Exporting Non-Commercial Dogs and Cats to the United States of America (excluding Hawaii)

1. Statutory Authority

Pursuant to section 60 of the Animal Products Act 1999, I notify the following overseas market access requirements, entitled Dogs and cats to the USA.

This notice takes effect from date of signing.

Dated at Wellington this 20th day of April 2005.

Debbie Pearson
Director Preclearance
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
(pursuant to delegated authority)

2. USA (Excluding Hawaii) Requirements

New Zealand is classed as a "rabies free" country by the United States Department of Agriculture and there are no restrictions on the importation of dogs and cats from this country.

Notwithstanding the fact that no veterinary certificates are required for dogs and cats being exported to the United States*, most airlines will not accept animals for shipment to this country unless they are accompanied by a veterinary certificate of health stating that the animal is fit to travel. Such certificates must be written on headed veterinary practice note paper.

Veterinary surgeons signing any certificate must ensure that their name and qualifications are typed or printed beneath their signatures.

3. Revocations

OMAR B DOMANIEC.USA 17.11.04 – dogs and cats to the United States of America is revoked and replaced by this OMAR notification.

4. Definitions

For the purposes of this document:

Any term or expression that is defined in the Animal Products Act 1999 and used, but not defined in this document, has the same meaning as in this Act.

Additional Information on OMAR Notification: DOMANIEC.USA 19.04.05

*Please note: an animal welfare certificate (AWEC) is required for all animals exported from New Zealand. Please see the MAF website for details: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/exports/animals/awecs.htm

For Hawaii’s import requirements please see the OMAR for cats and dogs to Hawaii.