JCS LivestockFurther changes to New Zealand requirements for pets
As of 1st of January 2012 there will be changes to the requirements for shipping pets to New Zealand
In what seems to be a reaction to the proposed changes to the Pet Travel Scheme, New Zealand are increasing the requirements for pets to travel to New Zealand to the effect that they must now have a rabies vaccination and a blood test.
This will have a massive effect if you are planning to ship your pet to New Zealand. The new rabies are as follows:
1) Pets must be vaccinated against rabies-
In the case of a primary vaccination, this must be given not less than six months and not more than a year prior to the date of shipment. The pet must be at least three months old at the time of the primary vaccination.
In the case of a pet already vaccinated against rabies, the pet must have been vaccinated not more than one year prior to the date of shipment.
2) Pets must be tested for rabies antibodies not less than 3 months and not more than 24 months prior to export. Once tested the rabies vaccination must be kept up-to-date.
These requirements are additional to those found on our page for the requirements to ship pets to New Zealand on the Pet Travel Atlas. Not only does this mean that there are further costs but it also means that logistically you need to think 6 MONTHS ahead of your trip if your pet has never been vaccinated against rabies or 3 MONTHS ahead of your trip if your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.
If in doubt, give us a ring or drop us a line and we can chat about what's needed.
