Navigating New Zealand's Pet Landscape
Table of Contents
Navigating New Zealand's Pet Landscape
Legal Pets: Domesticated Delights
Domestic dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses flourish as beloved companions in New Zealand. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) shows New Zealand’s commitment to biodiversity. Exotic pets, absent before 1997, face stringent regulations, ensuring the safety of both the animals and the environment.
Approved Pet List
Feathered and Furry Companions
Officially permitted pets in New Zealand encompass a diverse range:
- Domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, horses
- Gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and other small animals
- Parakeets, parrots, pigeons, canaries, hens, and other birds
- Non-snapping turtles larger than 4 inches
- Certain reptiles
- Honeybees
Exploring Exotics
Beyond the basics, New Zealand opens its arms to more exotic pets, including:
- Eels
- Axolotls/salamanders
- Freshwater crayfish
- Giant prawns
- Freshwater jellyfish
Pet Facts: From Chinchillas to Guinea Pigs
Chinchillas are legal and rare in New Zealand, whereas Guinea pigs are more affordable and popular, but they come with a twist – only those from Australia can call New Zealand home.
Banned Breeds
A Canine Conundrum
Dog enthusiasts beware – some breeds face import restrictions under the Dog Control Act. Special conditions only allow registered, guided, hearing, or companion dogs to break breed barriers.
The following dog breeds are deemed dangerous and, therefore, banned:
- Brazilian Fila
- Dogo Argentino
- Japanese Tosa
- Perro de Presa Canario
- American Pit Bull Terrier
Hybrids and Bengals
While hybrids are generally prohibited, Bengal cats make an exception. To bring one in, prove five generations of domestic ancestry, navigating New Zealand’s feline regulations.
The Exotic Spectrum: Legal and Noteworthy
- Llamas and alpacas originating from South America are pretty popular in New Zealand farms. Llamas, a rare breed with 1,500 individuals, captivate with their unique charm, while alpacas, numbering 30,000, provide fluffy joy.
- Axolotls known as Mexican salamanders or Mexican walking fish, find a home in New Zealand. They can’t be taken from the wild as they belong to endangered species. However, they breed well in captivity, ensuring their survival.
- From turtles to tortoises, New Zealand accommodates these ancient reptiles, emphasizing the commitment required for their care and longevity.
Forbidden Pets
New Zealand’s strict regulations prohibit a menagerie of creatures, including lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and venomous spiders. The list goes on to safeguard the unique ecosystem. Also, many of these animals do not exist in New Zealand and are prohibited to import.
A Challenge of Pet Relocation to New Zealand
Moving to New Zealand with your pets involves navigating stringent regulations to protect local flora and fauna. Rabies-free countries cut, with specific breeds and small animals meeting approval.
Bringing your furry friend requires meticulous documentation, including proof of ownership, import permits, veterinary certificates, and more. Understanding the process ensures a smooth transition. We have already talked about pet relocation to New Zealand on our blog: PET RELOCATION TO NEW ZEALAND.
Contact Relopet International
Explore the diverse world of New Zealand’s pets with Relopet International.
Relopet International simplifies the process of shipping pets worldwide, aligning with Air Canada’s regulations for a secure and comfortable journey. We understand the importance of your pet’s safety and comfort, and our expertise ensures a smooth travel experience for both you and your furry companion. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Why aren’t hamsters allowed i nz?
because other rodents like rats and mice went crazy destroying the ecosystem already, so they arent allowing any new species of any sort into the country without contained research first, particularly not a new species of rodent.
If you are a millionaire who can fund a multiyear offshore island study on how hampsters could be used as a cheap kebab meat, the government would consider your proposal. And then probably say no regardless. We have plenty of chicken and beef kebabs already.
Hi! Great question.
New Zealand has a no-rodent policy and aims to completely eradicate rats and other nuisance animals by 2050. It is a cornerstone of its biosecurity approach. A single escaped pair of hamsters could multiply rapidly and spread into native habitats, much like the established feral mouse and rat populations that have had dramatic environmental impacts.
what about fish?
Good news! Many ornamental fish are permitted in New Zealand without special licensing, as long as they are not invasive or “noxious” species.
– Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and similar common aquarium species are allowed to be kept freely.
– Koi carp, rudd, catfish, and gambusia require formal approval from agencies like DOC, MPI, or Fish & Game; and stricter rules apply depending on your region.
So yes, fishkeeping is widely permitted, with regulations tailored to ecological risk.
Hi, is there any unlisted pets here that are allowed to be owned with a particular license?
Absolutely! Several species aren’t broadly advertised but can be legally owned under strict permit systems:
– Native reptiles like Naultinus geckos can be kept under DOC-issued permits – typically an “A permit” for newcomers or a “B permit” for more advanced keepers.
– Freshwater species such as koi carp, rudd, gambusia, and catfish may require approval from MPI, DOC, or Fish & Game depending on the species and region.
– Some exotic amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates are permitted under MPI/DOC exemptions, provided they were established in NZ before 1997 and aren’t endangered.
It’s a bit of a niche area, but for the dedicated hobbyist, there are legal pathways for less-common pets – always through appropriate permits and in full compliance with conservation and biosecurity laws.
are fisher cats legal in new zealand?
Short answer: No, they are not legal.
Fisher cats (more accurately, fishers – Pekania pennanti) are North American mustelids, not feline at all. NZ’s biosecurity rules categorically ban the import and ownership of non-native mustelids except domestic ferrets, and even ferrets are tightly controlled.
Since fishers are not ferrets and are not listed among those allowed under special licensing, they fall under the blanket prohibition on “other restricted pets” – illegal to import, own, or breed in New Zealand.
Where do I go to find out wha species of bird are options as pets in NZ a lot of lists just say what is common :3
Hi there! Great question 😊
You’re right, most lists focus on what’s common, not what’s possible. For a more complete and official source, we recommend checking with:
MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) – for guidelines on what bird species are allowed and how to import them.
DOC (Department of Conservation) – for native species and any special permits you might need.
Avian clubs and bird breeders in NZ – they often have hands-on knowledge of rarer but still legal pet birds.
how do people even get the exotic pets?
Great question, and a complicated one! In most cases, exotic pets in New Zealand are only legally kept if they were brought into the country before stricter laws came into effect (especially before 1997) or if they’re part of an approved breeding program with government oversight.
New Zealand takes biosecurity very seriously, so unauthorized possession of an exotic pet can result in confiscation, heavy fines, or even prison time. It’s simply not worth the risk.
Most legal exotic pets in NZ were here before the rules tightened or are owned under strict licensing. If you’re dreaming of a unique companion, we recommend exploring legal exotics like permitted fish, birds, or reptiles.
why not seals
Great question! Seals, New Zealand fur seals (kekeno), and sea lions (pakake) are strictly protected wildlife, not pets. Under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, it’s illegal to harass, feed, touch, or keep them as pets.
So while they’re amazing to watch from a safe distance on NZ shores, seals are off-limits as pets – both ethically and legally.
what if they are not those kind of seals
That’s a creative question, Liam! 😄 If you’re referring to a different kind of “seal” (and not the flippered, fish-loving marine mammals), we may need a bit more context before we can give you a proper answer – but we’re all ears! 🦭💬