Everything you need to know about moving to NZ

People often ask us about bringing their pets with them to New Zealand. You’ll be pleased to hear that the days of dogs and cats spending six months in quarantine are long gone – but there is quite a process to go through to ship your pet, and it is very expensive.

Regulations

Both dogs and cats will need a battery of tests, vaccinations, micochipping and worming before they can travel. The full list of regulations for dogs and cats coming into New Zealand from the UK and Ireland is available from Importing Pets section of the MAF website. They also have an excellent FAQ on importing dogs and cats into NZ. Dog and cats from the UK do not need to go into quarantine on arrival in New Zealand providing they have all their tests and meet all the health regulations.

Local Council Regulations 

Pretty much the same dog breeds are restricted in NZ as in the UK, but you will need to check local council regulations for dogs in the area you intend to live. Dogs need to be registered and wear a tag, and there are sometimes requirements such as fencing your property and for council inspections of properties with more than one dog. Some councils have special parks and areas set aside for dogs to run around off the leash.

Animal Shipping Companies

Most migrants from the UK entrust their pet to a specialist animal shipping company. Most sort out everything from veterinary checks and kennel stays to building the special shipping containers that animals travel in, but some companies may charge a little less if you do much of the running around. The company with the best reputation is undoubtedly Golden Arrow. They are based in Shropshire, and do not have a website, but you can contact them on 01588 680 240.

Both cats and dogs generally cope very well with their 36 hour journey – but get advice from your vet if you have any doubts about your pet’s age or health. Most of the people we have talked to reported that their pets, particularly dogs, arrived tired, smelly and in need of a wee – so really no different to a person undertaking the long flight from the UK!

When should your pet arrive?

Most pets stay in kennels or with friends in the UK while their owners get settled in New Zealand. It does seem prudent to spare your pet those first few unsettled weeks of temporary accommodation while you look for a place to live and wait for your furniture to arrive. It is not impossible to find pet-friendly furnished holiday accommodation in New Zealand though, for example through the AA website (do an advanced search for “pets by arrangement” under amenities), or the Jasons website (check the “pets allowed” box under requirements) but this will restrict your options somewhat.

Another option is to lodge your pet in a local kennel or cattery, and then you could at least visit them. You could contact a vet in the area you are planning to settle in for a recommendation.

Renting in NZ with a Pet

As in the UK, having a pet may cause you some difficulties if you rent a house in New Zealand. You may need to look at older houses, or even houses out of the city if you have several dogs. Even if a property is advertised as “no pets”, it does pay to ask – some landlords are willing to accommodate pets though they may impose special conditions, such as cleaning up, extra rent, and/or a larger bond. Putting together a strong application, with references and photos of both your family and pet, may also help.

Costs

Current costs (including most vet fees) for shipping a cat from the UK are around £900, and dogs are upwards of £2000 – even over £4000 for larger breeds. Costs will vary depending on how long your pet is in kennels, and for example on whether they need microchipping. Dog owners in particular report that it cost much more to fly their pet to New Zealand than their entire family, but it must be said that very few people seem to regret bringing their pets with them.