check every transit country separately.

Travel crate

Use a carrier-approved live-animal crate that lets the pet stand, turn and lie in a natural position. Confirm ventilation, water access, fasteners and aircraft acceptance with each operating airline. Do not sedate for flight without a veterinary and carrier-approved plan.

Timeline

At present there is no valid direct timeline from Indonesia because the source country is not approved. If MPI confirms an alternative, allow for any required residence and health-preparation period, permit decisions, quarantine booking and flight availability. Do not treat a 10-day quarantine estimate as the whole preparation time.

Cost factors

A valid estimate depends first on MPI confirming eligibility. Potential cost items include relocation to an approved country, long-term boarding, veterinary tests and treatment, import permit, government export certification, air freight, crate, quarantine and transit. Paying for any of these before written eligibility confirmation may create avoidable expense.

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog or cat enter New Zealand directly from Indonesia?

Not under the current approved-country pathway. Indonesia does not appear on MPI’s approved cat and dog country lists. Ask MPI whether any alternative pathway is available before moving your pet.

Can we transit through another country instead?

A transit stop is not the same as meeting source-country eligibility. MPI must confirm the approved country, required residence period and export certification for your specific case.

Should I start rabies vaccination or titre testing now?

Keep your pet’s routine veterinary care current, but get the exact MPI pathway first. The required category determines which tests and timing will count.

Official sources

Checked against the linked official sources on 24 October 2026. Rules can change; verify again before preparing your pet.

Pet relocation from Indonesia to New Zealand