Pet Transport to and from New Caledonia

Moving to New Caledonia with your dog or cat requires compliance with specific health and import regulations established by the SIVAP (Veterinary, Food and Phytosanitary Inspection Service).

For more than 20 years, Air Transport Animal has been assisting both private individuals and businesses with the complete organisation of pet transport to and from New Caledonia. From preparing your SIVAP application, monitoring the vaccination and testing protocol, booking your pet’s quarantine in Païta, selecting the most suitable transport solution, assisting with airport check-in, and arranging home pick-up, we manage every stage of the process to ensure your companion enjoys a smooth journey and settles safely into their new home.

Travelling with a rabbit, guinea pig, chinchilla or ferret? Contact us. Import requirements vary depending on the species, and our specialists will be happy to provide advice tailored to your situation.

By choosing our PREMIUM Package, we can manage all or part of these formalities on your behalf. One essential point to remember is to start preparing your pet’s journey at least 6 months before the date of departure, as certain procedures, such as the rabies antibody titre test and mandatory health screenings, are subject to fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.

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Pets Eligible for Transport to or from New Caledonia

Air Transport Animal organises the transport of dogs and cats to and from New Caledonia. We also arrange air travel for exotic pets, including rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, birds and reptiles. As import regulations differ for each species, please contact us so we can confirm the requirements applicable to your pet.

For dogs and cats, one major restriction must be taken into consideration: New Caledonia only authorises imports from a limited list of countries recognised for their favourable animal health status, including mainland France and the French overseas departments (with the exception of French Guiana). If your pet originates from a non-approved country, it must first transit through France, Australia or New Zealand before it can be imported into New Caledonia.

In addition, brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog and cat breeds may experience breathing difficulties during air travel due to their anatomy. For these pets, we generally recommend that they travel in freight, which provides a safer and more comfortable travel solution. To ensure the highest standards of safety and the best available flight connections, we work closely with the major airlines serving New Caledonia, including Air France and Aircalin, to coordinate every aspect of your pet’s journey.

Import Requirements for Bringing Pets to New Caledonia

Below are the current regulations for importing a dog, cat or other animal to or from New Caledonia and France.

Please note that pet import requirements vary depending on the species concerned. Feel free to contact our team for personalised guidance.

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Required Documents

To bring your pet to New Caledonia, you will need to prepare the following documents:

●       Import Permit: issued by the SIVAP, this document is mandatory and allows you to book your pet’s quarantine space at the same time.

●       Veterinary Certificate for Importation: completed by your veterinarian within 7 days before departure.

●       Rabies Antibody Titre Test Result: dated more than 3 months and less than one year before departure.

●       Vaccination Record Booklet or European Pet Passport: showing your pet’s identification (microchip or tattoo) together with up-to-date vaccination records.

●       Mandatory Health Screening Results for Dogs: carried out within 30 days prior to departure (see details below).

For pets returning to France or the European Union, New Caledonia is recognised by the EU as a territory exempt from rabies antibody titre testing. Consequently, only a non-commercial health certificate, issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days before entering the European Union, is required.

Veterinary Protocol

Dogs and cats must be identified with a microchip or a tattoo (provided the tattoo was applied before July 3rd, 2011 and remains clearly legible) and must be up to date with all vaccinations required for their species. In addition, dogs must undergo a series of mandatory blood tests within the month preceding departure.

Vaccination Protocol

Vaccination Protocol for Dogs

• Rabies
• Canine Distemper
• Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Rubarth’s Disease)
• Canine Parvovirus
• Canine Parainfluenza
• Bordetella bronchiseptica

Vaccination Protocol for Cats

• Rabies
• Feline Upper Respiratory Disease Complex (Calicivirus and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis)
• Feline Panleukopenia
• Chlamydiosis

Treatments and Testings

Within the 30 days preceding your pet’s flight to Nouméa, the following procedures must be carried out:

• Administration of both internal and external parasite treatments.

For dogs:

• The following screening tests are also mandatory:
  • Canine Brucellosis
  • Canine Ehrlichiosis
  • Leptospirosis (if the dog has not been vaccinated against Leptospirosis)
  • Leishmaniasis
  • Canine Babesiosis
  • Babesia gibsoni

A Few Days Before Departure

Within the 4 days prior to transporting your dog or cat to Nouméa, remember to:

• Administer the required internal and external parasite treatments.
• Have your veterinarian complete the International Pet Health Certificate.
• Have all your documents endorsed by the D.P.P. (Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations) in your region before departure (remember to contact them in advance to schedule an appointment).

Quarantine Conditions and Duration in New Caledonia

Quarantine is mandatory for every dog and cat imported into New Caledonia, regardless of the country of origin, even when all veterinary and import requirements have been fully met.

How to Book It and When?

Quarantine must be booked directly with the SIVAP at the same time as you submit your import permit application. As the number of available places is limited, we strongly recommend making your reservation several months before departure, alongside the other veterinary formalities.

How Long Does It Last?

The quarantine period is fixed at 10 days and cannot be shortened, even if your pet’s health records are fully compliant upon arrival.

What Are the Quarantine Conditions?

Your pet will stay at the Jean Vergès Animal Quarantine Facility, located in Païta, where it will remain under the supervision of official veterinary authorities until its release. Following the journey (which generally takes a total of 25 hours) and after completing the mandatory observation period, your companion will finally be able to join its new home in New Caledonia.

Useful Contacts

The DAVAR website provides all the contact details and information required to complete the online import procedures.

If you prefer, Air Transport Animal can manage all or part of these administrative formalities on your behalf.

• DAVAR: Directorate for Veterinary, Food and Rural Affairs
• SIVAP: Veterinary, Food and Phytosanitary Inspection Service 2 Rue Russeil – Port Autonome – BP 256 – 98845 Nouméa Cedex – New Caledonia | Tel.: +687 24 37 45 | Email: davar.sivap@gouv.nc
• Jean Vergès Animal Quarantine Facility: Lot No. 37, KSI Ziza Estate – Païta | Tel.: +687 41 25 36 | Fax: +687 41 65 82

If your final destination is located far from Païta, Air Transport Animal can plan the secure transfer of your pet from the quarantine facility to your new home (available with our EASY+ and PREMIUM packages).

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