Hong Kong is a New Zealand Category 3 place (rabies absent or well controlled). This record deliberately follows the 2026 IHS as one coherent pack: official identification timing, continuously valid rabies vaccination, RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml taken 3–12 months before shipment, permit, quarantine booking, species-specific tests/treatments and official certification. A 9-month transition allows either the complete 2021 or complete 2026 process until 1 April 2027, not a mixture.
HK → NZ · Dogs and cats
Hong Kong → New Zealand
Hong Kong is a New Zealand Category 3 place (rabies absent or well controlled). This record deliberately follows the 2026 IHS as one coherent pack: official identification timing, continuously valid rabies vaccination, RNATT ≥0.5 IU/ml taken 3–12 months before shipment, permit, quarantine booking, species-specific tests/treatments and official certification. A 9-month transition allows either the complete 2021 or complete 2026 process until 1 April 2027, not a mixture.
Source coverage incomplete; confirmation requiredLast checked: 18 Jul 2026Next source review: 1 Aug 2026
Cats and dogs arriving by air can enter only through Auckland or Christchurch. The quarantine facility normally coordinates arrival, but the operating airline, transit country, crate and BOAS rules remain separate acceptance conditions.
Relocation prepared against one named IHS version, with quarantine and import permit secured before flight booking
Route timeline
Plan by dependencies, not a flat checklist.
Relocation prepared against one named IHS version, with quarantine and import permit secured before flight booking
- 01Before the first veterinary action
Lock the 2026 IHS and Category 3 scope
The 2026 IHS took effect on 1 July 2026. The 2021 route remains accepted only during the transition ending 1 April 2027. Save the selected standard and certificate version on the plan; never combine dates or attestations across the two packs.
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries · New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries - 02Start at least 6 months before shipment
Official identity check, rabies vaccination and RNATT
Under the 2026 Category 3 path, the official microchip checks depend on whether RNATT is sampled 6–12 months or 3–under-6 months before shipment. A primary rabies vaccination must be at least 6 months before shipment, remain continuously valid, and the RNATT result must be ≥0.5 IU/ml. The competent authority must communicate the identity check to MPI.
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries - 03Permit application at least 30 working days before needed
Book approved quarantine, then apply online for the permit
The signed quarantine booking is part of the Category 3 permit application, together with rabies vaccination records, RNATT result and Rabies Certification Form. Submission is not approval; do not ticket against a pending application.
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries · New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries · New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries - 04Follow the species checklist; final inspection within 2 days
Complete exact tests, treatments and official certificate
Use the 2026 Category 3 dog or cat support document and current model certificate. Dog disease branches, parasite treatment, pregnancy, breed/type and recent travel can alter the path. The veterinarian must inspect the animal within 2 days before shipment and the official certification must match every chip and result.
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries · New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries - 05After permit and facility acceptance
Auckland or Christchurch arrival and quarantine handover
Match the operating flight, transit countries, approved crate and facility collection plan. Ordinary Category 3 pets transfer to the booked facility for at least 10 days and may stay longer if documents, health or parasite checks fail.
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries · New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries · International Air Transport Association
Source ledger
Official sources
Every conclusion must trace back to an official source. Government forms link directly to the original publisher, and superseded documents are not treated as current requirements.
New Zealand Ministry for Primary IndustriesCats and dogs import health standard transition (2021 to 2026)18 Jul 2026New Zealand Ministry for Primary IndustriesStep-by-step guide to bringing cats and dogs to New Zealand (2026 process)18 Jul 2026New Zealand Ministry for Primary IndustriesRequirement documents, certificates and permit instructions18 Jul 2026New Zealand Ministry for Primary IndustriesApproved quarantine facilities and minimum stay (2026 process)18 Jul 2026Hong Kong AFCDExport of pets from Hong Kong: official FAQ and certification process18 Jul 2026Hong Kong AFCDCurrent Group I import terms (June 2025 version)18 Jul 2026International Air Transport AssociationPublic pet container requirements: Container Requirement 118 Jul 2026
Official portalNew Zealand online cat and dog import permit and instructionsNew Zealand Ministry for Primary IndustriesOfficial certificateCategory 3 model veterinary certificate: 2026 IHSNew Zealand Ministry for Primary IndustriesOfficial formAF300-HCA: official animal health certificate applicationHong Kong AFCDOfficial formAF240: Hong Kong Special Permit applicationHong Kong AFCDOfficial certificateVC-DC1: Group I veterinary certificateHong Kong AFCDOfficial certificatePC101: airline/captain's affidavitHong Kong AFCD
HK → NZ · Data version 2026.07.18.2
Manage this journey in PeqabooManage the complete journey in Peqaboo.
Bring the route, dates and breed-risk choices into Peqaboo to manage records, documents, deadlines and re-checks.