Pet Travel News: Updated Pet Import Health Standards for New Zealand
Pet travelers planning a move to New Zealand should be aware of a few changes to the Import Health Standard regarding the import of dogs and cats that went into effect Jan. 1, 2012.Essentially, the changes will affect pets coming from Malta, the UK, the Isle of Man, the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Norway and Sweden. These countries were formerly categorized as "rabies free" but are now known as "rabies absent or well-controlled." Cats and dogs coming from these countries must meet New Zealand's rabies import requirements prior to entry. The new document can be viewed here.
This re-classification was enacted to cut down on confusion that's been taking place at the border over the last few months, and this IHF replaces one previously dated May 2011.
Please contact PetRelocation with any questions about moving pets to New Zealand (or anywhere else!). Also, remember that import rules to the UK and Australia have also recently been updated. Happy traveling, everyone!