The complete guide on pet transport to New Zealand

Moving pets to New Zealand involves a set of steps to ensure your pet complies with the country’s biosecurity regulations. Here’s a general overview:

1. Microchipping and Identification: Ensure your pet is microchipped and properly identified.
2. Vaccinations and Health Checks: Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and undergoes a thorough health examination. Rabies vaccinations are not required in New Zealand.
3. Pet Import Permit: Apply for an import permit from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
4. Quarantine: Pets may need to undergo a quarantine period upon arrival in New Zealand, depending on their origin and health status.
5. Travel Crate: Obtain an approved travel crate that meets New Zealand’s standards for transporting pets.
6. Travel Booking: Book your pet’s flight with an airline that transports pets to New Zealand.
7. Customs Clearance: Prepare all necessary documentation, including your pet’s import permit, health certificates, and quarantine arrangements, for customs clearance upon arrival.
8. Arrival in New Zealand: Your pet will be inspected upon arrival to ensure compliance with biosecurity regulations.
9. Quarantine Release: If required, your pet will be released from quarantine after successfully meeting the necessary criteria.

The specific requirements can vary depending on your pet’s species and where you are moving from, so it’s essential to start planning well in advance and consult with relevant authorities for accurate guidance.

The cost of moving pets to New Zealand can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of pet, your location, and specific requirements. Here are potential expenses to consider:

1. Veterinary Costs: This includes vaccinations, health checks, and any required treatments or tests.
2. Travel Crate: The cost of purchasing an airline-approved travel crate.
3. Import Permit Fees: Fees associated with obtaining an import permit from the MPI.
4. Quarantine Costs: The cost of quarantine facilities and services, if required.
5. Transportation: Airline fees for pet transport can vary depending on the airline and route.
6. Document Preparation: Costs associated with obtaining health certificates and other required documentation.
7. Additional Expenses: These may include professional pet relocation services, document translations, and any unforeseen costs.

The total cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It’s crucial to budget carefully and obtain accurate quotes from service providers to plan effectively.

To transport a pet overseas to New Zealand, follow these general steps:

1. Research Requirements: Familiarize yourself with New Zealand’s pet import requirements, including vaccinations, microchipping, and quarantine rules.
2. Select a Pet Relocation Service: Consider hiring a professional pet relocation service to assist with the process.
3. Obtain an Import Permit: Apply for an import permit from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
4. Health Certificates: Ensure your pet is healthy and meets all health certificate requirements.
5. Book a Flight: Choose an airline that transports pets to New Zealand and book a flight that adheres to the regulations.
6. Prepare a Travel Crate: Purchase an approved travel crate that meets New Zealand’s pet transport standards.
7. Arrange Quarantine: If required, pre-book a quarantine facility for your pet’s stay upon arrival in New Zealand.
8. Document Preparation: Organize all necessary documentation, including the import permit, health certificates, and quarantine arrangements.
9. Transportation: Transport your pet to the departure location, following the airline’s guidelines for check-in and travel.
10. Arrival in New Zealand: Your pet will be inspected upon arrival to ensure compliance with biosecurity regulations.
11. Quarantine Release: If applicable, your pet will be released from quarantine after meeting the necessary criteria.

The process may vary based on your pet’s species and origin, so it’s essential to begin planning well in advance and seek guidance from relevant authorities or pet relocation professionals.

Several airlines transport pets to New Zealand. However, it’s important to verify their specific pet transport policies and requirements, which may vary. Some airlines that often provide pet transportation services to New Zealand include Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.

When selecting an airline, consider factors such as the route, the type of aircraft used, your pet’s size, and the airline’s experience in handling pet transportation. Ensure that you adhere to the airline’s guidelines regarding pet crates, documentation, and booking procedures.

Always contact the airline directly or refer to their official website for the most up-to-date information on their pet transport services.

