COVID-19 Updates


WE KNOW IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO FIND UP TO DATE, REPUTABLE INFORMATION ABOUT COMPANION ANIMAL CARE DURING THIS TIME. WE HAVE MADE THIS PAGE TO HELP.

The content on this page has been pulled from expert sources and we have linked to the original sources of information wherever possible.

If the answer to your query is not covered here, please contact animalwelfare@mpi.govt.nz

This document was last updated on 21 April 2022


We are at Traffic Light: Orange

  • ANIMAL SERVICES e.g. doggy daycare, dog walkers, farriers, groomers, kennels, catteries, pet retailers

Animal Services are open at Orange. Face masks must be worn when visiting the premises, and you will need to follow the My Vaccine Pass requirements for the premises. Be sure to sign into the premises using the COVID Tracer App.

  • CAN COMPANION ANIMALS GET COVID-19?

A small number of cats and dogs worldwide have tested positive for COVID-19. In all cases it is suspected transmission occurred from a human to the animal.

Occasionally companion animals infected with COVID-19 can develop symptoms, but these are generally mild and self-limited when they occur.

There is no evidence that companion animals can spread COVID-19 to humans.

Visit OIE for further information.

  • COVID-19 CASES AND CARING FOR YOUR COMPANION ANIMALS

If you are isolating at home you will need to treat your pets as part of your isolation bubble. You will not be able to leave your house to exercise your dog. If you are sick (and can’t look after your animals) or you are admitted to a hospital you will have to arrange for someone to look after your animals. Pick up of your pet will need to be contactless with appropriate physical distancing and hygiene measures. For more information please read the frequently asked questions about positive COVID-19 cases and caring for your companion animals.

  • COLONY CATS

There are no specific restrictions on care of colony cats at Orange. Wearing of a face mask is recommended. Always practice good personal hygiene before and after visiting the colony.

  • EXERCISING ANIMALS

It’s okay to exercise your animals as normal at Orange. It’s also okay to gather with friends and whanau to exercise animals together. Always practice good hygiene, and mask wearing is recommended out in public.

  • HORSE RIDING

Horse riding can go ahead as usual at Orange. It’s okay to gather with friends and whanau to ride together. Horse riding events may go ahead, but be mindful of the My Vaccine Pass requirements and gathering limits for the event.

  • SPCA SERVICES

The SPCA inspectorate is an essential service and operates at Orange. Information about reporting animal cruelty is available here.

For questions about animal adoptions and other SPCA services, please contact your local SPCA centre.

  • TRAVEL / TRANSPORT OF COMPANION ANIMALS

You may travel anywhere in New Zealand at all traffic light settings. This includes the transport of animals. For more information regarding travel, click here.

  • VETERINARY CARE

The following information has been provided by the NZ Vet Council.

Veterinary Care is an essential service and is available regardless of vaccine status. However, clinics may require the use of My Vaccine Pass for entry onto the premises. In this case, contactless services will be available for unvaccinated people. Face coverings will be required.

Clinics will be prioritising workload as best they can, so please be patient and kind. Be sure to sign into the premises using the COVID Tracer App.

At Traffic Light : Red

  • ANIMAL SERVICES e.g. doggy daycare, dog walkers, farriers, groomers, kennels, catteries, pet retailers

Animal Services are open at Red. Face masks must be worn when visiting the premises, and you will need to follow the My Vaccine Pass requirements for the premises. Be sure to sign into the premises using the COVID Tracer App.

  • CAN COMPANION ANIMALS GET COVID-19?

A small number of cats and dogs worldwide have tested positive for COVID-19. In all cases it is suspected transmission occurred from a human to the animal.

Occasionally companion animals infected with COVID-19 can develop symptoms, but these are generally mild and self-limited when they occur.

There is no evidence that companion animals can spread COVID-19 to humans.

Visit OIE for further information.

  • COVID-19 CASES AND CARING FOR YOUR COMPANION ANIMALS

If you are isolating at home you will need to treat your pets as part of your isolation bubble. You will not be able to leave your house to exercise your dog. If you are sick (and can’t look after your animals) or you are admitted to a hospital you will have to arrange for someone to look after your animals. Pick up of your pet will need to be contactless with appropriate physical distancing and hygiene measures. For more information please read the frequently asked questions about positive COVID-19 cases and caring for your companion animals.

