With over 25 years experience in pet relocation to New Zealand, we have an in-depth understanding of every step involved. You can trust us to make your pet’s journey as safe, comfortable and stress-free as possible.
We’ll guide you through every stage of the pet relocation process. From preparing documentation and co-ordinating blood tests, to securing import permits, booking quarantine space, and arranging the Export Health Certificate — our comprehensive services cover every aspect of your pet’s journey!
Begin your journey today and let us guide you through every stage of your pet’s relocation with confidence and peace of mind.
From the UK, we can transport pets to either Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC). There are no direct flights from the UK, which means a transit flight will be required via Dubai, Doha or Singapore. Your pet will rest en route at a dedicated pet reception centre before continuing their onward journey.
If your pet has a valid Rabies vaccination, you will need to wait a minimum of 3 months before travelling, as there is a mandatory 3-month wait following the Rabies Titre Test (RNATT)
If your pet has not received a Rabies vaccination, there is a minimum period of 6 months from the date of immunisation until they can travel. They will still require a Rabies Titre Test, more than 21 days after vaccination, to check that the vaccine is working.
If you are considering taking your pet to New Zealand at any point in the next year, then we recommend getting the Rabies vaccination early to minimise delays later on!
Flight costs are based on the size of your pet's travel crate, which is determined by their measurements. This ensures your pet travels comfortably, safely and in compliance with IATA and airline regulations.
There are additional costs to consider, such as import permits, blood tests, and quarantine fees upon arrival, all of which can be included as options in our quote.
For a full quote and price breakdown, please complete our quick and easy quote form. One of our team members will be in touch with you shortly with a breakdown of costs.
The export timeframe will be determined by your pets current vaccination status. For pets already vaccinated against Rabies, expect around 4 months preparation before travel, and for unvaccinated pets, the process will take around 7 months. This is due to mandatory wait periods after the initial Rabies vaccination (if already vaccinated) or the Rabies Titre Test (if already vaccinated).
All pets must have a valid Rabies vaccination before the Rabies Titre Blood test (RNATT) can be performed, which checks the vaccine is working.
Other vaccinations are required and must be valid at the point of departure and administered (or boosted) within the previous 12 months.
Extra vaccines may also be required depending on the quarantine facility that is booked, such as Kennel Cough (for Dogs).
Both cats and dogs will require a Rabies Titre Test (RNATT) to check the Rabies vaccine is working.
For Cats, this will be the only blood test required but for Dogs the process is slightly more complex.
Starting around 40 days before the flight, dogs will require several blood tests at very specific stages prior to export. These include testing for Leptospirosis, Heartworm, Brucella Canis, Brucella Gibsoni and Babesia Gibsoni.
Both Cats and Dogs will require two doses of Internal and External Parasite treatments within 30 days of the flight, more than 14 days between each dose, and the second dose within 5 days of export.
We provide a full schedule of what needs to be done and when - so you don't need to worry!
These are two questions that we are asked regularly when relocating pets to New Zealand. The RNATT is a Rabies Neutralising Tire Test, which is a blood test to check that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies, that the vaccine is working, and that antibodies have developed to protect your pet against Rabies. This is universally passed with a result of 0.5 FAVNN or more.
An OVD (Official Vet Declaration) is a form completed after blood results are returned, where an unconnected vet verifies the result. This is then used as an accompanying document when applying for the import permit.
To enter New Zealand, your pet will require a Rabies Blood Test Report, an Import Permit, and an Export Health Certificate.
The import permit will be applied for once the Rabies Blood Test (RNATT) result has passed. The permit application takes around 6-8 weeks. It is useful to note that the permit office is closed in November and December; therefore, any applications made after this time will not be processed until February.
The DEFRA Export Health Certificate can only be completed within 2 days of departing the UK, and must be completed by an Official Vet (OV) who ensures that your pet meets the entry requirements before the final sign-off, which can only be done at the airport, as this is when the travel crate is sealed for travel.
This original document accompanies your pet on their journey, which will ensure they are permitted to enter the country without any delays!
Pets will either arrive in Auckland or Christchurch, where they will be required to undertake the mandatory 10-day quarantine. There are several facilities to choose from, and we can advise on which might be most suitable depending on your location if you intend to collect yourself.
We can also arrange the onward transport of your pet to another destination, via another IPATA agent based locally, if you are unable to collect your pet yourself.
All pets (and human travellers alike!) travelling to New Zealand will need to stop en route at one of the dedicated pet reception centres.
We favour either Qatar Airways (via Doha) or Emirates (via Dubai), as both pet reception centres en route where we know your pet will be well-rested and cared for throughout their stay.
These carriers offer multiple daily departure locations from Edinburgh and Glasgow in the North to Gatwick and Heathrow in the South.
Each airline has different restrictions on the pets they carry; therefore, when provided with a quote, we will select the best option for you and your pet!
Find out more about this on our Airlines page.
Provided the correct measures are put in place, then yes, we can transport some snub-nosed pets to New Zealand, but this may only be at specific times of the year when temperatures are lower.
Only 5% of snub-nosed pets suffer from BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airways Syndrome); therefore, with the correct preparation, we can ship Bulldogs, Pugs and many more snub-nosed breeds safely to New Zealand.
Find out more on our BOAS (Snub Nosed) page.
New Zealand has banned certain dog breeds from import, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, and Perro de Presa Canario.
Additionally, hybrids (offspring of dogs or cats crossed with another species) are also restricted.
Mixed-breed dogs are generally allowed, but they may encounter issues with some airlines, particularly if they have a snub-nosed face.
I would recommend Pets by Plane to everyone, for every country of travel. The willingness of Freddie and his team to go above and beyond was key to my requirements and I had 100% faith and trust in them.From previous experience, it is always hard handing over your beloved animal to total strangers. You can be concerned that they won't know who these people are or what is going on. Freddie's team sent me regular pictures and updates, I also had the tracking information of the flight. This was all provided unasked for I might add - all part of their 5* service.To conclude, you'll be reading this to decide which company to choose when flying your animal overseas. I can wholeheartedly confirm, first-hand, that the best service will be with Pets by Plane. If you're not sure, call Freddie & his team yourself and I'm sure you will witness their professionalism, yet personalism regarding your animal.