Bringing a pet into New Zealand involves following specific requirements to meet the country’s biosecurity regulations. Key steps and requirements include:

1. Microchipping: Ensure your pet is microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit pet microchip.
2. Vaccinations: Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations, excluding rabies vaccinations (not required in New Zealand).
3. Import Permit: Apply for an import permit from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
4. Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within a specified timeframe before travel.
5. Quarantine Arrangements: Pre-arrange quarantine accommodations for your pet if required.
6. Travel Crate: Purchase an airline-approved travel crate that meets New Zealand’s standards for pet transport.
7. Documentation: Prepare all necessary documentation, including the import permit, health certificates, and quarantine reservations.
8. Quarantine Fees: Be prepared to cover the cost of quarantine services if required.
9. Customs Clearance: Your pet will undergo customs clearance upon arrival to ensure compliance with biosecurity regulations.

Ensure you start the process well in advance, as the timeline can vary depending on your pet’s species and country of origin. Consult with relevant authorities or professional pet relocation services for guidance and to ensure you meet all requirements

Lifestyle

The quality of life in New Zealand really is excellent compared to many other countries. New Zealanders have a strong work ethic, but we also believe in having a good work-life balance. Even in our biggest cities, you are never too far from a beach, bike trail, or national park. We love the outdoors and like to make time for rest and relaxation with our friends and families.

Weather

New Zealand has a temperate climate which means we have relatively warm, dry summers (December to February) and mild, wet winters (June to August). We do not get the extreme weather that some parts of the UK do. We have 4 seasons that each last 3 months. Depending on where you live in New Zealand, the weather is different. For example, Queenstown will get more snow than a place like Wellington. Our temperate climate means weather is consistent, so year-round, you will find it easier to enjoy a healthy, outdoors lifestyle.

Culture

Although British traditions still remain strong, New Zealand has a unique culture with strong Māori and Polynesian influences. This distinctive and dynamic ‘Pasifika’ feel to life here is like nowhere else. In everyday life there is a spirit of welcome that Māori call Manaakitanga, which means looking after guests. As a multicultural nation, we welcome everyone.

Healthcare

Public healthcare in New Zealand is free or low cost — if you are a citizen, resident or hold a work visa valid for 2 years or more. The New Zealand Government pays for some of our healthcare fees, which means you only have to pay a part of the fee when you see your local doctor — also known here as general practitioner or GP. Accident and emergency treatment at hospitals is free, but you may need private healthcare for elective procedures.

Education

New Zealand ranked third out of 50 leading countries — just behind Finland and Sweden — in The Economist’s 2019 Worldwide Educating for the Future Index (WEFFI). The Legatum Institute’s 2019 Prosperity Index ranked New Zealand 10th out of 167 countries for our education system.

Early childhood education: Early childhood education (ECE) is considered a priority by our government, which fully funds the first 20 hours of ECE for 3- and 4-year-olds. This means parents can continue to work without spending all their income on childcare.

Higher learning: New Zealand is also known for the quality of our higher learning. We have 8 universities and 16 institutes of technology that provide domestic and international students with internationally recognised qualifications. All 8 universities are in the top 500 of the 2019 QS World University Rankings — 5 are in the top 300.

Cost of living

The cost of living in New Zealand is similar to other western OECD countries. Depending on where in the UK you come from, the cost of living in New Zealand may be either cheaper, similar or more expensive than you are used to. For example, London was rated the world’s 23rd most expensive city in Mercer’s 2019 Cost of Living Survey, Glasgow was 145th and Belfast 158th. By comparison, New Zealand’s biggest and most expensive city Auckland was much further down the rankings at 89th, and Wellington — the capital — even less expensive at 114th. However, costs in other UK cities are about the same or less expensive. Living in smaller towns will cost you less.

Working in New Zealand

New Zealand needs migrant workers to fill some highly skilled occupations, for example:

• business services
• construction and utilities
• health care and social assistance

If your skills are on any of the skill shortage lists, you will find it easier to find a job and get a visa. If your job or profession is not on a skill shortage list, don’t worry. There are other opportunities in New Zealand for people with the right skills.