Don’t Get Caught Out! Important Dates for Moving Your Pets to New Zealand

Circle November 7 on your calendar for pet import to New Zealand
Don’t miss this year’s deadline


Kia ora koutou!

I recently received a very important email from the Animal Imports Team in New Zealand, and I wanted to share the key details with all of you. If you’re planning on moving your pet to Aotearoa (New Zealand), these dates are super important and you won’t want to miss them.

Mark Your Calendars!

The official cutoff date for submitting your pet’s import permit application is November 7, 2025.

Why is this date so crucial? Because if you get your application in on or before November 7, the team can ensure your approved permit is ready by December 20, 2025, which is just before the Christmas holidays.

The email also clearly states that any permit applications submitted after November 7 will not be processed until after the Christmas break in 2026. Can you imagine getting stuck waiting? Neither can I!

Remember, the team needs about 30 working days to process these applications, so planning ahead is key. Don’t leave it to the last minute! I n 2024 New Zealands Ministry of Primary Industries said that applications received after November 8 would not be processed before February the following year. That would be a long time to wait for a family member to join you.

Navigating the pet import process can be a bit overwhelming, especially with all the forms and requirements. I’ve been there myself, and I know how much of a difference it makes to have a bit of help.

I recently received a very important email from the Animal Imports Team in New Zealand, and I wanted to share the key details with all of you. If you’re planning on moving your pet to Aotearoa (New Zealand), these dates are super important and you won’t want to miss them.

 If you have questions or need a hand with your pet’s journey to New Zealand, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can reach out to me directly here. I’m here to help make this process as smooth as possible for you and your furry family member.

Let’s get this sorted together so you and your pet can have a happy and stress-free move!

dog walking in Wellington hills
Happy cat on owners lap