When you think about moving to New Zealand, you may wonder about how you’ll relocate your favourite pet. It’s often possible to bring your cat or dog with you, but you should know that the process is involved. Further, the difficulty and expense have recently increased due to the very limited number of flights currently operating.
Check regulations.
The first step is to make sure that your beloved animal is going to be allowed to join you.
New Zealand prohibits some breeds of dogs and cats, and it only allows a few other pets under strict controls. Further, there are regulations on the countries from which cats and dogs may be imported and on other factors like the animal’s age. There are provisions to allow most dogs and cats to move to New Zealand, but it’s best to be certain.
Check with the Ministry of Primary Industries and your preferred airline to get the most up to date information on their importing and travel policies.
You’ll also want to check on the regulations where you’re planning to live in New Zealand to make sure you acquire any necessary permits in time for your pet’s arrival.
Allow plenty of lead time.
Prepare for relocating your dog or cat to New Zealand as soon as possible.
The process of getting a cat or dog through veterinarian checks, vaccinations, and permitting is specific to the day, and they have to start months before your pet is due to travel. If a deadline is missed, you risk having to start all over again. You also need time to have your cat or dog fitted with a microchip if they aren’t already.
Even with the best planning, it’s a good idea to identify a back-up person who you trust to care for your cat or dog if there is a delay in their travel.
Prepare to travel separately.
Prepare yourself from some time apart from the furry member of your family.
Because airline regulations and vaccination timelines dictate your pet’s travel itinerary, you’re unlikely to be on the same flight as your pet. Additionally, be aware that not all airlines transport pets internationally, particularly during COVID, so you want to plan for this.
Moreover, once your dog or cat arrives from any country other than Australia, they will spend a minimum of 10 days in an approved quarantine facility that you choose before being released to you. When bringing a dog or cat from Australia, you have to pre-arrange government inspection at the border so that they can be released to you without quarantining.
Consider outsourcing.
Just like we specialise in getting you settled in New Zealand, there are professional pet export companies that specialise solely in handling international pet relocations. The best providers can walk you through this stressful process with care, send regular updates about your pet’s location and wellbeing, and give you sound guidance for decisions you need to make along the way.
We’re happy to introduce you to these services that bring huge peace of mind.
Even if you choose not to outsource your pet’s whole relocation, you may be required to hire a service for some parts of the journey. For example, Air New Zealand will only accept pets from approved pet transporters and not directly from members of the public.
Bringing a cat or dog into New Zealand is quite a task, but you’ll surely be pleased when you’re reunited in your new home.
Wondering what you need to consider beyond your pets when moving to New Zealand? Our free Move to NZ checklist can help you think about the various pieces of relocating internationally.
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Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand. Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
Bridget is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent. bridget@mobile-relocation.com
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