  • COLONY CATS

There are no specific restrictions on care of colony cats at Red. Wearing of a face mask is recommended. Always practice good personal hygiene before and after visiting the colony.

  • EXERCISING ANIMALS

It’s okay to exercise your animals as normal at Red. It’s also okay to gather with friends and whanau to exercise animals together. You must wear a face mask when attending a gathering, which you can take off to eat and drink.

  • HORSE RIDING

Horse riding can go ahead as usual at Red. It’s okay to gather with friends and whanau to ride together. Horse riding events may go ahead, but be mindful of the My Vaccine Pass requirements, gathering limits for the event and mask rules.

  • SPCA SERVICES

The SPCA inspectorate is an essential service and operates at Red. Information about reporting animal cruelty is available here.

For questions about animal adoptions and other SPCA services, please contact your local SPCA centre.

  • TRAVEL / TRANSPORT OF COMPANION ANIMALS

You may travel anywhere in New Zealand at all traffic light settings. This includes the transport of animals. For more information regarding travel, click here.

  • VETERINARY CARE

The following information has been provided by the NZ Vet Council.

Veterinary Care is an essential service and is available regardless of vaccine status. However, clinics may require the use of My Vaccine Pass for entry onto the premises. In this case, contactless services will be available for unvaccinated people. Face coverings will be required.

Clinics will be prioritising workload as best they can, so please be patient and kind. Be sure to sign into the premises using the COVID Tracer App.

At Traffic Light : Green

  • ANIMAL SERVICES e.g. doggy daycare, dog walkers, farriers, groomers, kennels, catteries, pet retailers

Animal Services are open at Green. You will need to follow the My Vaccine Pass requirements for the premises. Be sure to sign into the premises using the COVID Tracer App.

  • CAN COMPANION ANIMALS GET COVID-19?

A small number of cats and dogs worldwide have tested positive for COVID-19. In all cases it is suspected transmission occurred from a human to the animal.

Occasionally companion animals infected with COVID-19 can develop symptoms, but these are generally mild and self-limited when they occur.

There is no evidence that companion animals can spread COVID-19 to humans.

Visit OIE for further information.

  • COVID-19 CASES AND CARING FOR YOUR COMPANION ANIMALS

If you are isolating at home you will need to treat your pets as part of your isolation bubble. You will not be able to leave your house to exercise your dog. If you are sick (and can’t look after your animals) or you are admitted to a hospital you will have to arrange for someone to look after your animals. Pick up of your pet will need to be contactless with appropriate physical distancing and hygiene measures. For more information please read the frequently asked questions about positive COVID-19 cases and caring for your companion animals.

  • COLONY CATS

There are no specific restrictions on care of colony cats at Green. Always practice good personal hygiene before and after visiting the colony.

  • EXERCISING ANIMALS

It’s okay to exercise your animals as normal at Green. It’s also okay to gather with friends and whanau to exercise animals together. Always practice good hygiene.

  • HORSE RIDING

Horse riding can go ahead as usual at Green. It’s okay to gather with friends and whanau to ride together. Horse riding events may go ahead, but be mindful of the My Vaccine Pass requirements and gathering limits for the event.

  • SPCA SERVICES

The SPCA inspectorate is an essential service and operates at Green. Information about reporting animal cruelty is available here.

For questions about animal adoptions and other SPCA services, please contact your local SPCA centre.

  • TRAVEL / TRANSPORT OF COMPANION ANIMALS

You may travel anywhere in New Zealand at all traffic light settings. This includes the transport of animals. For more information regarding travel, click here

  • VETERINARY CARE

The following information has been provided by the NZ Vet Council.

Veterinary Care is an essential service and is available regardless of vaccine status. However, clinics may require the use of My Vaccine Pass for entry onto the premises. In this case, contactless services will be available for unvaccinated people. Be sure to sign into the premises using the COVID Tracer App.