Cook Islands Pet Import Requirements

Pet must be vaccinated against rabies. Also, in the period of five years preceding export, rabies has not been diagnosed in the country of export. Must be imported from either Australia, Fiji, or New Zealand.

FAVN - The cat or dog has been subjected to a FAVN or RFFIT rabies neutralizing antibody titration test (as prescribed in the OIE Terrestrial Manual) on a sample collected not less than three months and not more than 24 months prior to the date of shipment, with a result of at least 0.5 IU
Conduct (ELISA) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. If six months or older when flying, your dog must have a heartworm test in the 30 days prior to the date of shipment. All dogs must be treated with a product registered for the prevention of heartworm four days prior to flying and be up-to-date with a sustained-release injection registered for heartworm prevention (ivermectin, milbemycin, selamectin or moxidect)
Leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola) Your dog must be treated with a therapeutic dose of doxycycline i.e. 5–10 mg/kg for at least 14 consecutive days OR have a (MAT) microscopic agglutination test with a negative result in the 30 days prior to travel.
Babesia canis and Babesia gibsoni -Conduct (IFAT) immunofluorescence antibody test or (ELISA) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. Your dog must have a negative result in the 16 days prior to travel. If using PCR test, your dog must have negative results on two samples collected 30–37 days apart, with the second sample collected in the 16 days prior to flying to travel. Babesia canis test is only required if your dog has ever travelled to or resided in South Africa. Dogs diagnosed with Babesia gibsoni are not eligible for entry.
Brucella canis -Conduct (RSAT) rapid slide agglutination test, (TAT) tube agglutination test or (CPAg-AGID) cytoplasmic agar gel immunodiffusion test. Your dog must have a negative test result in the 16 days prior to travel / arrival.

There is no quarantine facility but only a quarantine area of the port of entry until a Permit to Land has been issued.  The animal will be inspected and treated as necessary on arrival in the Cook Islands by a Senior Animal Quarantine Officer or Quarantine Officer and may not leave the Quarantine area of the port of entry until a Permit to Land has been issued.

The importation of the following breeds of dogs are prohibited: Doberman Pitt Bull Terrier Bull Dogs Rottweiler, or any other breed of dog that the Police may specify from time to time. In addition the following breeds are also prohibited below.
Dogs: Brazilian Fila, Dog Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Perro de Presa Canario, American Pit Bull Terrier (any type), hybrid species (any type)
Cats: Hybrid species, except for Bengal cats with documentation showing 5 generations of domestic ancestry.
Please note if you are looking to have your pet first transit through New Zealand for export. Your dog cannot come to New Zealand if it is a hybrid (i.e. offspring of dogs crossed with another species e.g. wolf) or more than 42 days pregnant on the date of travel to New Zealand..
The animal must be consigned to the Cook Islands only by air as manifested cargo.
Pet only Imported from Australia / New Zealand or Fiji. Declare that: (a) during the 30 days period immediately preceding the date export of the dog has been free from symptoms of disease and has not been in contact with any animal displaying symptoms of disease; (b) the dog has resided in the country of embarkment for at least six months prior to export, or since birth if less than six months of age.
A South Africa origin is more restrictive.

Politcaly Linked to New Zealand.

 Non-stop flights available via Auckland, Pape'ete, Honolulu and Sydney. All live animals to be imported will only be landed in Rarotonga. The animal must be consigned to the Cook Islands as manifested cargo.
For further information regarding Biosecurity formalities for private yacht contact the following:
Email: Director for Biosecurity Service; ngatoko@cookislands.gov.ck
Or Biosecurity Service: biosecurity@cookislands.gov.ck
Phone: (682) 28711/28710

Yacht arrival – If you have any animal such as a dog, cat or birds aboard you will not be able to land it ashore anywhere in the Cook Islands. All animal(s) are required to be kept secured aboard the yacht, ship, boat and may be required to be bonded for the duration of your stay in the Cook Islands. This is fully refundable provided the conditions of bond have not been breached.

Check the online website www.agriculture.gov.ck for information on importation of live animals.

The animal will be inspected and treated as necessary on arrival in the Cook Islands by a Senior Animal Quarantine Officer or Quarantine Officer and may not leave the Quarantine area of the port of entry until a Permit to Land has been issued.
In order to access your imported goods, it is a requirement of Cook Islands Customs to ensure all goods have been declared.
​If you have any animal such as a dog, cat or birds aboard you will not be able to land it ashore anywhere in the Cook Islands. All animal(s) are required to be kept secured aboard the yacht, ship, boat and may be required to be bonded for the duration of your stay in the Cook Islands. This is fully refundable provided the conditions of bond have not been breached. Check our online website www.agriculture.gov.ck for information on importation of live animals.

For customs assistance - https://www.kauvaicustomsagency.com