The NZ to Australia advantage
New Zealand is the only country in the world that has a direct, quarantine-free pathway for importing pets to Australia. Because both countries share a similar disease-free status, DAFF allows dogs and cats from New Zealand to enter Australia without serving the standard Mickleham quarantine stay.
No Mickleham quarantine: NZ is the only country where pets can enter Australia without quarantine — provided all documentation is correct.
Requirements — NZ to Australia
1
ISO microchip
Must be implanted and working. Australian vets will scan on arrival.
Before travel
2
Vaccinations
Up-to-date distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus for dogs. FVRCP for cats.
Current
3
Health certificate
Issued by an accredited NZ vet within 5 days of travel. In DAFF-approved format.
Within 5 days of travel
4
Internal and external parasite treatment
Flea, tick, and worm treatments documented by NZ vet within 14 days.
Within 14 days
5
Australian import permit
Applied for online via DAFF. Usually approved within a few weeks.
Apply 4+ weeks before travel
6
Arrival inspection
DAFF biosecurity inspection at Australian airport on arrival. With correct documents this is straightforward.
On arrival
Approved airlines and routes
Multiple airlines fly between New Zealand and Australia with live animal cargo:
- Air New Zealand — Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
- Qantas — Auckland to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
- Jetstar — Auckland to selected Australian cities (cargo varies — confirm with Rosardi)
Melbourne is often the most straightforward entry point for Rosardi clients — we coordinate the biosecurity inspection and can collect and deliver your pet directly from the airport on arrival day.