Transfur Animals - Moving your pet to New Zealand

Can I take my pet with me to New Zealand?

If you own a cat or dog the answer in principle is YES. However all other types of domestic including rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, snakes and mice are not permitted for import into New Zealand.

Special conditions

Pets have to meet specific conditions for entry into New Zealand. Eligibility guidelines vary from country and species but taking the UK as an example your pet will need to have:

1. Been resident in UK for a period of six months or since birth
2. Not been under quarantine restriction
3. To be at least 16 weeks old at the time of export
4.  to be not more than 42 days pregnant at the time of export

Certain breeds of dog are prohibited and therefore are not eligible for importation into New Zealand. These are:

1. Dogo Argentino
2. Filo Brazileiro
3. Japanese Toza
4. American Pit Bull Terrier

Also cross breeds involving any of the above types are not eligible for importation into New Zealand.

In addition to the above certain breeds of Brachycephalic Animals (snub nosed) are not accepted for travel by certain airlines. These include Bulldogs, Pugs and Pekinese. For more information on what breeds please check with Transfur.

Micro chipping

All pets must be micro chipped with an approved microchip. Currently there are no quarantine requirements for pets entering New Zealand from the UK. New Zealand's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries have advised that the current entry requirements for pets from the UK into New Zealand are likely to change, possibly as early as late spring 2011. Before leaving the UK your pet will be required to undertake a series of tests including blood tests. These should start approximately 28 days prior to departure from UK. A rabies vaccination is not required.

Pet Passport

A Pet Passport is not required for entry into New Zealand but if you feel your pet may return to the UK, then you may wish consider obtaining one to avoid the statutory six month quarantine period that applies to the UK.

Travelling

Your pet must travel in an airline-approved travel container which has to conform to IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. The travel container must be of a sufficient size so as to allow your pet to stand up, lie down, sit up and turn around inside it.

As a condition of importation into New Zealand pets must travel as manifested cargo. It is recommended where possible direct flights are utilised thus reducing the effects of any stresses and strains the journey may place upon your pet. It also minimises the risks of your pet missing connecting flights and remaining in en route airports for extended periods of time.

Sedation of pets is not recommended by most veterinarians as their effects at altitude can be unpredictable. It is highly recommended that you consult with your veterinarian before administering any type of sedative or tranquilliser.

Costs

The cost of transporting your pet very much depends upon it’s size and the size of travel container it will require. Almost certainly you will be paying for the amount of space your pet’s travel container occupies on the aircraft and not it’s weight.

About us

Transfur is one of the UK’s leading Pet Relocation companies and a member of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transport Association). Transfur is well-versed in organising pet relocation and by putting your pet’s transportation needs into their hands not only will you relieve yourself of the stress and strain of the exercise, but allow you to concentrate upon the other important aspects of your move to New Zealand.

For further information in transporting your pet to Australia please contact Andy Symons at www.transfuranimals.com or tel. 01403 212900

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