If you have a family member with four hairy legs, there are some special considerations to make sure they get to New Zealand safely.
A big decision
Before you make plans to take your pet with you, consider whether it is in the best interest of the pet. If they are elderly or have a chronic medical condition, re-housing them may be a safer option. While the process for pet transportation is relatively straightforward, your pet does need to be of good health.
If you decide to leave your pet behind, make sure you leave plenty of time to find a new home for your best friend. If you have a pedigree, breeders will often help to re-house your pet. Otherwise, try advertising in your local paper or at the veterinary clinic. Take time to find the best home for your pet.
Of course, for most pet owners, the first choice is to take their pet with them. They are, after all, one of the family.
Will they be allowed to move with me?
If you have a pet dog or cat, as long as you follow the process, there should be no problem in bringing them along. Exotic animals will in all likelihood be banned from admission.
New Zealand is careful to maintain stringent standards in border control and does not allow a range of more unusual pets into the country.
What costs are involved?
Your pet will need a veterinary check including micro-chipping for identification purposes. There are several tests your animal will need to take including blood tests. Expect to pay around £100.
Using a pet relocation service can cut the hassle of dealing with numerous procedures and chasing paperwork. You need to have an import certificate which costs £130. Pets from the UK do not need to go into quarantine on arrival, but need to stay home-based for the first 30 days.
It is advisable to find a cattery or kennel to house them while your own accommodation is sorted out. Booking pets in for the first month will provide them with stability and make sure they stay safe.
It costs around £1000 to fly a small pet such as a cat or terrier to New Zealand. If you have a large dog, the cost will increase as the costs relate to the size of the crate required for transporting.
It is a good idea to take several quotes from pet relocation agencies as the cost can vary. Ask the agency to specify how much help they can give you with making sure all the compliance paperwork is completed. The less follow-up you have to do, the easier the transporting will be.
What will life be like for them?
Once in New Zealand, dogs need to be registered annually. There are rules about dog control, and some places do not permit dog, or even cat ownership to protect the natural environment. However, many beaches allow dogs at certain times of the day and season, and your dog would surely enjoy the wide open space.
Veterinary services are generally less costly than in the UK, and there are pet shops to cater to any of your pet’s needs.